Do Not Deal With the Insurance Company Alone
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is simple: pay as little as possible while making you feel fairly compensated.
For this reason, you should never discuss your injuries with an insurance adjuster without legal representation. If you have hired a personal injury attorney, direct all communication to your lawyer.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, we handle the insurance process for you. We gather medical records, collect evidence, and negotiate aggressively for full compensation.
Do not speak to any insurance company about your injuries without an attorney protecting your rights.
Do You Need an Attorney for an Insurance Claim?
Technically, no. You can file an insurance claim on your own.
However, doing so means giving up the experience and negotiation skills of an experience personal injury attorney.
Insurance policies are complex. Settlement values are often unclear. Without legal guidance, you may accept far less than your claim is worth.
Our attorneys:
- Review your policy
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Handle negotiations
- Keep your claim moving efficiently
In short, we level the playing field.
Insurance Companies Try to Pay Less
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Most people do not recognize a low offer when they see one.
Without experience dealing with insurers, you may accepts a settlement that does not cover:
- Lost wages
- Future earnings
- Medical treatment
- Long-term care
With an attorney on your side, you understand the true value of your case. we negotiate on your behalf so the insurance company does not hold the advantage.
What Happens If Your Claim Is Denied?
Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons. Some denials are valid. Others are not.
Under Louisiana law, insurers must act in good faith. They must:
- Acknowledge your claim
- Begin an investigation within 15 days
- Provide written notice of acceptance or denial
If your claim is denied, the insurer must explain why.
If you believe your claim was unfairly rejected, we can review the decision and help you file an appeal.
Common Reasons Claims Are Denied
1. Late Filing
Each type of claim has a deadline. If you miss it, your claim may be rejected.
2. Invalid Claim
The insurer may argue that your injury is unrelated to the accident.
3. Unpaid Premiums
If your policy payments are not current, the insurer may deny coverage.
If you are unsure why your claim was denied, speak with an attorney immediately.
What Is Bad Faith Insurance?
Bad faith occurs when an insurance company refuses, delays, underpays, or denies a valid claim without a legitimate reason.
Examples include:
- Misrepresenting policy language
- Ignoring evidence that supports your claim
- Delaying investigations
- Refusing to negotiate fairly
- Failing to conduct a proper investigation
Louisiana law protects policyholders from bad faith practices. If an insurer acts improperly, you may have the right to file a complaint and pursue legal action.
Should You Accept a Settlement Offer?
After a car accident in New Orleans, you may receive a quick settlement offer. These offers are often low.
Insurance companies know that victims want to move on quickly. They also know that many injuries take days or weeks to fully appear.
Before accepting any offer involving bodily injury, consult a Louisiana personal injury attorney.
Property Damage vs. Bodily Injury
- Property damage refers to vehicle repairs or total loss. These claims are often easier to settle.
- Bodily injury involves physical harm such as broken bones, pain, or long-term medical care. These claims require careful evaluation.
You may handle property damage alone. However, bodily injury claims deserve legal guidance.
How Do You Prove Fault?
To win your case, you must prove the other driver was negligent.
Helpful evidence includes:
- Police reports
- Photos of the crash scene
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Cell phone records
In complex cases, accident reconstruction experts may be needed.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, we investigate thoroughly and use subpoenas when necessary to build strong claims
Should You Sign a Medical Release Form?
Be cautious.
Insurance companies often require medical release forms. A blanket release gives them access to your entire medical history.
This can allow the insurer to argue that your injuries were pre-existing.
Never sign a blanket medical release without speaking to an attorney. Your lawyer can limit what information is shared and protect your privacy.
What Does the Car Accident Claims Process Look Like?
Although every case is different, most claims follow these steps:
- Determine fault
- File a claim with the appropriate insurer
- Gather supporting evidence
- Send a demand letter
- Negotiate a settlement
- Accept a fair offer or file a lawsuit
If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, your attorney can file a civil lawsuit on your behalf.
Contact a New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney Today
Insurance companies protect their profits. You deserve someone protecting you.
If you were injured in an accident in New Orleans or anywhere in Louisiana, contact Cueria Law Injury Lawyers today. We will review your claim, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
