Your Options After a Car Accident in New Orleans

The period immediately after a car crash in Louisiana can be a hectic and confusing time. It’s common for accident victims to forget that they are still in control of what happens next–not the insurance companies or the other drivers involved. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may want to seek compensation for the injuries sustained to yourself or your property.

The car accident attorneys at Cueria Law Firm in Louisiana are here to help you get through the accident and back to your life. Contact our office today for a consultation with our experienced and compassionate attorneys who can help you better understand your options after a car accident.

What are the general steps after a car accident?

Immediately following a collision, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure your safety and bolster your car accident claim. If you were injured, you should seek immediate medical attention and obtain several copies of the medical report. It is not uncommon for accident victims to delay medical care or to not seek any medical help at all because they don’t believe they were injured in their accident. It is better to err on the side of safety and get checked out soon after your accident. Doing so can also provide clarity and help your case if and when the insurance company offers you a settlement.

The general rule of thumb after a car accident is simple: if you are not in need of immediate medical attention, remain calm and collect evidence. Collect as much information from the scene of the accident as possible to help support your case.

Some of the information you should collect after an accident includes: 

• Names and contact information for the other drivers involved, witnesses, and police officers on the scene;
• Insurance information for the other drivers involved;
• Statements from witnesses;
• Photos of the accident scene, including the locations of the cars involved, damage to the vehicles, injuries, and license plates;
• Your own personal written or recorded account of the events; and
• Police slips/reports

Best options after a car accident: Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

There are many reasons hiring an attorney is one of your best options after a car accident. When you are injured in a car accident, there are numerous medical bills that arise for appointments and treatment. It is important that you are adequately compensated for your injuries. An attorney can provide you will a plan and work your case in order to provide you with full compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurers covering your medical expenses, any lost time and wages from work, and the full extent of your pain and suffering.

Additionally, if there was substantial property damage or injury involved in your accident, you will likely be dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies are in the business of making money. This means they will often offer low settlements to car accident victims.

In these situations, it is always better to be over-prepared when dealing with insurance companies. The more documentation you can provide to the insurance companies, the better the chances that you will get a reasonable and fair financial settlement. The experienced attorneys at Cueria Law will work to attain the highest recovery amount in your case.

When should I hire an attorney?

A practiced car accident attorney can help you deal with insurance companies and recover the fair compensation that is warranted in your case. It is important that you do not talk to the insurance company without first consulting with an attorney like those at Cueria Law Firm. Anything that you disclose to an insurance adjuster can be used against you in your case, impacting your ability to get the settlement you deserve.

Additionally, a skilled car accident attorney can assess your personal injury claim and may be able to help you collect damages for more than just the damage to your vehicle. In Louisiana, if you were injured in an accident, there are two types of damages that will be available to you: general and special damages.

Your options after a car accident: Seeking recovery for your damages

General Damages in Louisiana

General damages will cover the compensation for which the parties and court are unable to calculate an exact dollar amount. General damages typically include: 

• Disability;
• Loss of enjoyment of life;
• Loss of consortium (loss of service and support to spousal/familial relationships);
• Mental anguish; and
• Past and future pain and suffering

Special Damages in Louisiana

On the other hand, special damages will compensate the injured parties for out-of-pocket expenses and other specific monetary losses.

Special damages typically include: 

• Medical expenses;
• Rehabilitation;
• Loss of wages;
• Loss of earning capacity (if you are unable to return to prior work);
• Funeral and burial expenses; and
• Vehicle and property damage.

Some of the other damages you might be able to collect with the help of a Louisiana car accident attorney include: 

• Property repair or replacement for items inside the vehicle;
• Car rental reimbursement while your vehicle is being repaired; and
• Other incidental expenses such as cab fare after the accident.

Hurt in a New Orleans car accident? Contact a Louisiana personal injury attorney today

An attorney is not required in an auto accident, but it would be unwise to try to go through this process on your own. Car crashes are unexpected events that can have lasting repercussions for all involved, so it’s best to explore your options after a car accident. Protect yourself and your loved ones by seeking the help of an attorney who knows how to fight for the rights of accident victims in Louisiana. Call the office of Cueria Law Firm today, and our team of professionals will review your case to determine your legal options for recovering the financial compensation you need.