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 us today at (504) 525-5211 to schedule a consultation with our experienced and compassionate New Orleans car accident 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. However, 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 why hiring an attorney is one of your best options after a car accident. When you are injured in a car accident, numerous medical bills arise for appointments and treatment. It is important that you are adequately compensated for your injuries. An attorney can provide you with a strategy and work your case to provide you with fair 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 recommended to consult a skilled Louisiana attorney from Cueria Law Firm before you start any negotiations with insurance companies. Anything that you disclose to an insurance adjuster can be used against you in your case, potentially impacting your ability to get the settlement you deserve.
Additionally, a skilled car accident attorney can assess your car accident claim and may be able to help you collect damages for more than just the damage to your vehicle.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Louisiana?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Louisiana, you might be wondering how long it will take to settle your insurance claim. The timeline for settling a car accident claim can vary widely, but understanding the factors that affect the duration can help you get a clearer picture.
In the simplest cases, where the damages are minor and liability is clear, the settlement process can be relatively quick. Typically, you can expect a straightforward claim to be settled within one to two months after filing it with your insurance provider. This allows time for the insurance company to review the claim, assess the damage, and process the payment.
However, more complex cases can take significantly longer to resolve. If your accident resulted in serious injuries, or if there’s a dispute over who’s at fault, the settlement process can extend to several months or even years. Factors such as the extent of your injuries, the need for ongoing medical treatment, the collection of detailed evidence, negotiations between insurance companies, and if necessary, litigation, can all contribute to the length of the settlement process.
In Louisiana, as in many states, the complexity of your case is the primary determinant of the time it takes to reach a settlement. It’s essential to work with a knowledgeable attorney who can navigate the legal and insurance landscapes to process your claim efficiently while ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Your Options After a Car Accident: Seeking Recovery for Your Damages
After being involved in a car accident in Louisiana, understanding the types of damages you may be entitled to claim can significantly affect the outcome of your insurance claim or lawsuit.
General Damages
General damages are subjective and not easily quantified. These damages are meant to compensate for the non-economic impact of the accident on your life and well-being:
- Physical Disability: Compensation for any lasting physical impairments that affect your ability to perform daily tasks or enjoy life as before.
- Diminished Quality of Life: If the accident impacts your ability to engage in leisure activities, hobbies, or other life pleasures, you may seek damages for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium: This pertains to the negative effects on a marital relationship, including loss of companionship, affection, and support. It can also extend to the impact on relationships with other close family members.
- Emotional Suffering: Trauma from the accident can lead to conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, which are compensable.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes both the pain endured since the accident and any ongoing or future pain that is likely to persist as a result of the injuries.
Special Damages
Special damages are economic damages that have a specific monetary value and are directly related to the expenses incurred as a result of the accident:
- Healthcare Costs: All medical expenses, from emergency care to ongoing treatments, surgeries, medications, and any other healthcare-related costs.
- Rehabilitation: Costs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or any other form of rehabilitation necessary to recover from injuries.
- Lost Wages: Earnings lost due to time taken off work for recovery. This includes salaries, wages, bonuses, and other benefits.
- Funeral and Interment Costs: In the tragic event of a death, the family can claim the expenses associated with funeral arrangements and burial.
- Property Damage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Additional Recoverable Damages
With the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer, you might also be able to claim:
- Repair or Replacement of Personal Items: This includes compensation for any belongings inside the vehicle that were damaged or lost in the accident.
- Car Rental Reimbursement: While your vehicle is being repaired, you can claim the cost of renting a vehicle.
- Incidental Outlays: Any additional expenses incurred as a direct result of the accident, such as taxi fares or transportation costs while your vehicle is unavailable, can also be claimed.
The aftermath of a car accident involves a careful assessment of both the tangible and intangible losses. By recognizing the full spectrum of damages you’ve incurred, you can seek appropriate compensation to aid in your recovery and help mitigate the financial and emotional impact of the accident.
| Type of Damages | Description |
|---|---|
| General Damages | These are subjective and non-economic damages meant to compensate for the impact of the accident on life and well-being, including physical disability and emotional suffering. |
| Special Damages | These are economic damages with a specific monetary value, covering healthcare costs, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses directly related to the accident. |
| Additional Damages | These include compensation for repair or replacement of personal items, car rental reimbursement, and incidental outlays resulting from the accident. |
Involved in a New Orleans Car Accident? Contact a Louisiana Car Accident 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. Contact Cueria Law Firm today at (504) 525-5211, and our team of professionals will review your case to determine your legal options for recovering the financial compensation you need.
