If you were injured in a car accident in Louisiana, you might wonder whether you need legal help. To make that decision, you must understand what a car accident lawyer does and the unique value they can bring to car accident claims.
A Louisiana car accident lawyer handles all aspects of your claim. They represent your interests and fight for your rights throughout the legal process. But what exactly does a car accident lawyer do to help you navigate a personal injury claim? Read on to learn more.
Investigate the Crash
Car accident lawyers have extensive experience investigating liability, establishing it properly, and protecting your claim from fault allegations.
A Louisiana personal injury lawyer’s process can include:
- Gathering evidence: Such as police reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, photographs, and traffic camera footage
- Interviewing witnesses: Including anyone who saw the accident.
- Consulting experts: They may hire accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, or financial experts.
Building a strong foundation early on ensures your claim is taken seriously from day one.
Handle Communications With Insurance Companies
An insurer’s questions might sound friendly, but make no mistake—they’re protecting their bottom line, not your recovery. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may try to pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
Accident attorneys take over all dealings with insurers, including:
- Handle all communications: Your accident attorney will speak to the insurance companies for you, preventing you from saying anything that could harm your claim.
- Negotiate a fair settlement: They will use their knowledge to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Protect you from bad faith tactics: Your lawyer will recognize and counter any bad faith tactics used by the insurance company, such as delaying the claim or denying it without a valid reason.
An experienced attorney understands the games insurance companies play and won’t allow you to be shortchanged, ensuring you have the resources needed to rebuild your life.
Calculate What Your Case Is Really Worth
The true cost of an accident often goes far beyond the emergency room bill. Many accident victims in Louisiana don’t realize how much they’ve lost until they sit down and map it out with an attorney.
Most accident victims are entitled to economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Missed paychecks and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional toll and quality of life changes
A car accident lawyer will consider both your current and future losses when valuing your claim. In Louisiana, compensation can also be affected by the state’s pure comparative fault rules, meaning your recovery may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can work to limit these arguments and protect your recovery. This way, you’re not pressured into accepting a settlement that only covers part of your losses.
Represents You in Negotiation and Litigation
Most car accident cases settle out of court, but not all negotiations end fairly. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your car accident attorney will be ready to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
This usually involves:
- Drafting and filing legal documents: Your lawyer will prepare and file all necessary documents with the appropriate court.
- Conducting discovery: This is where both sides exchange information and evidence. Your lawyer will ensure all relevant information is obtained.
- Representing you in court: If the case goes to trial, your lawyer will present your case, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf.
This ability to litigate often pressures insurers into making more reasonable settlement offers.
Provide Legal Guidance and Support
Beyond the legal procedures, a car accident lawyer provides invaluable guidance and support throughout the process.
A personal injury attorney can:
- Explain your legal rights: They will ensure you understand your rights and the legal options available to you.
- Answer your questions: You’ll likely have many questions about the process, and your lawyer will be there to provide clear and concise answers.
- Offer peace of mind: Knowing you have an experienced legal professional on your side can significantly reduce stress and anxiety during a challenging time.
Louisiana’s car accident laws are complex. In most cases, the statute of limitations gives you only two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline means you could lose the right to sue for damages, regardless of the severity of your injuries or the clear fault of the other party.
Having a skilled Louisiana personal injury attorney ensures deadlines are met, evidence is preserved, and your case is positioned for success from the start.
Contact the Louisiana Car Accident Attorneys at Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle accident in Louisiana, a lawyer is crucial in protecting your rights and maximizing your chances of receiving fair compensation.
At Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers, we help crash victims throughout Louisiana fight for the compensation they deserve. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Louisiana car accident lawyers.
For more information, please contact the experienced Louisiana car accident lawyers at Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers today. We offer an initial free consultation.
We proudly serve Louisiana and it’s surrounding areas, including Metairie, Gretna and Kenner.
Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers
3500 N Hullen St Suite 17K
Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 323-6000
Our law firm is located near you. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 30.01245719602678, -90.15811234232851