Car accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. If you were hurt in a crash in Metairie, Louisiana, you might have questions about your legal rights and options. Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help guide you through the process.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions people have after a car accident. If you need help, contact our Metairie car accident lawyers at (504) 323-6000 today for a free consultation.
How Can Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers Help You After a Car Accident in Metairie, LA?
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, hiring one after an accident can make a big difference. Insurance companies are focused on paying as little as possible. Without help, you could settle for far less than your case is truly worth.
At Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers, we can assist you by:
- Investigating the crash and determining who’s liable
- Collecting key documents like police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Consulting with experts when needed to strengthen your case
- Handling all communications and negotiations with the insurance company
- Fighting for a full and fair settlement on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if a fair settlement is not offered
With 26 years of combined experience and millions recovered for accident victims, our Metairie personal injury lawyers know how to stand up to insurance companies and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact our Metairie car accident attorneys today for a free case review.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Metairie?
The steps you take right after a car crash can impact your health, your financial recovery, and even your legal case.
Here’s what you should do if you are involved in an accident:
- Call 911 so the police and medical professionals can come to the scene
- Get medical attention, even if you think you are not seriously injured
- Exchange contact and insurance information with all other drivers involved
- Take pictures of the scene, the vehicles, and any visible injuries
- Get the names and contact details of any witnesses
- Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, even if you feel sorry
- Report the accident to your insurance company, but be careful about any further correspondence without getting legal advice first
Finally, contact an experienced Metairie personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help protect your rights and build a strong case for compensation.
How Much Is My Metairie Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of any personal injury claim, including those based on car accidents, depends on many factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of your medical care
- Whether you missed time from work
- How your injuries impact your daily life
- Any permanent disabilities or scarring
- The emotional trauma you have suffered
You can seek compensation for both economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover things like medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages are for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other intangible losses.
Every case is different. During your free consultation, our lawyers will assess your situation and provide a better idea of your case’s potential value.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
Louisiana limits the time you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident through its statute of limitations for personal injury cases. By default, you typically have two years from the date of your collision to file a lawsuit in court.
Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek any compensation at all. There may be exceptions to this time limit, but only for rare cases. Contacting a lawyer quickly after your accident helps ensure that your case is filed on time.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault?
Yes. Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault law. This means that even if you share some responsibility for the crash, you can still recover damages. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you would still recover $80,000.
Insurance companies often try to assign more blame than necessary, so having an attorney defend your rights is important.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Metairie?
At Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and no fees unless we recover money for you.
If we successfully settle your case or win a jury verdict, we take a percentage of the recovery as our fee. If we do not win, you owe us nothing. This allows you to get skilled legal representation without any added financial stress.
Contact Our Experienced Metairie Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
After a car accident, you do not have to go through the legal process alone. Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to help you pursue the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
With over 26 years of combined experience and millions recovered for injury victims, we are committed to fighting for our clients. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation with a Metairie car accident lawyer. We are ready to listen to your story and help you take the next steps toward justice.