If you were involved in a car crash in Forked Island, you may be worrying about what to do. It is common to be in shock at the time of the accident, but once the impact fades, you may be more concerned about how you will manage the financial and legal effects of the event.
While every accident is different, there are certain common factors you can address to protect your best interests. Some cases are more complicated than others, depending on the types of injuries sustained and the circumstances of the crash. This can impact how you go about seeking compensation. It also affects what kind of help you may need to secure a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your physical and financial losses. We will look at some examples of when it may be necessary to consult a Forked Island car accident lawyer below.
If you have any questions or concerns about whether you have a car accident claim, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for practical advice about how to put your best legal foot forward at (337) 777-7777.
Getting a Fair Settlement After Your Car Crash Is Not Always Easy
The aftermath of a serious car accident can leave you with grave injuries. It may be that you are too injured or shocked to be able to think clearly at the time. Some advice about what to do immediately after a car accident usually includes:
- Staying at the scene, so you do not break the law
- Seek medical attention for yourself or any other injured parties
- Call the police and make a report
- Accurately record what happened to the best of your ability
- Take pictures of your injuries and any damage to the vehicles
- Exchange information with the other driver, such as contact and insurance card details along with their vehicle registration
- Gather witness contact details if possible
- Notify your insurance company
While this is sound advice, it may not always be possible to follow all of the steps above, which leads us to the final and perhaps most important point: Always protect your rights.
An example could be when reporting the accident to your insurance company. It is vital to avoid common mistakes that can harm your claim. A lawyer can help you do so right off the bat. You do need to inform your insurance company of the accident, but use caution. What you say can affect your case, so seeking advice from your Forked Island car accident lawyer beforehand can help you protect your rights.
A lawyer will also be able to help you gather evidence to support your case if you were unable to do so yourself. This is especially important if you sustained severe injuries, and you need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident.
Seek Justice for Car Accidents That Impact Your Life and Finances
Every year, there is an average of six million auto accidents in the United States. Louisiana alone counted for over 160,000 auto accidents in 2019, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD).
Being involved in a car accident can change your life in a matter of seconds and have severe effects on your family life and ability to work in the future. When another motorist drives recklessly and involves you in a collision, you will need to protect your financial security after paying medical bills and claim back lost wages. Examples of reckless or negligent driving include:
- Distracted driving from in-car technology or passengers
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Texting or talking on the phone while driving
- Failing to stop at stop signs or red lights
- Not signaling when turning or changing lanes
There are many other ways an accident can leave its mark, which can open other avenues to seek compensation. Having support from a Forked Island car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and steer your case to a fair outcome.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another motorist, contact the team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for practical advice you can trust today.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientInsurers Will Try to Get You to Settle Quickly for the Smallest Amount Possible
To add further challenges, you will need to contend with insurance companies, which will employ various tactics to deny, delay, or underpay your claim. Knowing how to negotiate effectively with insurance representatives to serve your best interests rather than their profit margins is vital in securing a fair settlement that reflects the true extent of your injuries. It is another key area in which your lawyer can help out.
Louisiana is a fault state, which means you will need to prove the other driver caused your injuries and other related losses before any medical coverage is paid out, up to policy limits. If your damages exceed this limit, you will likely need to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for:
- Current ongoing medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Your lawyer can help you build a detailed and robust case by providing a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Your lawyer can gather and present the evidence needed to prove negligence, evaluate the financial impact of the accident, and ultimately negotiate for a fair settlement for your needs both now and in the future.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientWe Fight to Protect Car Accident Victims
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has recovered over $200 million in settlements or verdicts for their clients. Let us put our dedication and knowledge to work for you and make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
There is a liberative prescription of two years in which you can take action under Louisiana state law. Contact us and find out if you can claim by calling (337) 777-7777 for a free case evaluation.
