While driving independently can be an exciting experience, teenagers must practice reasonable caution to avoid causing collisions. They must follow the rules of the road and employ safe driving practices to promote the safety of themselves and others.
If you were injured or lost a loved one due to the negligence of a teen driver, consider how a lawyer may be able to help you. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we can review the details of your case and help you get the compensation you need to recoup your losses. We encourage you to act quickly because, under Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492, you usually have a year to file a lawsuit for damages.
To learn more about how an Andrew teen driving accident lawyer may be able to assist you, call (337) 777-7777.
Possible Reasons for Your Accident
Accidents can happen for a number of different reasons. To recover damages, your lawyer will need to show how a teen driver’s negligence resulted in your losses. From there, they can estimate the cost of your expenses and enter into negotiations with the insurance company.
Some elements that may have caused or contributed to the collision include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or fatigue
- Distracted driving, such as texting
- Racing on public roads
- Engaging in road rage
- Improper lane changes
- Failure to adhere to posted traffic signals and guidelines
- Tailgating
- Braking suddenly
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that rear-end collisions happen more often than any other type of accident. Yet, regardless of how the collision occurred, an Andrew driving accident lawyer can assess your options for financial recovery.
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Steps to Take Following a Collision with a Teen Driver
Your lawyer can take on many of the legal responsibilities that go along with protecting your legal interests. However, there are also some measures you can employ on your own behalf to support your case.
After you have sought medical attention for your injuries, you should consider:
Compiling Accident-Related Evidence
While your lawyer can request a copy of the police report and other documents on your behalf, you should keep a record of all paperwork as it relates to the crash. For example, if you have to go to physical therapy to treat your injuries, you should keep all invoices and billing statements. If you were prescribed medications, you should keep a record of what those medications are.
Your lawyer can use these items to establish the severity of your injuries and link them to the collision.
Not Speaking to the Insurance Company
Shortly after the incident, you may be contacted by the liable insurance company. They may ask you to give a recorded statement regarding your account of events. While this could initially seem harmless, it could end up working against you. Some insurance companies are known to pick apart claimants’ recorded statements and take their words out of context.
Additionally, the insurer might offer you a settlement that still leaves you with out-of-pocket expenses. If you accept an offer from the insurance company, you will be unable to pursue more money in the future. Your lawyer can handle all communications with the insurance company so that you do not have to.
Refraining from Social Media
While some insurance companies serve to protect claimants’ interests, others do not. Some insurance adjusters are known to go through the social media profiles of injured claimants, hoping to find evidence that weakens their case.
While recovering from your injuries, you should not post anything personal to social media. Something as innocuous as an old photo could be used to dispute the severity of your injuries. You would not want to accidentally post something and have to dispute it later on.
Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Let’s look at the following scenario to explain MMI. Let’s say that you broke your leg after being in a collision with a teen driver, and your treatment ends up costing $10,000. During this time, the insurance company might offer that amount, which at the time, perfectly covers the cost of your medical bills.
Later on, you might visit the doctor who says that you need an operation to restore mobility in the affected limb. At that point, because you did not reach MMI, you have incurred additional medical expenses. However, because you accepted an offer from the insurance company, you are unable to pursue additional funds.
Reaching MMI before entering into negotiations with the insurance company makes sure that you understand the cost of your medical bills before accepting a settlement.
You can learn more about what this means when you call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
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Reach Out to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
Having an Andrew teen driving accident lawyer help you through this difficult time can work to serve your legal interests. When you work with our team, we can use our network of resources to determine your options for financial recovery.
Some of the tasks you can expect your lawyer to handle include:
- Managing communications with the involved parties
- Filing all relevant paperwork
- Consulting with third-party field experts to learn more about your situation
- Negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf
- Estimating the cost of your damages
- Collecting evidence to determine negligence and liability
- Representing you in court, if necessary
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, an Andrew teen driving accident lawyer is ready to help you navigate this situation. We can offer advice as your case develops and help you understand the legal process as it unfolds.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you do not need to pay anything upfront to get our help. We get paid out of the settlement at the conclusion of your case. Otherwise, you do not owe us our attorney’s fees.
To learn more, call us today at (337) 777-7777.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
