When you sustain serious injuries, it can essentially halt your entire life. Your health suddenly becomes the only priority, and nothing else matters until you recover.
Of course, if anyone depends on you financially, you do not have the luxury of focusing solely on yourself while recovering. Unless you have experience in personal injury law, though, you may not know your options for securing compensation—or you may believe some of the more common myths regarding injury claims.
If you were hurt in a motor vehicle collision that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering; however, since the claims process is complicated, it is wise to turn to an accident lawyer for quality legal guidance every step of the way.
To discuss your case and determine the best way to proceed, turn to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. Our award-winning team is relentless when it comes to securing sizable settlements for our clients. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation with an accident attorney in Lafayette.
Read on to learn about some of the most common myths regarding personal injury claims:
- You Only Have One Chance to Negotiate for a Settlement
Although it is wise to make the negotiations count, you should not feel pressured into accepting a settlement if it is anything less than fair. According to the American Bar Association, the two parties can negotiate for a settlement at any point in the proceedings—even after the case has gone to trial and up until the jury reaches a verdict.
- Hiring a Lawyer Is Not Worth It
Although it is true that you will have to pay for legal counsel, hiring an attorney can actually pay for itself. In many cases, accident victims secure a much larger settlement with the help of a lawyer than they would have been able to negotiate for on their own.
- It Will Be Years before You Receive Any Money
Although the more complicated or contentious personal injury cases might take years to resolve, most of them are settled before reaching trial. If both you and the opposing party are motivated, you should be able to reach a fair resolution in a matter of months, if not weeks.
- Your Health Insurance Will Cover the Damages
If you have quality health insurance coverage, you might not have to worry about medical bills, but that is not the only cost of debilitating injuries. Other direct costs might include prescription drugs, physical therapy, and home care.
There are also several indirect costs of sustaining serious injuries in a collision. These include lost wages and loss of earning capacity, and they can add up fast.
- You Should Get Your Life in Order before Filing a Claim
Once your health stabilizes, it is wise to call an attorney as soon as possible. In the state of Louisiana, you have just one year to file a personal injury claim following a car accident. You may be tempted to put your life back in order first, but that is exactly what a compassionate lawyer will ultimately help you do.
If you sustained serious injuries in a crash with a drunk, distracted, or reckless driver, turn to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. Contact us online or call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free case evaluation with an accident lawyer in Lafayette.