After a car accident, you have several costs to recover, and it’s understandable that you want to increase your settlement amount to cover them. The first step you can take is to hire a car accident lawyer to handle your case.
Our Lafayette car accident lawyers at Laborde Earles explain the benefits of working with our team and how to increase your car accident settlement. We offer a free consultation to all of our clients so you know what your damages are.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
When you hire an experienced car accident attorney, we advocate fiercely on your behalf to obtain the highest possible settlement value. With our extensive legal experience, we thoroughly investigate the crash circumstances to build a compelling case.
We collect evidence, document all expenses, and quantify your losses to understand the damages you suffered fully. This gives us a solid foundation for demanding adequate compensation.
Taking on the Insurance Company After Your Car Accident
As your representatives, we are skilled negotiators who leverage the threat of litigation if insurers lowball a fair offer. Over 250 years of combined experience handling similar claims means we recognize stalling tactics to underpay claims.
We apply pressure by presenting well-reasoned demands, citing all quantifiable costs like medical bills and lost wages. Our experience negotiating with insurance adjusters significantly increases the chances of resolving through discussions rather than a lengthy, expensive trial.
You should never have to face major insurance corporations alone after being injured in an accident. When you work with us, we fight to protect your rights and get the maximum upfront value for your claim without forcing a legal battle.
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.
ClientWhen does Going to Trial Warrant a Higher Settlement?
In some personal injury and car accident cases, threatening to take the case to trial can encourage a higher settlement offer from the insurance company. Here are a few scenarios when litigation may increase your potential payout:
- If the evidence of liability is very strong and you have substantial documented medical bills and lost wages, the insurer knows you have a high chance of winning at trial.
- The defendant’s policy has significant liability limits available, so the maximum payout is high if a jury awards damages.
- Your injuries are severe, permanent, or will require lifelong medical care. A jury is likely to award damages that match the severity and long-term impacts.
- The defense does not have strong counterarguments to your claim. They want to avoid the costs, time, and risk associated with a trial.
Pursuing litigation forces insurers to consider that a trial outcome could exceed what it would cost to settle now. This strengthens your negotiating position to receive fair compensation.
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 | ClientFile Your Lafayette Personal Injury Claim on Time
It is vital to pursue your legal rights following a car accident within the time limits set forth by Louisiana law. According to CC 3493.1, you only have two years to file a personal injury claim after your accident.
Missing this two-year deadline, known as the statute of limitations, could result in a lost opportunity to seek compensation through the legal system. Insurance companies are aware of these time constraints and may try to delay the claims process in hopes a victim does not file prior to prescription lapsing. However, bringing a claim while still within the allowed period prevents insurers from using an expired statute of limitations defense to take advantage of you.
Following the accident, contacting a Lafayette personal injury lawyer from Laborde Earles ensures investigation and documentation of the incident before evidence grows stale or unclear. Taking legal action within the time limits strengthens the validity and urgency of your demand.
It signals to insurance providers that you understand your rights and intend to pursue the claim through litigation if needed. This proactive approach translates to greater leverage that encourages higher settlement offers to resolve the matter out of court prior to a potential lawsuit.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientKnow Your Damages and Their Worth After a Car Accident
The first step after a car accident is scheduling a free consultation with our legal team to discuss your case and understand what damages you’re eligible to recover. Some common damages you could recover if another driver caused the crash include:
- Medical bills: All past and future costs for doctor visits, surgeries, therapies, medications, and other treatments.
- Lost wages: If you missed work or lost earning capacity, lost pay can be recovered.
- Pain and suffering: Money aimed to make up for physical and emotional hardships from injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Activities you can no longer participate in fully.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for a totaled vehicle.
Our Lafayette car accident attorneys know how to thoroughly document and value all aspects of damages to seek the maximum possible settlement.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientHow Much does It Cost to Hire a Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may have many questions about legal fees and costs. Most personal injury law firms in Lafayette, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis for car accident cases.
Contingency means our attorney only gets paid if your case is successfully settled or awarded in a verdict. This allows injury victims to pursue legal representation without large upfront fees.
You pay nothing in legal fees or costs upfront. This removes financial barriers that often prevent accident victims from seeking compensation through the legal process. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing.
Learn More About Increasing Your Car Accident Settlement in Lafayette
At Laborde Earles, our car accident attorneys in Lafayette can help you get the damages you qualify for. We’ll advocate for you like you’re family, not giving up until you get what you deserve.
Contact us for a free consultation today.
