The answer is, yes, you can. Louisiana law does not require anyone injured in a car accident to hire a lawyer to file a lawsuit. However, there are often benefits of working with a lawyer if you were in a car accident and are now seeking compensation for your damages.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You with Your Case
If you are injured in a car accident, you may spend several weeks in recovery. Therefore, it may be difficult for you to submit a claim, investigate your accident, or prove your case. A lawyer can help you with your case in the following ways:
Provide Legal Consultation
Navigating the legal system can be difficult. If the defendant or insurance company challenges your claim, it could complicate the process further. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you avoid mistakes that can hurt your case. They will act in your best interest to help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Manage Your Entire Case
Submitting a personal injury case requires a lot of effort and resources. When you hire an attorney to take on your case, you work with a built-in legal team who can investigate the claim. They can also explore your legal options, prepare and submit all paperwork, engage with all parties on your behalf, and monitor your case throughout the entirety of the process. They can take the burden out of pursuing compensation on your own.
Conduct a Full Investigation
A legal team can investigate the accident to determine what happened, who is to blame, and how the accident caused your injuries and subsequent damages. Your lawyer can speak with witnesses, review documents, and uncover the facts of the case to substantiate your claim.
Obtain Evidence of Fault and Liability
Your case must demonstrate that the accident occurred as the result of the negligence or careless actions of another party. They may obtain evidence such as surveillance video footage, eyewitness accounts, accident reports, or medical records.
Calculate Your Losses
In a personal injury case, you may be able to claim damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, physical anguish, emotional distress, and more. What your case is worth depends on the nature and extent of your losses. Your attorney can help you fight for the compensation that reflects your damages.
Negotiate a Settlement with the Insurance Company
In a car accident injury case, your lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. The insurer will review your case and offer you a lower settlement or deny your claim. Your lawyer will engage with the insurance company on your behalf to negotiate a fair settlement.
File a Lawsuit and Take Your Case to Court
If the insurance company does not want to negotiate or refuses to make a fair settlement offer, you may have the option of taking your case to court. Your attorney can prepare your case, guide you through litigation, and represent you at trial.
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
Recoverable Damages in a Car Accident Case
Your lawyer can help you fight for the compensation that covers all your losses, which may include:
- Medical bills, including emergency transportation, hospital stays, ongoing treatment, and more
- Lost wages, including reduced earning capacity or loss of benefits
- Pain and suffering, including the physical and emotional anguish you experienced as a result of your injuries
Your lawyer can compile the documentation and evidence necessary to establish your case’s value. Your lawyer may also work with subject-matter experts who may be able to support your case for damages, including medical or vocational experts.
Get Started Before the Statute of Limitations Expires
Louisiana enforces a statute of limitations on car accident lawsuits that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. Per Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492, you generally have one year from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could forfeit your right to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Get started today by calling Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. We can help you file your paperwork, build your case, and meet all applicable deadlines. Call (318) 777-7777 for a free consultation today.
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Contact a Car Accident Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a car accident, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today. We offer comprehensive legal services for all types of car accidents. Call (318) 777-7777 to get a free case assessment from a car accident injury lawyer.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
