Yes, you can sue for a car accident if you are not hurt. The responsible party in a car accident may owe you compensation for property damage. If your insurance company or their insurance company refuses to pay you for property damages, you may be able to pursue compensation from them in a lawsuit.
You may want to see a doctor after a car accident, even if you do not feel hurt. You may have injuries with delayed or subtle symptoms. Some injuries that might feel like they are going to heal with time could become persistent, such as whiplash. A doctor can evaluate you and diagnose any injuries that may have occurred in the accident.
If another party is liable for your accident, you may be able to recover compensation in a personal injury lawsuit for injuries, property damages, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may also qualify as recoverable damages.
Understanding Car Accident Insurance Claims and Lawsuits
When a car accident happens, the person liable for the accident may be legally responsible for paying all damages to the victim. In most cases, the at-fault party will turn to their insurance company to pay the damages. The insurance company may pay two main types of damages:
Property Damage
If one driver causes another driver to crash, then the at-fault party’s insurance company may pay for damage to the vehicle. The crash may be a collision or a single-car crash in which one driver caused another driver to swerve off the road. Regardless of the circumstances, the responsible party’s auto insurance typically pays for property damages.
If an insurance company unfairly denies you compensation for property damages, you can sue for the car accident, even if you are not hurt.
Personal Injury and Related Damages
If a victim is hurt in a car accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company may be liable for all damages related to the accident. Damages can include financial, physical pain, emotional trauma, or other personal losses that the victim experiences.
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
In addition to property damage, the following damages may be recoverable in a personal injury lawsuit:
Medical Bills
The severity of the injuries determines the scope and extent of the medical treatment a victim may receive. Medical costs may include:
- Emergency care
- Surgical or specialized procedures
- Hospital stays
- Rehabilitation
- Doctor visits
- In-home care
- And more
Lost Income
Whether the injuries are temporary or permanent, a person may lose considerable income while out of work. Income can include wages or salary, tips, bonuses, and benefits.
If the victim is dabbled or dismembered after the accident, they may be entitled to receive disability pay or an income that reflects their diminished earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is a general legal term that refers to how a victim suffered physically and emotionally after the accident. An example would be a person who experienced a traumatic brain injury or whiplash during the accident and had to endure a painful recovery for several weeks.
Emotional or mental trauma is common with more severe injuries. A victim who has to endure physical pain or discovers that they are disabled may go through periods of anxiety disorder or depression. They may even seek counseling for their emotional distress.
Working With a Personal Injury Lawyer On Your Case
A personal injury attorney focuses on clients who have been injured by another party’s negligence and seek to recover damages related to their injuries. When you work with a lawyer on your case, they may be able to:
- Investigate the accident to uncover the facts
- Obtain evidence of fault and liability
- Calculate the value of all injury-related damages
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company
- Represent you on trial, if necessary
A lawyer can also handle the communications, paperwork, and legal deadlines of your case when they represent you.
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Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Lafayette or Alexandria, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to represent you. We represent clients on a contingency-fee basis with no advanced payments required.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call us today at (337) 777-7777.
Do not delay if you are considering legal action for your injuries. Per Civil Code § 3492, Louisiana imposes a general one-year statute of limitations, or legal time limit, on personal injury lawsuits.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
