After a car accident, your first priority should be attending to your health. Getting prompt medical care will help ensure you recover from your injuries to the fullest extent possible. Once your immediate medical needs are taken care of, your next step in the recovery process should be to consult an attorney about protecting your right to compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Understanding Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations outlines the time you have to file a personal injury claim after being injured in a car accident caused by another party’s negligence. The statute of limitations varies from state to state but is typically one year in Louisiana. However, you may be granted additional time if any of the following exceptions to the statute of limitations apply:
- Your claim involves an injured child under age 18.
- There are multiple parties at fault.
- The cause of the accident wasn’t immediately known.
Prompt Action Is Always in Your Best Interest
Regardless of the official deadline for filing your case, it’s always smart to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. It takes time to gather the evidence necessary to build a solid case, especially if your injuries have the potential for a permanent disability that will require ongoing medical care and affect your ability to continue to work. Some types of valuable evidence, such as surveillance footage that may have captured the accident or testimony from eyewitnesses, can also become more difficult to obtain as time passes.
There’s no need to put off seeing an attorney due to financial concerns. Car accident cases, like other types of personal injury claims, are accepted on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost for legal representation because your attorney will accept a percentage of the final settlement as the fee for service.
Have You Been Injured In A Louisiana Car Accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Alexandria office directly at 318.541.8188 to schedule your free consultation.