Even the safest, most experienced drivers can get into an accident. You might be waiting at a red light, in the correct lane, when an inattentive or distracted driver hits you from behind. What should you do? After seeking medical attention and exchanging information with the other driver, you’ll want to contact an experienced attorney.
The Difficulty of Fighting a Case on Your Own
In an ideal world, the victim of a collision would receive a fair settlement with no hassle. So, why hire a lawyer? In reality, it takes considerable legal skill to recover a fair settlement.
Insurance companies will often attempt to settle quickly with victims but offer a lower sum than what is deserved. Insurance adjusters may try to downplay the severity of your injuries. You can be certain the insurance company has access to their own team of lawyers.
The Complexity of Car Accident Cases
The importance of being represented by an attorney comes most into play when you consider how complex a car accident can actually be. The key issue in a car accident case is finding fault. The victim will need to establish that the other driver, or in some cases another party, was mostly or completely at fault for the accident.
Louisiana is a comparative negligence state, meaning that the victim’s damages may be reduced if he or she is found to be partially at fault. Therefore, the details of exactly how the accident happened, and the degree of fault on both sides, are extremely important.
When it comes to negotiating a settlement, estimating damages is also a complex issue. Immediate medical costs and lost time at work must be considered, as well as potential future costs, including rehabilitative care and lost earning potential. Don’t forget about emotional damages.
The Value Good, Experienced Attorneys Offer
Hiring a car accident attorney brings you two main advantages: It will help you to negotiate the aftermath of an accident with greater peace of mind, and it typically results in a higher settlement being awarded.
Experienced attorneys know exactly how and when a case must be filed in Louisiana, and they know how to gather evidence to establish fault. They have the experience and skill needed to track down every relevant piece of information. They also know the value of a car accident case. The right attorney will be dedicated to fighting for the client to pursue full damages for all costs, both economic and noneconomic.
Questions and Answers
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- Why hire a car accident attorney after an accident?
Insurance companies are usually trying to pay as low a settlement to victims as is possible. It’s important to have a good lawyer on your side to get you fair compensation.
- What do car accident attorneys do during a car accident case?
They send investigators to the site of the crash to gather evidence, and they determine who was at fault. They find out what level of insurance the negligent party holds, and they develop a strategy for recovering the maximum settlement.
- When should I hire an attorney after my accident?
Our advice is to hire an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. You will quickly feel pressure from the insurance company and its adjustors to settle. They will also be looking for reasons not to pay you the full value of your claim. An attorney experienced in dealing with car accident claims knows those insurance company strategies and can make sure you are protected from the many common mistakes accident victims often make.
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.