When you are in a car accident or truck accident, you must be careful when valuing your claim. If you do not include everything in the accident claim, you will not receive the maximum compensation available under Louisiana’s personal injury laws. Each accident claim is different; therefore, an experienced attorney will not give you an exact amount until the attorney has completed a thorough accident investigation.
Valuing a claim early in the case is a mistake because it is impossible to know the severity of your injuries and your future damages. Our New Orleans car accident attorneys understand the elements that comprise an accident claim and how to value an accident claim to give you the best chance of receiving a fair and just settlement for your claim.
Elements of an Accident Claim
- Property Damage – In a motor vehicle accident, you have the right to have your vehicle repaired if the other driver is at fault. If the damage to your vehicle is over a certain amount, the insurance company for the other driver may choose to pay you the market value of the vehicle instead of repairing the vehicle. You do not have to accept the first offer to settle property damage. Before you settle, you should consult with an attorney.
- Medical Bills – Medical expenses begin to pile up immediately following a crash. You may have expenses related to emergency medical treatment such as the ambulance and the emergency rooms charges. Depending on your injuries, you may have ongoing medical expenses such as diagnostic tests, physical therapy, surgeons, and other specialists. You have the right to receive compensation for past, present, and future medical expenses.
- Lost Wages – If you miss work because the injuries from the accident prevent you from working, you are entitled to be compensated for your lost wages. Past, present, and future lost wages are all damages included in an accident claim. In addition to actual lost wages, you can also be compensated for loss of earning capacity if you are unable to return to the same type of work due to your injury and this causes you to earn less than you did prior to the accident. Future lost wages and loss of earning capacity can be difficult to calculate. Our attorneys work closely with financial experts to ensure we maximize the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
- Physical Pain and Emotional Suffering – In addition to the actual financial damages, you are entitled to receive compensation for your physical pain and emotional suffering. Because this type of damage is subjective and different for each person, it helps to hire an experienced accident claim attorney who understands how to argue on your behalf so that you are adequately compensated for these damages.
- Other Damages and Losses – Each accident claim is different; therefore, you may have damages and losses in addition to the ones listed above. Our attorneys examine each loss you have suffered to include all damages in your accident claim. This ensures that you receive a fair and just settlement for your accident claim.
Too often car accident victims do not receive adequate compensation for their damages from a car or truck crash. Our NoLA car accident attorneys are here to help. We will fight for your right to receive compensation for your personal injury accident claim by using our resources, skill, and experience developed from handling a variety of accident claims. You can count on us to stand up for you when you need a strong advocate.
Call For A Free Consultation With A New Orleans Car Accident Attorney
Contact The Olinde Firm for a free case evaluation. We never charge you an attorney fee until and unless we win compensation for your damages and injuries. Call (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to speak with an attorney.