Have you been injured in a New Orleans car accident? Is the insurance company for the other driver pushing you to settle your claim quickly? What should you do?
You need to contact an experienced NoLA car accident attorney before you accept any insurance settlement offer. The insurance company has a vested interest in getting you to settle your case as quickly as possible. It wants you to accept the lowest amount possible to settle your claim; therefore, getting you to settle before consulting with an attorney, or discovering your injuries are more serious, is best for the insurance company. This is not best for you!
Why Does Louisiana Law Prevent You From Suing If You Have Accepted An Insurance Settlement Offer?
When you negotiate and accept an insurance settlement offer, the insurance company will require that you sign a release and/or waiver. The insurance company will not pay you until you sign the release and/or waiver because it is a binding contract preventing you from suing the insurance company or the at-fault driver.
Most releases and waivers contain a clause worded much like this:
For the payment of $10,000, Jane Doe agrees to forever discharge, release, remise, and acquit the Insured, the Insurance Company, and all other parties from any and all claims, causes of action, actions, demands, rights, loss of services, expenses, compensation, obligations, and damages, whether punitive, consequential, and/or compensatory, related to the accident on June 1, 2015, involving Jane Doe and the Insured.
The language may be a little different but it will include specific language that prevents you from filing a lawsuit against the driver, the insurance company, or a third party once you have received the money and signed the release and/or waiver. This can be dangerous if you have not consulted with a NoLA personal injury attorney because your claim may be worth more than the insurance company has offered. Furthermore, you injuries could be worse than you realize. Even if your injuries are worse, you will not be able to sue or collect any more money once the release and/or waiver is signed.
Insurance companies love to negotiate quick settlements with accident victims who have not talked to an attorney. It usually means that the insurance company will pay less than the claim is actually worth.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured In A New Orleans Car Accident?
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in NoLA or throughout Louisiana, you need to contact a car accident attorney at The Olinde Firm as soon as possible. Our New Orleans car accident lawyers will go over your case with you to determine if the insurance company is offering a fair and full settlement. Our law firm can also perform a comprehensive accident investigation to identify and preserve key evidence to use when negotiating with the insurance company to prove fault and maximize your compensation.
Contact our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free consultation. Do not let an insurance company take advantage of you by pushing you into a quick insurance settlement. It is not in your best interest and you lose nothing by consulting with our office first because we do not charge a fee until we win your case and you receive compensation for your injuries.