If a negligent, reckless, impaired, or distracted driver caused a collision that resulted in injuries, Louisiana personal injury laws provide a legal way for you to file a claim for damages. Damages in a car accident may include, but are not limited to:
- Medical bills
- Personal care
- Loss of income, including loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Medical equipment, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Emotional stress, physical pain, and mental anguish
- Funeral expenses, in the event of a death
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
The damages and amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive in a car accident claim depending on several factors. Factors we consider when calculating the value of a car accident claim include the types of injuries, the severity of injuries, recovery time, actual financial losses, and permanent disabilities. The time it takes to settle a car accident claim also depends on several of the same factors.
Settling A Car Accident Claim Too Early Can Hurt Your Compensation
Our New Orleans personal injury attorneys understand that right now you may be suffering a serious financial crisis because of the car crash, especially if you are out of work due to your injuries. Many people do not have sufficient savings or disability insurance to cover an extended absence from work. Therefore, when the bills begin to pile up, they may be tempted to accept the settlement offer by the insurance adjuster for the other driver. The decision to settle your accident claim early could result in much less money for your claim.
Insurance adjusters prefer to settle your claim as quickly as possible because they can usually settle for much less money if you don’t consult an attorney and you don’t realize the full extent of your injuries. For example, if you have never handled a car accident claim before this claim, you may not know you are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. The insurance adjuster will not explain this to you because that would add money to your settlement. The insurance adjuster’s job is to settle your claim for as little as possible.
Furthermore, if the insurance adjuster can settle the claim quickly, you may not realize you need additional surgeries, physical therapy, or other medical care. You may not realize you have another medical condition that requires attention or that you have a permanent disability that m ay result in a permanent loss of earning capacity. Once you settle your car accident claim, you cannot go back to the insurance company even if you discover additional damages or injuries. Therefore, you need to wait until you understand all your injuries before discussing settlement.
Call A New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney for Help
You are entitled to receive full compensation for your injuries. If you settle your claim too quickly, you may not receive full compensation. Before you accept a settlement claim, call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm for a free case evaluation. Our NoLA personal injury attorneys can provide you with an explanation of your rights and your legal options for settling your car accident claim.
Contact our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free legal consultation.