When a person is injured in a traffic accident in New Orleans, that person usually has several questions about filing an accident claim. Our NoLA traffic accident attorneys from The Olinde Firm answer some of the most frequent questions in part one and part two of this personal injury blog.
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Do I need to go to the doctor after a traffic accident if I am not injured?
It is always in your best interest to see a doctor after any traffic accident. Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable after the crash. You might begin to develop symptoms in the hours, days, or weeks after the crash. Therefore, it is important for your health to see a doctor to rule out any serious injuries. Furthermore, a delay in medical treatment can be used by the insurance company to argue that you were not really injured in the accident because you did not seek medical care.
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Who pays for a rental car and my car repairs?
If the other driver was at fault for the crash, you might receive a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. The insurance company for the other driver should pay for your vehicle to be repaired. However, you might have to fight for all repairs to be completed pursuant to the estimate of damage. In addition, if the repairs take longer than the insurance company allows for repairs, you might need to pay for the additional days on the rental car and add that amount to your settlement demand.
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Who pays for my medical bills?
If another driver caused the crash, that driver’s insurance company should pay your medical bills. However, you will not receive compensation for medical expenses until your claim is settled. Therefore, you can use health insurance to pay for medical care, but your health insurance provider will seek reimbursement of any bills it paid related to the accident from your settlement proceeds. If you do not have health insurance, the medical providers may accept a letter from your attorney promising payment from the insurance money when the claim is settled.
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I am out of work because of the accident, who pays me for my lost income?
The same process applies to lost income as it does to medical costs. You can recover compensation for your past and future lost wages from an accident claim, but you will not receive the money until your claim is settled.
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How long does it take to settlement my traffic accident claim?
The length of time it takes to settle a claim depends on several factors. The main factor is the length of your recovery. You do not want to settle a claim before you have recovered fully from your injuries. It is impossible to understand the full extent of your injuries and your future damages until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). Settling your claim before you reach MMI can result in a much lower settlement amount.
Contact a New Orleans Traffic Accident Attorney
Call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm for a free consultation with a New Orleans accident lawyer. Call our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation and no-obligation case evaluation.