Being injured in a car accident in New Orleans can be a traumatic event. In addition to the physical injuries and emotional stress caused by a crash, victims of a car accident can suffer significant financial losses. When a negligent or careless driver injures you, Louisiana’s personal injury laws provide a way for you to recover compensation for your injuries.
It is very important to understand your rights for filing a personal injury claim for accident damages. Our New Orleans car accident attorneys can provide the legal counsel, guidance, and support you need as you seek to recover the money you lost because of a car crash.
Contact our office by calling 1-800-587-1889 for a free consultation with a NoLA car accident lawyer.
What are My Rights Regarding a Personal Injury Claim in New Orleans?
Louisiana is an at-fault automobile insurance state. Therefore, drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to provide compensation to accident victims if a driver causes a car accident. When you are injured in a car crash, you have the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage seeking compensation for your damages. In most car accident cases, victims are entitled to receive compensation for their financial losses and noneconomic (pain and suffering) damages.
Filing a personal injury claim can be a complex matter. Depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident, there could be multiple parties involved and several areas of law that apply to the claim. While there are many factors to consider, three of the basic rights you have when filing a personal injury claim include:
- The Right to Hire an Attorney
You have the right to be represented by legal counsel. We urge you to take advantage of our free consultation to speak with a New Orleans car accident lawyer before you talk to the insurance adjuster. The insurance company seeks to pay as little as possible to settle an accident claim or deny a claim in full. It is in your best interest to consult with an attorney who will explain your legal rights and advise you of the true value of your injury claim.
- The Right to Reject a Settlement Offer
You are not obligated to accept a settlement offer from the insurance provider. If you believe that you are not being paid full compensation for all damages, you can propose a higher settlement amount. Our New Orleans car accident attorneys are skilled negotiators who understand how insurance companies handle claims and the best methods to use to increase your chance of recovering maximum compensation for your claim.
- You Have the Right to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
You are not required to settle your claim with the insurance provider. You have the right to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for the damages caused by the car wreck. However, Louisiana law limits the time to file a lawsuit for a car accident. You typically have one year from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit. One year is not very long when you are dealing with severe and traumatic injuries. In addition, the deadline may be different depending on the circumstances of your case. Therefore, we recommend that you contact our New Orleans personal injury lawyers as soon as possible after your car accident, so that we may begin protecting your legal rights immediately.
Contact Our New Orleans Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Appointment
Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney.