Being involved in a traffic accident in New Orleans can be frustrating. Just dealing with the crash is frustrating because you must wait for the police to arrive, file an insurance report, get estimates for car repairs, find a rental car, etc. If you sustained injuries in the collision, the situation could be far worse. In addition to dealing with the financial burdens caused by the traffic accident, you also endure physical pain and potentially life-changing disabilities and impairments.
In the weeks and months following a truck, motorcycle, or a car accident, you may be overwhelmed with doctor’s visits, physical therapy, and financial burdens. It can be difficult to know what steps you need to take to protect your legal rights or what you should do first.
Our New Orleans accident attorneys can provide the support, guidance, and legal advice you need following a traffic accident. Call our office for a free consultation now to protect your right to receive compensation from the negligent driver who caused the crash.
Deadline to File Lawsuits for a New Orleans Traffic Accident
Thousands of people are injured in car accidents or motor vehicle-related crashes each year. Most of those claims are settled out of court without the necessity of filing a lawsuit. However, some claims are disputed by the insurance company for the other driver. If the insurance company refuses to settle your claim, you may need to file a lawsuit.
In Louisiana, as in all other states, the time to file a personal injury lawsuit is limited by law. While other states have Statutes of Limitations that allow victims to file lawsuits several years after an accident, Louisiana limits the time to file a lawsuit for a motor vehicle accident to one year from the date of the crash. If you do not file a lawsuit before the deadline, you lose your right to pursue legal action against the responsible party.
While there are a few exceptions to the one-year deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit, most claims are limited to one year. In some cases, you may have less than one year to file a claim if a government entity or agency is involved. Therefore, it is important to consult with a New Orleans car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a traffic accident.
In some cases, you may continue to receive ongoing medical care or physical therapy for longer than a year after the crash. Severe and traumatic injuries can take longer than one year to diagnose and treat. However, if you fail to protect your legal right to file a lawsuit, you could be responsible for all expenses and damages caused by another party. Therefore, we urge you to contact our office for a free consultation even though you may still be receiving treatment for your accident injuries.
Call The Olinde Firm for a Free Case Review with a New Orleans Accident Lawyer
To request a free consultation, call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889. Learn about your legal rights and the steps you need to take now to protect your right to file a claim or lawsuit for damages sustained in a car accident.