Being injured in a car accident in New Orleans may result in substantial damages for accident victims. In addition to the physical and emotional injuries sustained in a car crash, victims also may incur significant financial damages related to the crash. Property damages, medical bills, and loss of income are just some of the examples of financial losses you might sustain because of a car crash.
However, to recover compensation from the driver who caused your crash, you must file an accident claim with the driver’s insurance policy. In many cases, accident claims are settled with the insurance provider without the need to file a car accident. Unfortunately, settlement is not possible in every case. If you need to file a car accident lawsuit in New Orleans, you need to be aware that you have a very short time to file a lawsuit or you lose your right to file the lawsuit under Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations.
Louisiana’s Deadline to File Car Accident Lawsuits
Louisiana enacted a very short deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit. Most lawsuits for car accident claims must be filed within one year from the date of the accident. This one-year deadline applies to all types of motor vehicle accidents including:
- Car crashes
- Large truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Work zone accidents
One year is not a long time to file a lawsuit when you consider that some accident victims may still be receiving medical treatment for traumatic injuries a year after the initial crash. Therefore, accident victims should consult a New Orleans car accident attorney even though they may still be receiving medical treatment. Your attorney can take steps to protect your legal right to recover compensation for your damages from the party liable for the car crash.
Your Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit Could Be Shorter!
In some cases, the deadline to file a car accident claim may be shorter. For instance, if a government agency or government employee is involved in the accident, you may have a few months to file your claim. If you fail to file your claim, you may lose your right to recover compensation for the accident. Therefore, it is in your best interest to consult with a NOLA car accident attorney as soon as possible after a car crash.
Don’t Lose Your Right to Receive Money for Your Car Accident
The financial losses sustained because of an accident are only one component of a personal injury claim. You may also be entitled to receive compensation for your physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering. However, you must act now to protect your rights. Contact an attorney to discuss your case during a free consultation. It does not cost you anything to talk to one of our New Orleans personal injury attorneys about your car accident claim.
Call a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney Now
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.