Some auto accident claims can be handled without an attorney. However, what begins as a simple insurance claim can quickly turn into a complicated case. An insurance adjuster who seemed to be “on your side” decides that your claim should be denied or is worth very little. What should you do? You should call a New Orleans auto accident attorney immediately to discuss your legal rights and your options for fighting the insurance company.
Why Do Insurance Companies Fight Injury Claim?
Insurance companies are for-profit companies, meaning they are in business to make money. Therefore, insurance companies would much rather collect insurance premiums from their customers instead of paying injury claims to victims. However, the purpose of liability insurance for drivers is to pay injury victims when a driver causes an accident that results in injuries and damages. The insurance company for the at-fault driver is liable for those damages. However, the victim has the burden of proving that the other driver caused the accident, and the victim sustained injuries and damages because of the accident.
Because a victim has the burden of proof in an auto accident, the insurance company can deny liability until sufficient evidence is provided proving fault. In some auto accident cases, it is easier to prove fault than in other cases. It can be difficult to prove how the accident occurred and who was at fault. If the insurance company denies the claim, it is up to the victim to investigate the accident to determine fault and gather evidence proving fault. In some cases, experts may be needed to determine how the crash occurred.
When Should I Call a Car Accident Attorney?
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, we encourage you to contact our office for a free case review. It is in your best interest to obtain legal advice before making any decisions regarding your accident claim. We strongly encourage you to seek legal advice if you sustained a permanent disability in an accident or the insurance company says you are a partially to blame for the accident. Waiting too long to talk to an attorney could result in your claim being denied because of the statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims in Louisiana. Your time to file a claim is limited, so talk to an attorney now instead of later.
Working with a NOLA Auto Accident Attorney
An insurance company typically takes advantage of any situation it can to deny or undervalue an injury claim. Therefore, it is usually in your best interest to discuss your case with an accident attorney before you speak with an insurance claims adjuster. An accident attorney protects you from the tactics used by insurance companies to gather evidence to use against injury victims, such as requesting written or recorded statements from victims or asking for authorization to access medical records.
Your accident attorney investigates the crash to determine fault and gather the evidence needed to prove you did not cause the crash. Your attorney also helps you document your injuries and damages to prove that you are entitled to compensation from the driver who caused the crash. Additionally, your attorney helps you avoid some of the common mistakes and errors that people make when they are dealing directly with an insurance provider that can reduce the value of their injury claim.
Contact a New Orleans Auto Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
Our goal is to help you receive fair compensation for your auto accident claim. We encourage you to contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm or one of our other accident attorneys to discuss your accident claim. We accept most injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you can afford to have an attorney on your side fighting for your legal rights.
Call our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule your free consultation.