When a person is injured in a New Orleans auto accident, the consequences can be overwhelming. Along with the physical injuries and emotional distress, an injury victim may also incur high medical costs and incur substantial lost wages. In most cases, accident victims need to begin by filing an insurance company with the other driver’s insurance policy to recover compensation for a New Orleans auto accident.

Four Steps for Recovering Compensation for an Injury Claim

1.  Report the Traffic Accident to the Police

You need a written record of the auto accident as support for your insurance claim. Calling 911 is the quickest and easiest way to report an accident. Remain at the accident scene until the police arrive. If possible, collect evidence that can be used to prove the other driver caused the crash while waiting for the police to arrive, including photographs, videos, and eyewitness names and telephone numbers.

2.  Seek Medical Attention

You need medical evidence to prove that you were injured in a New Orleans auto accident to recover compensation for an injury claim. See a physician as soon as possible. Let the doctor know you are a car accident victim. Whenever possible, take photographs of your injuries after the accident and throughout your recovery to document injuries.

3.  Create an Accident File

Create a file folder to hold all information related to your auto accident. You should keep copies of all documents related to the accident, injuries, recovery, and financial losses or expenses.

Items to keep in your file include:
  • Pain and suffering journal – Daily pain record and explanation of how your injuries impact your daily life.
  • Copies of the police report and accident report.
  • Copies of medical bills, receipts, invoices, and other evidence of medical care costs.
  • Invoices of help with household chores or other personal care.
  • A detailed list of all time missed from work or other loss of income.
  • Cost of over-the-counter medications and medical supplies.
  • Travel expenses, including mileage to and from the medical appointments.
  • Copies of all documents received from the insurance company.
  • Cost of modifications to your home to aid in your recovery or independence.

Keeping everything together makes it easier to document your damages for a New Orleans auto accident claim.

4.  Contact a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney

The laws do not require you to hire a lawyer to file an insurance claim. However, an experienced personal injury lawyer investigates the cause of the accident to identify the party or parties liable for your injuries and damages. Without evidence to prove that the other driver caused the crash, you cannot recover money for an accident claim.

Also, your attorney understands how the insurance company works, including the tactics used by insurance companies to undervalue or deny valid injury claims. Your attorney protects you from bad faith insurance tactics and works to ensure fair treatment. An experienced car accident attorney can help arrange for expert witnesses, when necessary, to prove fault. Also, you may need expert witnesses to prove the extent of your injuries and the value of your injury claim.

Do You Need Help with a New Orleans Auto Accident Claim?

Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm to learn more about your legal rights and how to maximize your compensation after a car accident.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our Louisiana accident attorneys, call (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889.