Some car accident claims are relatively straightforward.
Others become complicated very quickly.
While minor fender benders can often be handled without legal representation, accidents involving significant injuries, disputed liability, uninsured drivers, commercial vehicles, or multiple insurance policies frequently require much more attention.
The longer an injured person waits to seek guidance, the greater the risk that important evidence disappears, deadlines approach, or issues arise that affect the value of the claim.
Your Job Is to Get Better. Our Job Is to Handle the Rest.
Recovering from injuries is difficult enough without having to spend hours dealing with insurance adjusters, medical billing issues, and paperwork.
Once we are hired, our clients can focus on their treatment and recovery while we handle communications with insurance companies, gather records, investigate the accident, and monitor the progress of the claim.
Most importantly, we keep our clients informed so they know what is happening every step of the way.
Deadlines Matter
Louisiana law places strict deadlines on personal injury claims.
For most automobile accidents occurring on or after July 1, 2024, injured individuals generally have two years from the date of the accident to file suit if a claim cannot be resolved beforehand. Accidents occurring before that date are often subject to Louisiana's former one-year prescriptive period.
Even with additional time, waiting too long can create problems.
Witnesses become harder to locate, surveillance footage may be deleted, and evidence can disappear.
When necessary, lawsuits are filed to preserve our clients' rights while treatment continues or settlement discussions remain ongoing.
The Burden of Proof Falls on the Injured Person
Many people are surprised to learn that the insurance company is not responsible for proving the claim.
The burden generally falls on the injured person to establish:
Building that case often requires gathering police reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, employment records, and, in some cases, expert opinions.
Serious Cases Often Involve More Than One Insurance Policy
Many significant injury cases involve more than simply the at-fault driver's liability insurance.
Additional sources of recovery may include:
Identifying all available insurance coverage can make a substantial difference in catastrophic injury cases.
Medical Bills and Reimbursement Issues Can Become Complicated
Health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, medical payment coverage, and other benefits may all play a role in paying for treatment after an accident.
Some of those payors may later have reimbursement rights following a settlement.
Understanding those obligations early in the process can help avoid surprises later.
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident?
If you have been injured in a car accident and have questions about your rights or the insurance claims process, contact us online or call our Covington office directly at 985-590-6182 to schedule your free consultation today.
We represent clients throughout St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Washington Parish, and communities across the Northshore including Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Hammond, and Madisonville.
When you hire us, rest assured that an attorney handles your case. Your
file won’t be handed over to a junior attorney or secretary. Communication is a cornerstone of our firm.
Our legal library is full of articles on a variety of topics related to personal injury claims in Louisiana. Learn about how accidents happen, what to do when you are a victim, and how an attorney can help you fight for the compensation you may deserve.
