There are many misconceptions about car accident claims in Louisiana, but two come up more often than almost any others.
Misconception #1: Filing an Insurance Claim Means Filing a Lawsuit
One of the most common misunderstandings is that pursuing compensation after a car accident automatically means going to court.
Fortunately, that usually is not the case.
The vast majority of Louisiana car accident claims are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies without ever filing a lawsuit.
Opening an insurance claim and filing a lawsuit are two very different things.
An insurance claim is simply the process of asking the at-fault driver's insurance company to compensate you for your damages. A lawsuit only becomes necessary if liability is disputed, settlement negotiations break down, or an important legal deadline is approaching.
Louisiana recently extended the deadline for filing most personal injury lawsuits from one year to two years for accidents occurring on or after July 1, 2024. Accidents that occurred before that date generally remain subject to Louisiana's former one-year prescriptive period.
Even so, most claims are resolved long before those deadlines become an issue.
Misconception #2: The Insurance Company Will Pay My Medical Bills Directly to My Doctors
Another common misconception is that the at-fault driver's insurance company will simply pay your medical providers directly as treatment occurs.
In most cases, that is not how the process works.
Although insurance companies often request medical records and information about treatment, they typically do not pay doctors, hospitals, or physical therapists directly while your claim is ongoing.
Instead, medical bills are usually handled through health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, medical payment coverage, or by arrangements made directly with the provider.
When a settlement is eventually reached, reimbursement obligations may exist depending on the type of insurance involved and how medical treatment was paid for.
Understanding those obligations before settling a claim is extremely important.
How We Help
One of the biggest sources of stress after a car accident is simply not knowing what comes next.
Our job is to guide clients through the claims process, communicate with insurance companies, and help identify issues before they become problems.
We also help clients understand how medical bills are being paid, whether reimbursement obligations exist, and what steps can be taken to protect their interests throughout the process.
Most importantly, we keep our clients informed so they know their claim is being handled professionally and efficiently from beginning to end.
Questions About Your Car Accident Claim?
If your claim is becoming more complicated than expected—or if you simply have questions about the process—we would be happy to help.
Call our office at 985-590-6182 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
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.
