When you’ve been in a car accident and have experienced injuries, time off work, or medical bills because of another party’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation as you recover and try to get back on your feet. A car accident is stressful and traumatic enough without worrying about bills, income, and other issues.
When you’ve been in a car accident in Baton Rouge, the best thing to do is hire an experienced car accident lawyer. They can review your case, help you with any necessary paperwork, and assist in getting a settlement for the accident.
But before you go, take a look at these common questions and things to know as you chat with your lawyer.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Following a car accident, seeking medical attention is your first step. You may think you feel fine immediately, but sometimes those symptoms don’t show up until weeks down the road. If you’re in an accident, you can be examined right away. The medical providers will know what to look for after an accident.
They can run necessary tests and perform the necessary exams to double-check for unexpected injuries. If you wait to be treated, an injury could get worse, and you may not have any recourse when you discover the injury later on.
Know Deadlines
In most cases, there are deadlines that you need to be aware of. For example, when it comes to accidents, there are statutes of limitations regarding how long you can wait before filing a claim. You can’t come back five years after an accident and claim an injury and demand compensation at that time.
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations is just one year. After a year has passed, your opportunities to collect are gone.
How Can an Attorney Help Your Personal Injury Case?
When you consult with an attorney, ask them: How are they going to help you? This is your case, which means the attorney’s actions are going to affect the outcome on your behalf. What steps do they take to make sure you get the best possible representation?
A consultation is a chance for the attorney to learn more about your case. However, it’s also your opportunity to interview them and see if they are the right fit for your case. Are you going to hire them, or is there a better match out there to represent you?
Know an Attorney’s Legal Specialty
Every attorney has a niche. While many of them work in several different areas, they all have an area that they specialize in. Not every licensed attorney in Louisiana is going to be a skilled expert in car accidents.
So before you hire an attorney, ask them about their specialties. Check for an attorney who has experience with situations similar to yours.
Set Timeline Expectations
Legal cases don’t always move quickly, especially if you end up going to court for this case. Your bills are piling up, and you’re likely feeling some financial pressure related to your injuries. You need money quickly, which is often how insurance companies get you to settle for less than you deserve.
These cases can take time, so you will need to decide whether you can be patient or whether you need to settle as soon as possible.
What About Trial?
It is possible that your case will go to trial, so you should always be prepared for this possibility. However, rest assured that the majority of cases end up settling out of court. The chances of you going to court will be slim. That being said, don’t just assume that you won’t be going to court.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
In an accident, there are certain damages that can be submitted for the case. You can’t just come up with random numbers. You can be covered for both economic and non-economic damages related to the accident, but there may be some limitations. There is no set answer to the damages that can be recovered; it will simply depend on your injuries and the circumstances.
Common damages include the following:
- Medical bills
- Loss of wages
- Future loss of wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
What About Insurance Company Offers?
Don’t accept an offer from an insurance company. While these companies will try to convince you that you won’t get anything better, they often will offer you the bare minimum as a settlement. Always consult with your attorney and don’t converse or negotiate with the insurance company without your attorney present.
How Much Will This Cost?
The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer will vary. Most lawyers work on a contingency basis. This generally means that you won’t owe the lawyer unless they win your case and get you a settlement. Then, you will likely owe them a percentage of the settlement.
Your lawyers should be able to provide these details.
Work with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, hire an experienced Baton Rouge car accident lawyer to take your case. An experienced attorney will know exactly what details to look for, how to help you build a case, and how to navigate any necessary paperwork. Use these tips and details to help you find the best fit for legal representation. It’s time to get the compensation you deserve.
