Louisiana Injury Lawyers Blog
After a crash, many victims ask whether or not they should hire a lawyer. Whether you’re dealing with injuries or not, the answer is often yes. A personal injury attorney can help to protect your rights and get you whatever compensation you may deserve.
Keep reading to learn about if you should get an attorney after a car accident and how they can help.
Key Takeaways
- You should get a car accident lawyer if you were injured in an accident, you’re not sure who caused the accident, or the insurance company isn’t cooperating.
- A car accident lawyer can help investigate your case, handle the negotiation process, and fight for fair compensation.
- In Louisiana, some car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis–this means you don’t have to pay upfront. This payment structure makes hiring a lawyer for your case easier.
When Do You Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
When you’re involved in a car accident, you might not be certain what to do next. With everything happening so fast, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are some situations where having legal representation is necessary:
You Have Injuries
Car accidents can cause serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or spinal damage that need immediate medical attention. However, some injuries don’t show up right away. What feels like a sore neck can turn into something more serious. While these types of severe injuries can be incredibly expensive, even for minor injuries, medical bills can be considerable. That’s why hiring an attorney after an injury accident is so important. An attorney can help ensure you get the coverage you so desperately need.
You’re Not Sure Who Caused the Accident
Sometimes it’s hard to know who’s really at fault. Things can get complicated if the other driver blames you or if the crash involved poor road conditions. In such situations, you’ll need a skilled personal injury attorney. An attorney can determine the at-fault party, and they’ll work to make sure you’re not blamed unfairly.
The Insurance Company Is Denying Your Claim
Some insurance companies might delay processing personal injury claims or may even deny your car accident claim outright, hoping you’ll give up on seeking coverage. So, whether you’re dealing with your own insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company, a car injury lawyer can make sure you’re treated fairly.
More Than One Party May Be Responsible
If your accident involved several cars or a commercial vehicle, there may be more than one driver or business at fault. In these cases, determining who is responsible can be complicated because several auto insurance companies may be involved. An experienced car accident lawyer understands how to investigate these complex situations and identify all liable parties.
Poor Road Conditions
If there were missing signs, broken traffic lights, or dangerous potholes on the road, the city or a private maintenance company might be responsible. In cases like this, you need a lawyer who understands how to file a personal injury lawsuit against a government agency or a contractor.
The Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance
If the driver who caused the crash is uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage, you could end up paying for the damages out of your pocket. But with the help of a car accident attorney, you can attempt to find other ways to cover your medical expenses and pursue financial recovery.
What Can a Lawyer Do for You?
After a car accident, having the right lawyer on your side can give you the confidence you need during a stressful time. They’re not just there for paperwork, they’re there to protect your rights. Here’s what a lawyer can do for you after your car accident:
- Investigate Your Injury Case – One of the first things a skilled personal injury attorney will do is review the details of the accident. They’ll gather evidence, look at how the accident happened, who was involved, and how your injuries are connected to the crash. This helps them understand how to support your claim for fair compensation.
- Strategically Manage Your Case – Filing a car accident claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries or stress from the crash. A lawyer can handle the legal process, file the documents, and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.
- Determine the At-fault Party – Sometimes, more than one person or company may be responsible for an accident. Your lawyer will look at the facts to figure out who caused the crash and who should be held responsible.
- Determine a Fair Settlement – Your personal injury attorney will help you understand how much your case is worth. They’ll do this by looking at your medical expenses, lost wages, ongoing care, and other costs.
- Handle The Negotiation Process – Insurance companies don’t always play fair. They may try different tactics to get you to settle for less than you deserve. A good car accident attorney knows these tactics and has experience dealing with insurance adjusters directly. They also make sure the insurance company doesn’t downplay your injuries or offer too little.
- Trial Preparation and Representation – If the insurance company won’t settle fairly, your lawyer can take the case to court. They’ll prepare the documents, gather witnesses, and speak on your behalf in front of a judge or jury.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Many car accident victims hesitate to reach out to a car accident attorney because they’re not sure how much their services actually cost. And that’s a fair concern, especially when you’re already dealing with medical expenses, car repairs, and lost wages. The good news is that most car accident attorneys in Louisiana don’t charge you anything upfront. Instead, they work on a contingency fee basis.
Contingency means you only pay your New Orleans personal injury attorney when they win your case or help you secure a settlement. Injury lawyer fees in Louisiana typically range from 33% to 40% of your total recovery. If your case settles without going to court, you may pay up to 33% of your compensation. But if a trial is necessary, that fee can increase to about 40% because of the extra time and legal work involved.
How To Choose a Lawyer
Choosing the right lawyer can sometimes influence how quickly your case gets resolved and how much compensation you may receive. But with so many car accident lawyers out there, it can be difficult to know who’s the right fit for your case. Here’s how to find the right personal injury lawyer:
Read Client Reviews
What other people say about a lawyer can tell you a lot. Take some time to read reviews online and on the law firm’s website. Be sure to pay attention to what clients say about their responsiveness, communication, and overall service satisfaction.
Make Sure They’re Licensed and Trustworthy
Before you decide on an attorney, double-check that the lawyer is allowed to work in your state and doesn’t have any past trouble with the law. You can find this information on your state’s bar association website.
Understand How They Charge
Most personal injury law firms don’t ask for money up front. Instead, they work on a contingency fee basis. Still, it’s important to ask if there are any extra costs like fees for expert witnesses or court filing expenses, so there are no surprises later.
Take Advantage of Free Consultations
A lot of personal injury attorneys offer free first meetings. This is your chance to talk about your situation and see if they’re the right fit. Ask how they plan to handle your case, how long it might take, and what steps they’ll take along the way.
Speak With an Experienced New Orleans Injury Attorney for Legal Guidance
If you were injured in a car accident, it’s time to consult a trained New Orleans injury attorney. With legal guidance, you’ll better understand your options and how to seek fair compensation.
At Cardone Law Firm, our car accident lawyers are ready to handle your case with care and do what they can to fight for your rights. Don’t face the insurance companies alone, attorney Cliff Cardone is here to help. Book your free consultation today.