Car accidents injure more than 2 million people in the U.S. each year, and the New Orleans metropolitan area is not immune. However, the Bart Bernard team of Laplace personal injury lawyers helps those who have been injured in and around St. John the Baptist Parish obtain full compensation from those who are at fault in a crash.
When do you need a car accident lawyer?
In some instances, an auto accident can be so minor that you do not need a lawyer. An example might be a very low impact fender-bender with no injuries and little or no physical damage to the vehicles.
If the accident is any more serious than this, it is a good idea to at least consult a lawyer before settling any claims; signing an agreement to obtain a settlement check will almost always prevent you from re-opening the claim, even if you discover later that the injuries were far worse than originally understood.
However, there are many cases where a lawyer’s help is irreplaceable:
- Wrongful death – Losing a loved one can impact many areas of your life but a skilled lawyer can help you through the complex legal and financial issues that arise
- Serious injuries – Severe and/or long-lasting injuries need special attention to ensure your future medical needs are covered
- Multiple defendants – The more parties that are involved, the more likely it is that they will pass the blame to someone else, complicating and prolonging litigation
- Pre-existing injuries – Even if you have an injury before the accident, you may recover compensation for aggravation of it; other parties will likely try to blame your prior condition instead of accepting responsibility for the effects of the crash
- Insurance problems – If insurance companies are not following rules, the other party is uninsured or under-insured, or there are other insurance-related complications, it is important to have an experienced attorney to sort it out
Tips for dealing with insurance
For better or for worse, insurance companies are a key player in car accident settlements. On one hand, they are guaranteed to have money to settle a claim, unlike the parties they insure who may be uncollectible. On the other hand, insurance company representatives are pros at minimizing how much they pay on a claim.
If you are dealing with the other party’s insurance representatives, direct them to your lawyer– anything you say will be used against you– so let your lawyer do the talking.
When it comes to your own insurance company:
- Provide notice of the accident as soon as possible
- Document the scene and your injuries
- Understand what your policy covers and whether non-auto policies might also cover car accident losses
Whether proceeding in court or working out an insurance settlement, there are no second chances when you settle a car accident claim– so it pays to Click Bart First, Call Bart First™.
When you work with a car accident lawyer at Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers, you can be sure we will take the time to understand the full impact that the accident has had on your life and then fight for full compensation. Call today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
