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  • By: Adam Whitley-Sebti, Esq.

In this article, you can discover:

  • Why immediate legal consultation is crucial after an injury.
  • How insurance companies work to minimize claim payouts.
  • The importance of not settling quickly due to potential ongoing costs of medical care.

What Are The Most Common Questions People Have When They Have Been Injured In Louisiana?

If you’ve been injured in an accident and are considering a personal injury claim, you’re likely to have several urgent questions:

  • Can I recover compensation for my injuries?
  • What steps should I take to get medical care immediately?
  • How can I get my car repaired?
  • Who will cover the damages to my car? Is it my insurance or the other person’s?
  • Who is responsible for my medical bills?
  • Without a car, how do I manage to get to work?
  • If I’m unable to work due to my injuries, what should I do?
  • Is it possible to get compensated for lost wages?
  • What is the process to file a claim?
  • Might my situation require filing a lawsuit?

Of course, there are countless concerns that follow after an accident. In any case, the first thing you should know about the personal injury claims process is that no two cases are alike. Because of this, the best way to get the answers you need is to speak with a lawyer you can trust.

How Do I Begin The Personal Injury Claim Process After An Accident With Serious Injuries In Louisiana?

Initiating a personal injury claim in Louisiana involves critical steps that should not be overlooked, so contacting an experienced personal injury attorney is essential. Your lawyer will guide you through each step of your claim in accordance with Louisiana law to ensure a robust case. This way, you can dedicate your energy toward healing with the confidence of knowing that the legal aspects of the process are taken care of.

What Are The Most Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use To Deny Or Limit Personal Injury Claims?

Despite their friendly slogans, it’s important to remember that insurance companies are not your allies after an accident. Their teams, including adjusters and attorneys, are solely focused on minimizing what they pay out.

Some of the most common tactics insurance providers use to reduce your claim value will look like:

  • Rushing you into giving a recorded statement immediately after an accident so they can gather information that could be used against you in your claim.
  • Requesting you to sign a medical authorization under the guise of gathering necessary medical information about your accident when, in reality, they intend to scour your medical history for any evidence to dispute your current claims.
  • Offering a quick settlement to tempt you into agreeing for less than you deserve before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and rights.

So beware of any contact with insurance company representatives and remember: always consult with an attorney before providing a statement or signing any documents.

If The Insurance Company Offers A Settlement Right Away, Should I Just Take The Offer?

Absolutely not. Quick initial offers are usually far below what you truly deserve, and accepting them means you forfeit the right to pursue further compensation that might be necessary as your medical and repair bills unfold.

What Happens Next If I Can’t Get A Reasonable Settlement Offer From The Insurance Company?

Under Louisiana law, you have one year from the date of the accident to resolve your claim with the insurance company. If the claim is not resolved within that time frame, you will need to file a lawsuit. However, this is not a reason to take things slow – if you fail to file a lawsuit on time, your claim will expire, and you will not be able to pursue any compensation.

Of course, it’s difficult to get a reasonable settlement offer without the help of an attorney – and it’s even more difficult to file a lawsuit and find a successful outcome without legal representation – so contacting an attorney should be one of the first steps you take when you think you have a claim.

At any stage of your case, it’s important to keep in mind that insurance companies have a robust suite of resources at their disposal. They have massive teams of adjusters, lawyers, claim representatives, and investigators, all tasked with a single goal: to make sure that as little money goes out the door as possible. How do you level the playing field and fight back? By hiring an experienced injury attorney.

At What Point Should The Injured Person Hire A Personal Injury Attorney?

Don’t wait to see if the insurance company will make a fair offer. Hiring a personal injury attorney right after your accident is crucial. They handle all dealings with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Naturally, many people are hesitant to contact an attorney after an accident because they assume they won’t be able to afford legal help – but this doesn’t have to be the case. At Whitley-Sebti Law, our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing upfront, so you can get access to the representation you need without adding any undue burden to your recovery.

For more information on Filing A Personal Injury Claim In Louisiana, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (504) 370-2777 today.

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