Car accident victims often have many questions about their legal and financial options after a crash. The best place to get answers to these questions is by contacting the auto accident lawyers in New Orleans at Lambert Zainey. We can offer advice that is specific to your circumstances and help you find the best way to navigate the problems that follow an accident.
To get started, here are some general answers to the most commonly asked questions we hear.
The insurance company of the at-fault driver wants me to give them statement. What should I do?
If the crash was caused by the other driver’s negligence, their insurance company will likely attempt to contact you to get a recorded statement. You are under NO OBLIGATION to talk to their insurance adjuster, and we advise that you do not do so before discussing your case with an experienced auto accident lawyer.
The reasons for this are simple. Insurance adjusters are skilled at asking questions in a way that benefits them. They may get you to admit fault, even when you don’t intend to, or confuse you into giving an inaccurate account of the event.
What happens if the at-fault driver has no insurance?
Although Louisiana law requires that drivers carry a certain amount of insurance, not everyone complies with this rule. And even if the driver has the minimum required insurance, it may not be sufficient to cover your damages and injuries.
When this is the case, your options may be limited in recovering damages. There are still options, though. For example, if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own insurance, this can help fill the gap.
There are two steps we recommend in these cases: First, never accept a driver’s word for it that he doesn’t have insurance. It may be a tactic to avoid having an accident report increase his premiums or to avoid having to pay deductibles. Second, don’t give up on recovering damages. While it may be more difficult, it is not impossible with the right help.
What compensation am I entitled to after a wreck?
The amount and type of compensation you can recover will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries and property damages. If the accident is caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
While you may be entitled to these damages, these are not guaranteed. Personal injury law can be complex and difficult to navigate on your own. The best way to maximize your recovery is with an experienced auto accident lawyer in New Orleans guiding you through the process.
The insurance company offered a settlement. Should I take it?
Offering a quick settlement is a tactic often used by insurance companies in an effort to pay less than they should for an accident claim. Most drivers don’t know what their claim should be worth and so don’t realize that the insurance adjusters is giving them a lowball settlement.
Because of this, we strongly advise you NOT to accept a settlement without first talking to someone who knows this system. Our Louisiana car accident lawyers know how to determine the value of your claim and can assess the settlement offer accurately.