If you want to receive maximum compensation from the at-fault part, then anyone involved in a car crash should immediately consult an experienced Houma car wreck lawyer – like the personal injury attorneys at the Patrick Yancey Law Firm.
When people think about the damage an automobile accident can cause, most just focus on a few things – damage to the vehicle and injuries. The full list, however, is longer and more significant, and can include:
Not every car wreck will result in all of these damages, but costs can quickly mount for even the most minor fender-bender. In addition, drivers and passengers may not always be able to predict, on their own, the kinds of expenses they will face after a car crash. This is where consulting an attorney with experience navigating Louisiana automobile Crash law can be of significant help.
There are many factors that affect how much compensation an automobile Crash victim in Louisiana will receive from insurance – either theirs or the at-fault driver’s.
For one thing, Louisiana is a “fault” state. That means an injured driver or passenger must prove the other driver was at fault in order to receive compensation for vehicle damage and injuries.
Louisiana state law also requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of insurance coverage. This is called the compulsory coverage or no-pay/no-play rule. What it means in practice is that if a driver or owner of a car is uninsured at the time of an Crash, he or she forfeits the first $15,000 of bodily injury damages and the first $25,000 of property damages. Even so, it may still be possible to collect damages from the other driver’s insurance carrier if they are at fault; this can occur when you have significant injuries that exceed the $15,000 of forfeited bodily injury damages and there is sufficient coverage by the defendant.
In every case, the attorney needs to assess whether you have uninsured/underinsured coverage; this is coverage for your claims if the defendant is either uninsured or underinsured (your claims exceed the value of his/her coverage).
Because of Louisiana’s automobile insurance laws, then, it is important to 1) always carry at least the minimum amount of insurance, and 2) take steps to collect evidence (i.e. photos/pictures) at the scene of an Crash to prove the other driver was at fault. The second step will also be invaluable if you have to go to trial in order to seek full compensation.
Most people involved in an automobile Crash in Houma are not thinking clearly immediately afterward. Following just a few simple steps, however, can greatly improve the chance of receiving compensation for the accident from insurance or if the case goes to court. These include:
It is also important to have vehicle damage assessed as soon as possible by a mechanic and/or body shop. Make sure it is someone you choose and not a repair shop chosen by the other party, their insurance company or lawyer.
If a person is injured due to someone’s negligence, they have a limited time to file a lawsuit. In Louisiana, this time is two years, as of July 1, 2024. While two years is a long time, delaying legal action could cause issues when trying to recover damages. For example, important evidence may disappear or the at-fault party could leave the state. That is why experienced personal injury attorneys like Patrick Yancey recommend filing a claim as soon as possible.
To best protect your legal rights after a car crash has caused you serious personal injury, it is prudent to consult an experienced attorney. Our law office is experienced and is ready to help you with your claims.
We are dedicated to helping you fight the insurance company.
If you or your loved one is the injured party of an automobile accident, the Patrick Yancey Law Firm will devote every resource necessary to bring you the compensation you deserve. Please call us today for a free case evaluation from a Houma car Crashlawyer.
(985) 313-9791
