Traffic accidents are always a concern here in New Orleans. One of the ways you could get into one is from a side-impact collision, a type of accident in which one car crashes into the side of another vehicle. It often causes more damage than other types of crashes since a car’s sides are typically not as reinforced as its front and rear.
Victims of side-impact auto accidents in New Orleans can get help from Ben Crump Law, PLLC. The team’s New Orleans side-impact collisions lawyers are here to help you get compensation for your losses. For questions, call (844) 730-0233.
Your Recovery Options
Louisiana is a fault state, which means you do not have to use your auto insurance first after an accident in New Orleans. Drivers must carry liability coverage as part of the state’s auto insurance requirements. It helps pay for the injury and property damage costs they cause in an accident, like hospital bills and repairs. You can file a third-party claim with their insurance provider to get your expenses covered.
If an insurance claim does not work, you could consider filing an accident case against the driver or other parties responsible. A judge or jury will review your evidence and decide how much you should recover from the liable party. Lawsuits can be more expensive than claims due to the legal fees and legwork involved in filing one. It may also take months to reach a verdict. However, you may receive a fairer judgment since a jury will likely examine the lawsuit more objectively. On the other hand, an insurer may reduce the amount they have to pay you by downplaying the liable driver’s fault when you submit a claim.
The liable driver may also propose that you settle matters privately. They may offer to pay you upfront or agree to negotiate with you. While this may seem appealing, you run the risk of not getting compensated for the amount you are entitled to receive. This mistake can be costly, especially if you are dealing with mounting medical expenses from an injury caused by the accident.
For a free legal consultation with a side-impact collisions lawyer serving New Orleans, call (844) 730-0233
The Government Is Not Immune to Liability
Government employees and agencies in New Orleans can also be liable for side-impact collisions they cause while on duty. The Louisiana Governmental Claims Act lets you file an injury or property damage claim against the public department agency at fault. Here in New Orleans, you can bring your complaint to the Risk Management Unit at the Chief Administrative Office. They will investigate the agency before determining whether you should get paid or not.
New Orleans Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Side-Impact Collision Case Damages
Winning the side-impact collision case lets you recover economic damages, including medical expenses, car repairs or rentals, and lost income. Should the accident result in death, wrongful death damages such as funeral expenses will also be available. You can also receive non-economic damages as compensation for abstract costs, such as the disabilities, disfigurements, and psychological trauma you suffered due to the accident.
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Comparative Fault Could Apply to Your Accident
Louisiana uses the comparative fault rule in car accidents. It means that if the claim adjuster or the jury finds you partially liable for the New Orleans side-impact crash, you may only recover a portion of your total compensation. For example, say that your damages initially amounted to $700,000, but you were deemed 30 percent at fault for speeding. You would now only get $490,000 or 70 percent. Such a rule makes it critical for you to have as much proof of the other driver’s fault as possible, as it might help reduce the percentage of fault placed on you.
Before filing any claim or lawsuit against the parties at fault, you could first discuss your concerns with a New Orleans side-impact collisions lawyer. Ben Crump Law, PLLC will assess your situation and help you take the appropriate course of action. You can call today to consult with the team.
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A News Orleans Collisions Lawyer Can Help You
Forming a car accident suit or claim by yourself might make matters more distressing for you, especially since you may still be dealing with injuries, damage repairs, or mourning your loved one’s death. You can have an auto collision lawyer work with you to lessen your load. For instance, they can help gather and review your evidence to check for insufficiencies or other possible liable parties. They can also negotiate with the other driver or the insurer on your behalf and guide you through court proceedings.
The New Orleans accident lawyer’s familiarity with local laws is another factor you may want to consider. They study the state and city codes and can check which ones apply to your accident. For instance, the other motorist was driving while drunk, which is a driving offense under state law. The attorney can use this as more proof of their liability in the accident.
Submit within Filing Deadlines
The lawyer’s legal knowledge means that they can determine your case’s requirements, including your statute of limitations. Louisiana has a relatively short time limit for car accidents. You have only one year to file your New Orleans suit, regardless of whether it involves injuries, property damage, or deaths. This time allowance can make matters more hectic for you, but an attorney’s assistance can help ensure that you meet the deadline.
Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
A side-impact accident can lead to costly medical treatments and auto repairs or even a family member’s death. But know that you can find justice here in New Orleans. Ben Crump Law, PLLC understands your hardships and has a New Orleans side-impact collisions lawyer ready to provide legal assistance until you get compensated. As a contingency-fee-based law firm, our attorneys do not charge fees if you do not win.
Our team fights against civil rights violations, discrimination, and other injustices throughout the U.S. Apart from auto accidents, we can also work with you on other civil cases, including class actions, wrongful incarceration, and medical malpractice lawsuits. Call (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation.
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