Do I Need a Car Crash Lawyer in Louisiana If I’m Not At Fault?
After a car crash, it may be clear that you weren’t at fault. Maybe a distracted driver rear-ended you at a red light. Or, maybe they made an improper lane change, resulting in a collision with your vehicle. Do you really need to get a lawyer for a minor collision? The lawyers at Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards know how to keep you from making mistakes that can negatively affect your settlement. Even after a small accident where it seems obvious that you are in the clear, an attorney can help you avoid loopholes and communicate with tricky insurance agencies. And, they can keep you from accepting a settlement that is much lower than you deserve.
The Short Answer Is Yes. But Why?
It may be obvious that an at-fault party caused your car accident. So, is it even necessary to contact an attorney when it is obvious that you were not at fault? The answer is yes. No matter how small or insignificant a crash may be, there are several factors to consider that may affect your settlement. Unseen injuries, dealing with “the other guy’s” insurance company, and working with complicated documentation can hurt your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can make sure that you don’t miss important deadlines and help you gather all of the evidence needed to submit your claim. In addition to calling a professional car crash lawyer in Louisiana, you should follow these steps to get the ball rolling on your claim.
1. Take Pictures of the Crash & Gather Contact Information
Photos or videos of your accident are the first pieces of evidence you can and should collect. Don’t leave the scene without these! Take pictures on your phone of the collision, the placement of your cars before they are moved, license plate numbers, and even those involved in the crash. It is also important that you write down the contact information of the guilty party, any eyewitnesses, and even of the first responders at the scene. Provide this information to your car crash lawyer to aid your claim in Louisiana.
2. Don’t Admit Fault
Whether or not you believe you may have had some responsibility in the collision, don’t admit fault of any kind. This can immediately affect your settlement and can be used against you as your case progresses. Professionals, including police and your car crash lawyer, can better determine who is at fault. Make sure to consult with your attorney before saying anything that could hurt you.
3. Go to a Doctor as Soon as Possible
Minor injuries can cause unforeseen damage. Even if you don’t have a life-altering condition or a visible cut or broken bone, smaller injuries should still be considered. Trauma from a collision can lead to pulled muscles and strained tendons. And, you won’t always feel the pain of this accident until a day or two later. Get your injuries professionally inspected to have another official file of your crash. Not only will your physical trauma be documented, but this will also show insurance companies that you are not falsifying or exaggerating your condition.
4. Contact Us Immediately for Legal Guidance
Your final step following your car crash is to reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Louisiana. Even if your lawyer does not believe that you need to take legal action for your case, they can still help you understand how to file your claim. And in the stressful aftermath of an accident, they can be a steady hand so that you don’t have to face your case alone. If you have been in a car crash, no matter if you are at fault or not, you can benefit from a consultation with our attorneys!
Work With an Experienced Car Crash Lawyer in Louisiana
The skilled attorneys at Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Give us a call at 337-291-4878 (HURT) with your questions. Or, send us a message to schedule a free confidential case review. We can make the Wright difference in your case. Let our personal injury lawyers provide you with the support you need!
