Things accident victims in Gardere can do to increase their chances of a successful settlement
Gardere, LA – When a person has been injured in a motor vehicle crash, ideally they will want to be compensated to cover all of their losses. This will usually include things like healthcare costs, their lost wages due to missed time at work, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering. While the victim should receive guidance from a lawyer during this process, there are also some things that they can personally do to try to help their case.
Seeking out medical treatment and records
After an accident has been reported, the victim should get medical help for any symptoms that are present, even if they are not obvious immediately after the accident or take several days to appear. This is important because there will be records available to help prove the extent of the person’s injuries. It is also significant if there are going to be effects on the person’s future ability to work due to their condition, as this is relevant to damages for lost income.
Documenting the accident
The victim should get appropriate documentation of the accident report conducted by law enforcement, and take their own photos or talk to witnesses at the scene if possible. This kind of evidence can be very useful at a later time if there are any factual disputes during the discovery process or settlement negotiations. The accident report is also a crucial piece of evidence, as law enforcement personnel with traffic experience will give details and opinions regarding the cause of the crash.
Getting legal advice early
After an accident victim contacts their insurance company to report the collision, they should try to meet with an attorney to get an overview of any legal issues related to their case. It is best to do this and attempt to file the case as quickly as realistically possible after the crash, as there is a statute of limitations of only one year in Louisiana for any kind of injury or accident lawsuit. The attorney can also start to represent the client’s best interests during the course of the litigation related to the crash as soon as an attorney client relationship has been established. The lawyer also advocates against the insurance company for the best settlement amount possible.
Advice after an accident in Louisiana
Miller, Hampton, and Hlgendorf is a law firm that works to help accident victims in Gardere and other parts of Louisiana. People who need to meet with their lawyers can schedule an initial consultation.
USAttorneys.com is a service that can help people find local lawyers in their area. Anyone who needs assistance with their search for a legal professional can call 800-672-3103
Firm contact info:
Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf
3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-343-2205
www.mlhlaw.com
