Learning how to file a personal injury claim after a car accident in Louisiana is an important endeavor to protect your rights. If you or a loved one suffered property damage or accident injuries, you have limited time to seek compensation. Compensation can cover your property damage, personal injury, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
An experienced personal injury lawyer in New Orleans can help guide you through the process, negotiate with your insurance company, and represent you in court if necessary.
Actions to Follow After You Are Involved In a Car Accident
We have grouped the proper actions to take after you sustain injuries from a car accident into three categories: steps to take immediately after the crash, in the aftermath of the crash, and special considerations if the accident involved a government vehicle. If you still have questions after reading this article, the experienced car accident lawyers at Voorhies Law Firm can help.
Read on to learn how to file a personal injury claim after a car accident.
What To Do Immediately After the Car Accident
If you are seriously injured, seek immediate medical attention. If you do not require immediate medical attention, begin your personal injury claim by collecting the following evidence:
- Notify the police and file a report
- Exchange information with the other drivers
- Photograph the scene and cars involved from multiple angles
- Collect statements from any witnesses
- Notify your insurance company
- Seek medical attention
During this time, be sure not to admit fault or make a statement indicating that you are not injured. The court will determine fault, and your doctor will decide if you are injured.
Finally, call the at-fault driver’s insurance company again and request confirmation that your insurance claim is on file.
What To Do in the Aftermath of the Car Accident
When you file your personal injury claim, you will need to identify the at-fault party, present the facts of your case and corroborating evidence, and identify your damages.
You should have the name of the other parties involved in the accident. Usually, they are the at-fault party. You know the facts of the case, and you have photographic evidence and witness statements to corroborate it. Include the following when determining your damages:
- All medical costs
- Property damage
- Lost income from work
- Your pain and suffering
With this information, you can file your personal injury claim in court.
If you need professional assistance, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Voorhies Law Firm in New Orleans.
Filing Personal Injury Claims Against the City of New Orleans
If you were involved in a car accident with a government vehicle, the personal injury claim process is a little different. The process affords you less time to file your claim, limits the compensation you receive, and takes longer to resolve.
Pursuing damages against a governmental agency has an additional requirement. You must notify the Louisiana department that employs the negligent individual with a notice of claim. You may obtain a form notice from the City Attorney’s Office. Provide all of the relevant information and, critically, any supporting documentation you have available.
After completing an internal investigation, the city will:
- Offer you a settlement (unlikely)
- Deny your claim (likely)
- Fail to respond to your claim (unlikely)
If the city offers you a settlement, you can negotiate for damages. You may avail yourself of the legal process in the same manner as any personal injury case if the city denies or fails to respond to your notice of claim.
Speak to An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in New Orleans
If you or a loved one needs to know how to file a personal injury claim after a car accident, speak to one of our experienced attorneys. Handling a personal injury case in New Orleans requires knowledge and experience. The Voorhies Law Firm has both. Call us today at 504-875-2223.
