shreveport car accident lawyers

Ideally, you’d talk to an attorney before the insurance company, and your lawyer would deal with the insurer on your behalf. If that’s not possible, only tell the insurance company the facts you know about the crash. That could include things like (but not limited to):

• The location, date, and time of the crash
• The name(s) and/or contact information for the other involved parties
• The name(s) and/or contact information for police who responded to the scene
• What you heard, saw, or did before, during, or after the crash only if you are totally sure that it occurred
• Whether you received emergency medical care after the accident

Here’s what you should avoid doing when reporting the crash to the insurance company or at any point after that when communicate with them:

• Don’t give an “official” statement until you are ready: These statements are recorded, and they can be used against you if you get certain details wrong, you misphrase something, or insurers find ways to trip you up.
• Don’t rely on the insurance company for help: The adjuster isn’t your friend. They are protecting the company’s interests, which are focused on minimizing payouts and maximizing company profits. So, don’t trust the adjuster to be helpful, and don’t count on them to do the right thing by you.

The right attorney can help you in every possible way with your claim. That can include identifying the at-fault parties and your options for justice while also:

• Initiating your car accident claim and helping you pursue every available legal remedy
• Investigating the crash, collecting key evidence, and crafting a strong, persuasive case
• Going to bat for you and fighting to protect your rights when it’s time to interact with insurance companies
• Determining damages and fiercely advocating for full, fair compensation for your claim.

At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, our Shreveport car accident lawyers do all of that and a whole lot more. From day one through the resolution of your claim, we will be tireless, focused advocates for you, working to strengthen and advance your claim towards the best outcome possible. Along the way, you can expect client-focused representation, honest advice, and clear communication.

We have vast experience representing victims and families in an array of car accident cases, including those involving:

• Multi-vehicle wrecks, including those that involve trucks, buses, and motorcycles
• Head-on collisions, which are often among the most devastating and deadly traffic wrecks
• Rear-end collisions, which invoke specific statutes in Louisiana (La. R.S. 32:81)
• T-bone collisions, rollovers, parking lot accidents, fatal crashes, and many other types of car wrecks

Under Louisiana Civil Code, Article 3492, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally one year from the date of the accident. This means that if you have been injured in a car accident or sustained property damage, you have a limited time frame of one year to initiate a legal claim against the at-fault party. Failing to file a lawsuit within this time period may result in the court refusing to hear your case, effectively barring you from seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.

It's crucial to be aware of this strict time constraint and take prompt action if you intend to pursue a lawsuit after being injured in a car accident in the Shreveport area. Contacting an attorney immediately after a wreck and starting the legal process early allows for sufficient time to gather evidence, assess damages, and negotiate with insurance companies if necessary. Keep in mind that each case is unique, and seeking professional legal advice is the best way to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your specific situation.

Louisiana requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover injuries and damages to others in case of an accident. As of 2023, the minimum liability coverage is typically expressed as 15/30/25, which means:

• $15,000 for bodily injury per person

• $30,000 for bodily injury per accident

• $25,000 for property damage per accident

It is important to be aware that your own lack of insurance can limit your recovery in the event of an accident. Louisiana has a “No Pay, No Play” law which restricts certain benefits for uninsured drivers involved in accidents. In other words, if a negligent driver hits you while you are driving without the mandatory minimum amount of insurance, you likely won’t be able to recover for the first $15,000 of bodily injury damages or the first $25,000 of property damages.

Determining the exact worth of a car accident case is challenging as it depends on various factors unique to each situation. Some essential factors that can influence the value of a car accident case in Shreveport include:

• The extent of your injuries and their long-term impact

• The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle

• The strength evidence proving the other party’s liability

• The amount of insurance coverage available

• The level of pain and suffering your injuries caused you to endure

• The negotiation skills of your attorney

Keep in mind that each case is unique, and the ultimate worth will depend on the individual circumstances surrounding the accident. To get a more accurate estimate of your car accident case's worth, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable attorney at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers. Our lawyers can evaluate the specific details of your case, assess the damages, and provide a realistic expectation of the compensation you may be entitled to pursue.

There are ZERO upfront costs to retain a Shreveport car accident attorney at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers and get experienced counsel for an auto accident claim.

We work on contingency, so we only get paid if we recover compensation for your claim. No recovery, no fees. We are here to help car accident victims, not add to their financial stresses during such a difficult time. Our fee arrangement provides peace of mind that we will do everything possible to win.

This is a question to ask an attorney in a free consultation. The reason is that a few other questions must be answered first before it’s possible to ballpark the duration of a particular claim. Those questions include (and are not limited to):

• Do you know who is at fault? If so, who and are you one of the at-fault parties?
• Is fault a point of dispute or could it be later?
• What types of injuries did you suffer in the accident?
• Did you get medical treatment after the accident? Have there been gaps in medical treatment since?

With these answers comes a clearer picture of your case and how straightforward or complex it may be. Nevertheless, here are some other things to keep in mind about car accident cases and how long they take:

• Most car accident claims aren’t resolved in a matter of days. It usually takes longer, like weeks, months, or more.
• The more complicated or dispute-ridden a case is, the longer it will likely take to resolve.
• It’s often best for all parties to try to reach settlements out of court. That can lead to more favorable and efficient resolutions. Still, it does not mean you have to accept an unfair settlement.