The aftermath of a car accident in New Orleans can be overwhelming, to say the least. When you’re injured as a passenger in a car accident, the logistics of your financial recovery can become even more complex. As you try to heal physically and emotionally, you must also determine how to pay for your medical expenses. Because you weren’t driving, you weren’t responsible for the accident, but who was?
Investigating your accident will be necessary to determine who caused your accident. From there, you can prove fault and reach out to the liable party’s insurance company. As a passenger, you deserve a settlement for all the damages you suffered. A New Orleans car accident lawyer from Smiley Law Firm, LLC will work hard to get the most out of your claim.
There are a few parties who could be at fault for your car accident. The driver of the vehicle you were in may be at fault if they were speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence. If your driver collided with another driver on the road, the other driver may also be at fault.
If you were involved in a single-car accident, it’s also possible that a car malfunction caused your accident. If this is the case, then the car manufacturer may be liable for your injuries. Roadway hazards can also lead to accidents. Occasionally, the city can be held liable if it was negligent in repairing or removing a roadway hazard.
Once you know how your car accident happened, you must gather evidence to support your claim. A lawyer can help you get the police report from your wreck, which will provide information on everyone involved. You can also use witness statements, photographs, and your medical records as evidence. If you think the driver of your vehicle caused the accident, your personal testimony may hold weight.
Calculating your damages is important when filing a claim because your damages will determine how much money you receive. Your economic damages may include medical expenses from treating your injuries and lost income from missing work. Your non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and scarring and disfigurement.
Hiring a New Orleans car accident lawyer to negotiate for you in mediation or court is essential. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you’ll feel more confident moving forward with your case. If the driver of the car you were in caused your accident, it can be difficult to sue. However, you need compensation to recover fully and move forward.
You shouldn’t feel guilty about pursuing a settlement because you’ll be seeking money from the driver’s insurance company, not the driver. It’s also important to remember that insurance companies make a large profit off their drivers each year. What you’ve been through matters, and the settlement you win will benefit you more than it’ll hurt them.
If you’re ready to discuss your case in greater detail with our team at Smiley Law Firm, LLC, call 504-894-9653 to schedule a free consultation or visit our website for more information.
Founded in 2005, Smiley Law Firm is a full-service New Orleans personal injury and construction accident law firm serving clients in Louisiana, Texas, and California. We bring passion and dedication to the field of personal injury law and strive to give our clients the aggressive, tireless legal representation they deserve as they seek justice for their injuries.... View full business profile here: Smiley Law Firm, LLC
