What Are The Top Misconceptions People Have About Auto Accident Cases?

The most common misconception people have about auto accident cases is that a lot of people think that being in an auto accident is like winning the lottery. They feel that if they are in an automobile accident then that it just automatically equals big bucks. However, that is definitely a misconception. When you are in an automobile accident, you have to be able to show that the cause of it was the fault of somebody else, namely the driver of the vehicle that hit you. Besides having to prove the fault of the driver, you have to keep your fingers crossed that the driver’s going to have automobile liability insurance. It is a misconception that a lot of people think that just because they are in a wreck, they get money. It gets down to the driver of the automobile and people don’t realize that there are a lot of people on the road without liability insurance. Another misconception is that they think that the adjuster for the responsible driver is a nice guy and he wants to help them and be their friend. But that’s a definite misconception. That adjuster is out to do you ill rather than to help you out. Another misconception is that so many of the potential claimers think that they can save money by handling their own claim without an attorney. However, national statistics have shown that claimants who hire attorneys get an average of three times more money than those who do no. People think that their claim can be settled in 30 to 60 days but that’s a common misconception because it depends on how bad the person is hurt and how often he sees the doctor and how he progresses with his physical therapy and doctor’s appointment, getting medication and so forth. All of those are misconceptions that we see when the clients come to us.

What Is Fault? How Does It Affect My Auto Accident Case In Louisiana?

Being able to find fault of the driver of the car that hit you is a crucial factor. In Louisiana, where I practice, you must prove that the other driver did something wrong. That’s what we call fault. We have to show that the collision was his fault, that he ran the stop light or he ran the red light, he was drunk, he was speeding or he turned in front of you. Generally speaking, my first job as your attorney is to develop the fault of the other driver. If there’s no fault that would generally mean no recovery of money. Of course, my over 60 years of experience has taught me to be a great fault finder and that is my specialty.

What Are The Statute Of Limitations For Bringing An Auto Accident Claim In Louisiana?

Unfortunately, Louisiana has one of the shortest statute of limitations or time limits on filing of the actual suit for an auto accident claim. In Louisiana, our time limit is one year from the date of the collision. You either have to settle your claim within that one-year period or you have to actually file a suit before one year from the date of the accident.

What Steps Should I Take If I Have Been Injured In An Auto Accident?

The first thing that the claimant should be thinking about if he’s been injured in an auto accident is his own health and safety or the health and safety of a family member who was injured in his automobile accident. They should always be attended to first. Get medical attention first, then contact us. We have the experience of many years to guide the claimant through the steps that he should take from there.

What Defenses Do Insurance Companies Use To Avoid Paying Out On Auto Accident Claims?

The insurance company of the at-fault driver will use every reason that they can think of to hold on to your money in an auto accident claim. The money that you get out of that insurance company is really your money from the time the at-fault driver has the wreck with you. As long as they can delay in paying your claim, they are using your money to either earn interest or investment profits with that money. They will try to shift the fault to you. They will tell you, “Oh, I am sorry. We can’t give you any money. You ran the stop sign. You were speeding. You had been drinking. You did not give proper turn indication. You did not hear the other driver blow his horn. Your brakes did not operate properly. You are faking your injury. You didn’t take your medications timely. You didn’t keep your doctor’s appointments”. All of these things they will throw up to delay paying you the money, which, like I said, is your money, but they have it in their bank and they’re earning interest on it while they’re not paying it to you.

For more information on Misconceptions About Auto Accidents, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (225) 228-3450 today.

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