Car Accident Settlement Process in Louisiana

October 13th, 2019

A settlement is a legal term used to define any agreement between two or more parties that avoids or drops a pending lawsuit and instead awards compensation out of a court setting. Knowing the settlement process in Louisiana can help you understand your rights and what your next best steps should include.

Steps Before Settlement

Before the settlement process can proceed correctly and legally, certain steps must occur to ensure that the victim is eligible to receive compensation for damages and injuries. The following steps need to be taken before the settlement process can begin.

• Report the Accident to Police. Reporting a car accident in Louisiana is the important first step in the process. Contacting the police will establish an official police record of the accident.
• Seek Medical Attention. If you have been injured in a car accident in Louisiana, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is important not only for your health but also provides documentation of your injury and diagnosis by a doctor or other medical professional. These medical documents will prove important to the settlement process.
• Create an Accident File. If you have lost wages due to the inability to work, you should document this information carefully. Creating an accident file will allow you to include this type of documentation, as well as the police report, medical information, witness contact information, pictures from the scene of the accident, and even a personal diary of any pain and suffering you may experience.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations in Louisiana for filing a personal injury claim is only one year from the date of the accident. This is an extremely short time frame. It is important to file your lawsuit as soon as possible or you could be denied the ability to pursue your claim in court. This clock does not run against minors under the age of 18.

Determining Your Damages

As you begin the settlement process, you will first need to determine the nature and extent of your damages. This figure may include but is not limited to:

• Degree of temporary or permanent disability
• Medical bills
• Disfigurement
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Once you have been examined by a medical professional, have determined lost wages and any other damages due to the car accident, you can make a decision regarding how much you should be compensated for your injuries and damages. Some of the most common factors involved in determining a settlement amount include the extent of your injuries, if you are permanently disabled, and if you were responsible at all for any portion of the accident. Meeting with an experienced accident attorney can help you understand your rights, build your case and determine the extent of your damages.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in a car accident in Louisiana, you may be wondering what your claim is worth and how to begin the process of recovering compensation. The experienced car accident attorneys at the The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm can help you understand your rights and help you determine your next steps. Contact one of our attorneys today at (504) 586-5200, (504) 586-5200, or online.