Car Accident FAQ
Answers you can trust from New Orleans accident attorney John S. Williams
What should you do after your car accident? How much is your accident worth? Who can you take legal action against? All of these questions are important if you have been in an accident. But where can you find answers? Who can you trust?
In New Orleans, many people rely on the knowledge and skills of car accident lawyer John S. Williams. He has dedicated his legal career to helping people who need his help the most, whether they’re dealing with a car crash or another type of serious accident.
Attorney Williams has more than 15 years of legal experience. He thoroughly understands Louisiana’s laws when it comes to car crashes. You can count on him for sound legal advice and to demand the maximum financial compensation for your crash.
What is your car accident question?
Below, you can find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about car accidents. If you don’t see your specific question listed below, don’t worry. Even if you do, we encourage you to contact our law firm to discuss your crash.
Each case often presents its own unique challenges. We understand that at our law firm. That’s why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach to car accident claims. We will take the time to find out what happened to you, then create a strategy that suits your specific circumstances.
- Should I call the police after my car accident?
- Should I talk to the other driver after my accident?
- Should I call my insurance company after my car accident?
- What should I do if the other driver’s insurance company contacts me?
- Should I accept a settlement offer from the other driver’s insurance company?
- How does the car accident claim process work?
- Who decides who’s at fault after a car accident?
- Can I ask for more money for my car accident?
- How much is my car accident worth?
- What can I be compensated for after my car accident?
- Who can I sue after my car accident?
- How much time do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Louisiana?
- Why should I hire a car accident lawyer in Louisiana?
Should I call the police after my car accident?
Yes. Don’t let the other driver talk you out of calling the police after your car crash. In fact, it’s the law in Louisiana if you were involved in a car accident that resulted in serious injuries or fatalities. You must call the police. Having a police officer there investigating your accident will also result in an official police report for your accident. Insurance companies carefully review these reports when deciding who was at fault and whether to compensate someone for a car crash.
Should I talk to the other driver after my accident?
Yes, you can talk to the other driver after your accident. However, you should keep your comments brief. Don’t discuss your accident. Simply get the other driver’s name, address, phone number and insurance information. You can provide the same information to the other driver. Anything else you say could be used as evidence to deny your accident claim.
Should I call my insurance company after my car accident?
Yes. You should call your insurance agent or provider and tell them you have been in a crash caused by another driver. During your first call, keep your comments brief. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may need to file an accident claim with your own insurance company. Anything you say could potentially be used to deny your claim, especially in a hit-and-run accident, which will likely require you to file a claim with your insurance company.
What should I do if the other driver’s insurance company contacts me?
Even if their questions seem simple or straightforward, do not talk to anyone that works for the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You do not legally have to talk to them. Anything you say could be used to reduce or deny your accident claim. Leave discussions with the other driver’s insurance company to your attorney.
Should I accept a settlement offer from the other driver’s insurance company?
Don’t be surprised if the other driver’s insurance company contacts you soon after your accident, offering to settle your accident claim. Such offers can be very tempting, especially if you already have a lot of bills coming in related to your car crash. Insurance companies know this. That’s why they often make such offers, which don’t even come close to covering all your accident-related expenses. What many people might not realize is once you accept such an offer, you cannot come back in the future and ask for more money. You should discuss any settlement claim offer with your attorney. They can advise you on whether such an offer is a good deal or if you should reject it.
How does the car accident claim process work?
The car accident claim process is fairly straightforward yet also very complex. If you have been in an accident involving another driver, investigators will determine who was at fault. The total estimated value of your accident-related expenses will then be determined, and you should be compensated for all your expenses. That might sound simple. However, actually receiving all the compensation you deserve can often be very challenging. That’s why it’s critical that you have an attorney on your side you who understands how the claim process really works.
Who decides who’s at fault after a car accident?
Many different people or companies will often try to weigh in on who was at fault in your car accident. These people and companies include:
- The at-fault driver’s insurance company
- The attorney or attorneys working for the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- Your insurance company
Make sure your voice is heard loud and clear during these important discussions. Hire an accident attorney who only works for you. Your lawyer can make explain what happened based on your explanation of what happened, along with your attorney’s independent investigation. This is very important since who is at fault is responsible for compensating the other driver for their accident-related expenses.
Can I ask for more money for my car accident?
Yes. You absolutely have the right to request more money for your accident-related expenses. This is especially important if the at-fault driver’s insurance company makes a lowball settlement offer after your car accident. You deserve to be compensated for all your expenses associated with your accident. Your car accident attorney can help you demand additional money if you believe you’re not being offered a fair amount after your crash.
How much is my car accident worth?
There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to the value of car accident claims. Some may be worth thousands of dollars. Others may be worth millions. The difference depends on many different factors, including how much time you need to fully recover, as well as the severity of your injuries. No matter what type of injury you sustained in your car crash, an attorney can review the details of your case and provide an estimate for the value of your car accident claim.
What can I be compensated for after my car accident?
Many insurance companies focus on accident-related expenses shortly after a crash. The bottom line is you should be fully compensated for all your injury-related expenses, now and in the future, including:
- Emergency medical procedures
- Medical diagnostic testing
- Surgery or other operations
- Prescription medications
- Follow-up doctor’s appointments
- Physical therapy
- The cost to repair or replace your vehicle
- Replacement income during recovery
- Lost future income, if you cannot return to work
- Pain and suffering, in certain circumstances
Who can I sue after my car accident?
In general, you can file a lawsuit or take other legal action against anyone who was at fault in your accident. This can include a wide range of people or companies depending on the specific circumstances related to your car crash. Specifically, you may be able to file a lawsuit against:
- The at-fault driver
- The at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- The manufacturer of the vehicle that caused your accident (if there was a mechanical defect)
Don’t try to deal with your car accident claim on your own. Get the help you need and deserve with your car accident lawsuit from an attorney you can trust. Talk to a lawyer in your area who understands how the legal system works and who can explain your legal options.
How much time do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Louisiana?
Louisiana has one of the strictest deadlines in the country when it comes to filing a lawsuit or taking other legal action after a car accident. In Louisiana, you only have one year from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit. This deadline can fly by fast, especially if you’re dealing with a serious injury caused by your accident. An accident attorney can explain your options and keep your legal case on track and on time. Otherwise, you could miss out on your opportunity to obtain the financial compensation you deserve for your crash.
Why should I hire a car accident lawyer in Louisiana?
When you have an experienced attorney on your side after your car crash, you can make sure your voice is heard loud and clear. Often, insurance companies – especially for the at-fault driver – will try to dictate what happens after an accident. Your lawyer can make sure your best interests get the attention they rightfully deserve.
Your lawyer can make sure facts of your accident are correct by conducting an independent investigation. Your lawyer can speak for you at the negotiating table and seek a fair settlement on your behalf. If necessary, your lawyer can file lawsuit on your behalf and fight for the money you deserve at trial in court. Remember, you didn’t do anything wrong. You deserve justice.
Put the power of a New Orleans accident attorney to work for you
This may be your only opportunity for justice. Make sure you make the strongest legal case possible. Contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation today. Accident attorney John S. Williams understands the urgency of your case. That’s why he wants to get right to work. You can count on him in a crisis.