A car accident is stressful—especially if it wasn’t your fault. These unexpected events often result in property loss, painful injuries, and sometimes death. Recovery isn’t easy, and if you’re the one who is hurt, you may face time off work, lost pay, and extra medical bills you might not know how to pay.
After an accident, it’s not always clear what to do next. But the good news is, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
If you were hurt in a motor vehicle accident, here’s what you need to know about recovering damages in Louisiana and what a skilled attorney can do to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Car Accidents Cause Serious and Sometimes Tragic Injuries
In Louisiana, motor vehicle accidents happen about every 15 minutes. According to estimates, 19.1% of these car accidents are fatal, with thousands more injured each year. These injuries range from benign to severe and include:
• Minor cuts and bruises.
• Whiplash.
• Fractures and broken bones.
• Amputation
• Traumatic brain injury.
• Paralysis.
If someone else was at fault for your accident, you may be able to recover some of these losses. However, knowing what you’re entitled to and how much to ask for can be tricky. A knowledgeable accident attorney can handle these stresses and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Getting Compensation for Your Injuries
Car accident injuries fall under the umbrella of personal injury law. These laws are designed to compensate victims for harm caused by someone else’s mistake or negligence and hold the responsible parties financially accountable for those damages.
In Louisiana, personal injury damages fall into three main categories:
• Economic damages—cover tangible financial losses you can easily calculate, such as lost wages, medical expenses, property damages, and other measurable impacts from your injuries.
• Non-economic damages—cover subjective, intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify because they are not billable or itemized. This includes harm such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive Damages—are extra funds awarded on top of your actual damages but are not given in every case. These are “punishment” damages, which the court reserves for malicious or egregious behavior.
According to Louisiana law, a driver is liable for their percentage of fault for the accident. If multiple parties are at fault in your incident, then each is liable for their portion of injury damages.
Do I Have to Hire an Attorney?
The short answer is no. Louisiana laws never require you to hire an attorney for a car accident or any other matter. No matter how severe your injuries are, you are always free to represent yourself or forego representation altogether. However, it’s not always a great idea.
Personal injury law is complex and nuanced. On your own, it’s easy to make expensive—sometimes irreversible—mistakes. An experienced attorney can help you navigate common pitfalls and get the most compensation possible.
Generally, it’s a good idea to hire an attorney if the accident involves:
• Serious injury.
• Property damage.
• Disputed liability.
• Problems with insurance.
• Issues with an uninsured motorist.
• Complex legal questions.
• Long-term consequences.
If your accident was minor, with no injuries and clear liability, you may be able to manage the claim yourself. However, it’s still a good idea to talk to an attorney. Qualified representation can ensure you understand your rights and potential compensation.
Were You Hurt in a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Getting hurt in a car accident is scary and stressful. But with the right representation, recovering the money you’re owed from those injuries doesn’t have to be. If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident and want to know how an attorney can help, we want to hear from you. Contact Lamothe Law Firm today for a free consultation, and let our team of highly experienced personal injury attorneys help get you the compensation you’re owed.