Is It Worth Getting A Lawyer for A Minor Car Accident in Louisiana?

Is it worth getting a lawyer for a minor accident?

The answer is yes, but many people have their doubts, especially if it’s their first accident. They just want to move on with their life! We understand, but we want to shed more light on the scenario.

When you get into a fender bender, you may not think it’s necessary to call accident lawyers. Minor accidents seem unimportant compared to the more tragic crashes you see on the highway, but they’re not just an inconvenience or interruption in your day. They can have serious underlying consequences for both your health and your vehicle.

Below we share more information about these risks, plus recommendations on what to do after a minor car accident in Louisiana.

For more guidance on how to maximize your settlement amount after any wreck, reach out to a Louisiana car accident lawyer now by calling 800-898-4877 or filling out our contact page for a free case evaluation.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Even if you don’t think you’re hurt from a minor car accident, aches and pains may pop up in the next few days. A rush of adrenaline occurs within your body during a surprising event like a car accident, and the adrenaline may temporarily mask your pain. This is why it’s important to get checked out by a doctor after a car accident—yes, even a minor one!

Below are the types of car accident injuries we see most often:

• Wrist or arm injury: When your hands are on your steering wheel, your wrists and arms absorb a lot of impact from an accident. Wrist and arm injuries may require surgery or physical therapy. They can also impact your life by limiting your ability to care for yourself, participate in hobbies, or handle responsibilities at work.
• Airbag injury: If your airbags go off, they could actually hurt you in their attempt to protect you. Airbag burns are unfortunately common, and sometimes the force of an airbag is enough to break a bone!
• Soft tissue injury: Soft tissue injuries include bruises, sprains, and muscle tears or contusions. While rest and ice packs can help, some soft tissue injuries require medical attention, medication, physical therapy, and/or visits to a chiropractor to alleviate the pain and help you recover.
• Back injury: Even a minor car accident can cause your vertebrae to get compressed or misaligned. This is a painful injury that can leave you temporarily bedridden or permanently disabled. Diagnostic imaging like MRIs could be necessary to figure out the root of the problem.
• Brain injury: The impact of a traumatic brain injury is devastating. Severe cases of whiplash can cause your brain to hit the inside of your skull. You could also hit your head on your steering wheel or dash, causing a concussion.

Never underestimate your pain or try to “grin and bear it.” Time doesn’t heal all wounds, and if you wait too long to see a doctor, your injuries may worsen or follow you for the rest of your life.

Do not allow someone else’s negligence to leave you in pain. Get a lawyer and get connected to the medical care you need!

Property Damage in Minor Car Accidents

Victims of minor low impact car accidents often try to avoid a visit to the auto shop. Sometimes they even settle for some fast cash from the at-fault driver.

But just as you could underestimate your physical injuries after an accident, you can also underestimate the damage done to your car. You might think there’s just some cosmetic damage like a scratched paint job, but your vehicle could have an underlying issue that costs thousands to fix.

Here are common examples of property damage in a minor car accident:

• Grille damage
• Frame damage
• Scratched or dented bumper
• Cracked tail lights or headlights
• Alignment problems and axle problems
• Damage to control arm bushings or joints
• The doors, trunk, or car hood won’t close any more

When it comes to car trouble, prevention is the cure. Minor damages can snowball into major complications if you don’t catch them in time, and some of these are invisible to the naked eye.

Don’t gamble with your safety. Have your car—and yourself!—thoroughly checked out after a minor accident. Additionally, insurance companies have time limits for reporting accidents, so call as soon as you can.

If you’re worried about paying for these services or you’re feeling overwhelmed by the insurance claims process, we are here for you. Call 800-898-4877 or visit our contact page for a free consultation!

What to Do After A Minor Car Accident

Follow these steps after any car crash. They’ll greatly benefit you and your case, whether you end up hiring a lawyer or not.

1. Call police. In Louisiana you are legally required to report any auto accident that results in injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage. However, you might want to call police for minor accidents as well, because police will create an accident report featuring the details of the wreck. This report is valuable evidence that can help determine fault.
2. Exchange info. Get the other driver’s name, drivers license information, car insurance provider, license plate number, etc. Provide your information to them, but do not apologize or admit fault. If there were any witnesses, take down their names and numbers and/or ask them to wait until police arrive so they can give a statement.
3. Take pictures. Use your cell phone to snap photos of everything from multiple angles. Take pictures of the vehicle damage, street signs, traffic lights, debris, tire marks, injuries, etc.
4. Call your auto insurance. Tell them you’ve been involved in an accident. Give them the details and the other driver’s information to begin a claim, but don’t give a recorded statement.
5. Go see a doctor. Your health should be your top priority. As we mentioned above, minor injuries could worsen or become permanent if you try to ignore them. You may need diagnostic imaging to detect problems caused by a minor car accident.
6. Talk to a local car accident lawyer. To learn more about your rights, get a free case evaluation from a Louisiana car accident lawyer. They’ll let you know the value of your case and what options to pursue next.

How A Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Sure, you already know lawyers handle all the complex legal stuff like writing demand letters, creating settlement packages, and meeting deadlines.

You also know lawyers can connect you with medical care and rental vehicles.

But what if you don’t need those things?

There are two more important processes a lawyer help you with, even after a minor accident:

Determining Liability

Proof of negligence is the main piece of any accident claim. This means you need evidence—and lots of it—in order to show the other driver was at fault.

A car accident lawyer can compile evidence from multiple sources like photos, surveillance videos, police reports, medical records, witness testimonies, and more. They will use this evidence to strengthen your case and prove the other driver was liable.

If you’re in an accident with a commercial vehicle, the company that owns the vehicle may be held responsible. Additionally, rideshare companies often have insurance policies for their drivers. If you get into an accident with an Uber or a Lyft—whether you’re a passenger or another driver on the road—you can still seek compensation. A Louisiana car accident lawyer knows how to pursue all possible avenues for compensation and help you make a full recovery.

Negotiating with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters can be frustrating. They’ll try to poke holes in your story, twist your words against you, invalidate your feelings, and dismiss your pain. They might even snoop on your social media accounts or medical history to find something to use against you!

They treat you like this because they don’t want to give you the money they deserve. Insurance companies are only interested in protecting their bottom line.

However, an experienced car accident lawyer knows how to fight back and aggressively advocate for you.

When the insurance adjuster calls, you have the right to direct all communication to your lawyer so you can focus on getting back to your daily life.

We’re ready to negotiate on your behalf and get you the compensation you deserve. Even a minor accident could entitle you to thousands of dollars of settlement money. To find out how much compensation you’re eligible for, speak with a Louisiana car accident lawyer today!

How Much Does A Louisiana Car Accident Attorney Cost?

Most personal injury attorneys, including our Louisiana car accident attorneys, work on a contingency fee basis. These fee rules mean you’ll pay nothing up front, and nothing at all unless we win your case. When we’re victorious, we deduct legal fees from a portion of the final settlement amount, and the rest goes in your pockets.

When Should I Hire A Car Accident Lawyer in Louisiana?

As soon as you can! We know the claims process can be confusing and discouraging, but the guidance of an attorney can be a big help. It may be the only way to find out if you’re eligible to collect compensation for your accident-related expenses and get your life back on track.

Additionally, a lawyer can help you meet deadlines and check if any exceptions to the Louisiana statute of limitations apply to your case.

A Louisiana car accident lawyer can determine the value of your case, but they’ll need time to investigate and examine the evidence, so the sooner you partner with us, the better the outcome will be!

Free Case Evaluations Now Available

No matter how minor or major your wreck was, you still suffered losses. We want you to know your rights and make an informed decision about your next steps. Don’t miss out on collecting the economic damages you are entitled to!

Our local experts are available 24/7. If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, call 800-898-4877 or fill out the form on our contact page for a free case evaluation. It’s worth it!

Read More:

What is A Reasonable Settlement for A Car Accident in Louisiana?
How is Pain and Suffering Calculated in Louisiana?
Louisiana Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
When Should You Contact A Lawyer After An Accident in Louisiana?
What Percentage Do Car Accident Lawyers Take in Louisiana?
What Kind of Cases Do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle in Louisiana?
How Long Does It Take to Settle A Personal Injury Case in New Orleans?
How Do You Negotiate A Car Accident Settlement Without A Lawyer in New Orleans?
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