Here is a diagram in markdown mermaid syntax that illustrates the general steps involved in the legal process for car accident cases in New Orleans
Navigate Our New Orleans Car Accident Guide
- What can AKD Law do to assist me in recovering compensation for my car accident?
- Real Results for Car Accident Claims
- Additional Car Accident Resources
- How does Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest handle car accidents?
- Diagram of the Legal Process for Car Accident Cases in New Orleans
- How do I choose a great New Orleans attorney?
- Trust Our Proven Expertise at AKD Law: Choose the Lawyers with a Reputation for Success
- From Car Accident to Compensation: Hear Our Clients’ Stories
- Distracted Driving Statistics in New Orleans
- IS THERE A LIMIT FOR CAR ACCIDENT CLAIMS?
- WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST IF I’M IN AN ACCIDENT IN NEW ORLEANS?
- IS IT SAFE TO HANDLE A CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM WITHOUT REPRESENTATION?
- HOW DO I CHOOSE A GREAT NEW ORLEANS ATTORNEY?
- HOW DOES ALVENDIA, KELLY & DEMAREST HANDLE CAR ACCIDENTS?
- HOW MUCH CAN I RECOVER FOR INJURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE?
- WHAT TYPE OF INJURIES MAY RESULT FOR CAR ACCIDENTS
- WHAT DO I DO IF THE OTHER DRIVER FLEES THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT IN NEW ORLEANS?
- DO I HAVE OPTION IF THE OTHER DRIVER DOES NOT HAVE INSURANCE?
- CAN I STILL PURSUE AN INJURY CLAIM IF I WAS TICKETED FOR THE ACCIDENT?
- Personal Injury Practice Areas
How Can AKD Law Assist in Recovering Compensation for Your New Orleans Car Accident?
Car accidents can be a devastating event, leaving physical and emotional scars for life. The last thing you want to deal with during this difficult time is the legal process. But seeking the help of a car accident attorney is crucial in order to get the compensation you deserve.
At AKD Law in New Orleans, we understand the trauma and stress that comes with car accidents. Our team of experienced attorneys have over 20 years of combined experience in handling car accident claims, and are equipped to help you navigate the legal process. We believe in providing personalized support to every client and offer a free initial consultation to discuss your options and provide well-researched legal advice.
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek an attorney’s help. Delays in proper medical diagnosis and treatment can worsen your condition over time. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome for your case. Trust us to work tirelessly on your behalf.
Start Your Compensation Claim: Reach Out to AKD Law's Skilled Car Accident Attorneys in New Orleans
Tangible Outcomes for Car Accident Claims in New Orleans
GET YOUR FREE CONSULTATIONResources for Auto Accident Victims in New Orleans
Helpful Car Accident Articles
Dealing with Doctors & Insurance
Car Accidents Involving Uber, Lyft, Taxis, Leases & Rentals
How does Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest handle car accidents in New Orleans?
At Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest, we understand the complexities of car accident cases and the importance of getting fair compensation for our clients. Our firm was founded by partner Roderick ‘Rico’ Alvendia, who was determined to provide ethical and compassionate legal help for car accident victims.
With years of experience and a track record of successful cases against some of the largest insurance firms in Louisiana, we are committed to protecting the rights and interests of our clients. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation possible.
Legal Process for Car Accident Cases in New Orleans
As you can see, the process typically begins with a consultation with an attorney, followed by an investigation of the accident and the gathering of evidence. The attorney will then negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and if a settlement cannot be reached, they may file a lawsuit. The case will then proceed to litigation, which may involve settlement negotiations, discovery, and possibly a trial.
How do I choose a great Car Accident attorney in New Orleans?
When you are choosing a New Orleans attorney, it is important to consider their experience, reputation, and commitment to your case.
You should choose a lawyer who has experience handling car accident cases in New Orleans. Car accidents are a complex area of law. There are a lot of factors that go into a successful car accident injury claim, and lawyers who have faced them before are better positioned to understand what may come up during a case.
You should also consider the reputation of anyone who will be representing you. Lawyers work closely with their clients, which can lead to strong impressions that are likely to be communicated in testimonials. When you’re consulting with lawyers, ask questions such as:
- Have you won any awards from any specific legal associations?
- Have you received any awards or recognition from the New Orleans community?
- Do you have a track record of winning car accident cases?
- Have you helped clients win compensation for car accident injuries, and how much have you won?
Finally, you should ask your lawyer how much time they have to dedicate to you and your case. Ask them how many hours per week they are available to go over your case and answer your questions. Additionally, you should ask them whether you will be speaking with them or a personal assistant when you call.
It’s a good idea to speak to several attorneys before you choose the one that will represent you. Most first-time consultations come at no cost to you.
Entrust Your Case to AKD Law's Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys in New Orleans Choose the Firm with a Proven History of Wins
Start Your Compensation Claim: Reach Out to AKD Law's Skilled Car Accident Attorneys in New Orleans
New Orleans Car Accident Statistics: Understanding the Risks of Roads
According to the data provided, a total of 1506 car accidents occurred within the date range of 1/1/2021 to 1/1/2022, resulting in 84 fatalities and 341 serious injuries. Additionally, there were 1510 minor injuries reported. Speed-related accidents accounted for 307 of the total accidents, with 29 fatalities and 88 serious injuries. Alcohol-related accidents also accounted for 112 of the total accidents, with 24 fatalities and 34 serious injuries.
The data highlights the significant impact of both speed and alcohol on car accidents. It is clear that these factors are major contributors to the number of accidents, fatalities, and serious injuries reported. The high number of minor injuries also suggests that even in accidents where fatalities and serious injuries are not present, there is still a significant impact on individuals involved in the accidents. It is important to take proactive measures to address these issues in order to reduce the number of car accidents and the resulting harm to individuals.
https://okdpswf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=bbceac52ab4644cb8e9d9753bfd8f137Frequently Asked Questions About New Orleans Car Accident Claims
IS THERE A LIMIT FOR CAR ACCIDENT CLAIMS IN NEW ORLEANS?
In Louisiana, a statute of limitations applies to most types of civil claims. Louisiana has one of the most restrictive time limits in the United States. You have only one year to file personal injury lawsuits or property claims.
For most types of accidents, the countdown for this limit begins on the day your collision happens.
If you fail to file within the time limit, the attorney for the defendant may file a motion to dismiss your claim. This motion will most likely succeed, so you must file your claim as soon as possible.
WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST IF I’M IN AN ACCIDENT IN NEW ORLEANS?
Every car accident in New Orleans is different. It’s important to schedule a consultation to learn more about conditions that may apply to your unique circumstances. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to avoid future problems.
- First, contact emergency services: Always try to reach emergency services as soon as your accident happens. You may be more seriously injured than you realize, and emergency crews need as much time as possible to remove damaged vehicles from the roadway before they endanger other drivers.
- Try to reach safety: If your vehicle is still operational, try to navigate to the roadside or somewhere you are safe from additional collisions. Do not attempt to move your vehicle if you cannot do so without putting yourself at risk of further injury.
- Request information from other drivers: If you can, try to get contact and insurance information from the other drivers who were involved. You should try to get their full names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information.
- Do not admit fault: Even if you suspect that you may be at fault, remember that you could not see all angles of the accident. Do not tell other drivers that you are at fault, or say that you are sorry about the accident (it may be considered an admission of guilt).
- Schedule a doctor’s visit to document your injuries: Seek emergency care as soon as possible if you are injured. If you are not sure you are injured, schedule a checkup as soon as possible. You may have longer-term injuries that will show up over time.
Do not give your insurance company information that you have not confirmed: Do not tell your insurance company that you are not injured or that your car does not have damage. You should not make these statements unless or until you have confirmed that they are true. Tell your insurance agent that you are seeing a doctor or having your vehicle evaluated by a mechanic.
IS IT SAFE TO HANDLE A CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM WITHOUT REPRESENTATION ?
You are not required to have legal representation when you are settling a car accident with either your insurance company or another driver. However, it is a good idea to work with a lawyer for several reasons.
Your insurance representative is working for the company, not for you.
You may like to think of your insurance company as being on your side. However, the role of your insurance agent is to limit the insurance company’s liability by determining if you were wholly or partially at fault for any damage to your vehicle or injuries to your person.
You should be prepared for your insurance company to use any information that you provide against you. You should be prepared for them to attempt to convince you to accept as little as possible, even if you have comprehensive coverage.
You may be going up against the resources of another insurance company.
If another driver is at fault for the accident, you should be prepared to go up against the resources of the other driver’s insurance company. They may hire investigators, medical specialists, or their own lawyers to attempt to find you at fault or to downplay your damages.
These investigations may be invasive, and they may end with you being held significantly responsible for a car accident where you were not at fault.
Car accidents may involve complex laws and significant liability.
Car accident laws can be incredibly complex. Suppose you do not have experience with these types of cases. In that case, you may miss chances to gather evidence, fail to meet guidelines, or accidentally take responsibility for circumstances that were not your fault.
Making mistakes in car accident cases can be devastating. You may lose your chance to claim compensation for serious or life-long injuries and disabilities. You may also be asked to pay massive damages to other participants in the accident.
A lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of car accident cases. Your attorney can manage your insurance company, other insurance companies, and other lawyers on your behalf.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A GREAT NEW ORLEANS CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY?
When you are choosing a New Orleans attorney, it is important to consider their experience, reputation, and commitment to your case.
You should choose a lawyer who has experience handling car accident cases in New Orleans. Car accidents are a complex area of law. There are a lot of factors that go into a successful car accident injury claim, and lawyers who have faced them before are better positioned to understand what may come up during a case.
You should also consider the reputation of anyone who will be representing you. Lawyers work closely with their clients, which can lead to strong impressions that are likely to be communicated in testimonials. When you’re consulting with lawyers, ask questions such as:
- Have you won any awards from any specific legal associations?
- Have you received any awards or recognition from the New Orleans community?
- Do you have a track record of winning car accident cases?
- Have you helped clients win compensation for car accident injuries, and how much have you won?
Finally, you should ask your lawyer how much time they have to dedicate to you and your case. Ask them how many hours per week they are available to go over your case and answer your questions. Additionally, you should ask them whether you will be speaking with them or a personal assistant when you call.
It’s a good idea to speak to several attorneys before you choose the one that will represent you. Most first-time consultations come at no cost to you.
HOW DOES ALVENDIA, KELLY & DEMAREST HANDLE CAR ACCIDENTS IN NEW ORLEANS?
Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest was created because founding partner Roderick ‘Rico’ Alvendia was dissatisfied with the quality of the legal help available for car accident victims.
From the beginning, our firm has been dedicated to providing ethical, compassionate care to clients while working to ensure that they recover as much as possible.
Our firm has been tested against some of the largest insurance firms in Louisiana. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, we recovered millions of dollars for clients who were being denied their rightful coverage under their insurance plans.
Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest remains committed to the steadfast protection of the rights and interests of our clients.
HOW MUCH CAN I RECOVER FOR INJURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE ?
Louisiana mandates that drivers must purchase liability coverage that will be used to pay for medical expenses and property damage in the event of an accident. The minimum amount of coverage that each driver must hold is:
- $15,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $30,000 for injuries to two or more people in one accident
- $25,000 for property damage
As long as the legitimate owner, or an approved person, was driving the car, this amount can be claimed in accidents where the other driver is found to be at fault. However, this amount may not cover the full total of damage caused by a car accident.
In Louisiana, drivers are not required to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, insurance companies are required to include uninsured coverage in the packages they offer unless explicitly rejected in writing. As long as you are covered, your insurance company will provide additional compensation over the amount owed by other drivers.
There is no set cap on the damages that can be pursued in personal injury or car accident civil cases unless a government agency car is involved in the accident. If a government agency car is involved, you cannot pursue more than $500,000 in damages.
You may file an additional civil suit for car accident costs that include:
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Medical expenses
- Pain & suffering
- Lost wages
- Other costs
No two car accident cases are alike. You should consult with a lawyer to determine what kind of compensation is possible and what kind of conditions are necessary to pursue that compensation.
WHAT TYPE OF INJURIES MAY RESULT FOR CAR ACCIDENTS
Significant injuries can result from car accidents. These injuries may be catastrophic and result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in healthcare costs. They may also lead to permanent impairment and disability.
As a result of your injuries, you may be forced to live with chronic pain or assisted care for the rest of your life. You may no longer be able to work in your current profession. You may also no longer be able to maintain your current lifestyle.
The following are some examples of the types of injuries that result from moderate to severe car accidents:
Back injuries
Back injuries appear in many types of car accidents in New Orleans, and they may have long-term consequences for your personal comfort or occupation. The pain involved in these injuries can be unbearable.
Chronic pain and even disability may not develop until a period of time after the injury. The risk of this injury is one of the reasons you should see a doctor soon for a full examination after a car accident.
Broken bones
Broken bones are expensive to treat. Car accident victims will often be left with broken arms, legs, and ribs. Some broken bones may require extensive surgeries to treat properly.
The injuries from broken bones may not heal completely, even with excellent care. They may require you to be absent from your job for weeks or months.
Burns
Burns are common in accidents where vehicles catch fire. Even when they do not, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians may be struck by scalding liquids and oils that have been ejected from engines.
Burns are intensely painful, and they may require surgery or skin grafts to treat. It may not be possible to re-establish normal sensitivity to areas that have been affected by serious burns.
Disfiguration
Facial injuries, including those caused by impact and broken glass, may result in permanent disfiguration. For some people, disfiguring scars can be traumatic or professionally limiting.
Lost limbs
In serious accidents, victims may experience severed limbs. Doctors may find it necessary to amputate limbs as part of a treatment plan for severe car accident injuries.
Victims who experience limb loss can often expect to lose significant amounts of their lifetime income potential. They may also require long-term physical therapy and psychological care to recover from the traumatic pain and loss.
Brain & spinal cord injuries
Brain and spinal cord injuries are some of the most severe injuries that can happen as a result of car accidents. Even with modern medical technology, brain and spinal injuries are incredibly difficult to treat effectively. They may lead to permanent disability.
Brain and spinal injuries may result in nerve damage that leads to numbness and pain that will require lifetime management. These injuries can also lead to partial or whole-body paralysis.
In addition to all of these physical injuries, people who have been in serious car accidents are regularly affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. This is often a lifetime condition that can make it difficult to function in everyday life.
Remember the potential for permanent impairment before you accept any offer from your insurance company or from drivers who were at fault for your injuries. You may be dealing with monthly costs for the rest of your life as a result of your injuries.
WHAT DO I DO IF THE OTHER DRIVER FLEES THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT IN NEW ORLEANS ?
When another driver flees the scene of an accident, it is considered to be a hit-and-run. The other driver may face serious criminal charges in addition to liability for the injuries and property damage that they’ve inflicted on you.
Police may not be able to discover the identity of the other driver in hit & run cases. This does not mean that you will necessarily be held responsible for all costs related to your accident.
Your car and health insurance providers may be responsible for covering a portion of your costs even if the driver is never identified.
Remember that your lawyer may be able to help you identify the driver who struck you. Your lawyer may be able to collect evidence that police did not seek out in the course of their hit & run investigation. Identifying the driver will make it far easier for you to collect the amount that you are owed.
DO I HAVE OPTION IF THE OTHER DRIVER DOES NOT HAVE INSURANCE
Louisiana has implemented some strict laws that target uninsured drivers. One of those laws is known as the “No Pay, No Play” law. This law bars uninsured and under-insured drivers from collecting a portion of bodily and property damages when they’re involved in accidents with other drivers.
However, this does not stop all drivers from operating without insurance. If an uninsured driver strikes you, you may need to rely on your uninsured motorist insurance policy or on a civil suit.
Louisiana requires all car insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist insurance policies. Policyholders are not required to accept this insurance, but they can protect you when someone without insurance strikes you. You may need to speak to a lawyer if your insurance company is resisting paying what they owe under this policy.
If your insurance company cannot recover a share of your costs from the other driver’s insurance company, they may attempt to recover it directly from the driver. This may not be successful because drivers who don’t carry insurance may not have the assets to cover these costs.
If the other driver’s insurance company cannot cover the costs and your own policy has paid out the maximum amount, you may need to file a civil lawsuit against the other driver. A lawyer can help you explore the possibilities of a civil suit.
CAN I STILL PURSUE AN INJURY CLAIM IF I WAS TICKETED FOR THE ACCIDENT ?
Yes, it is possible to pursue an injury claim if you were injured by another driver—even if you were ticketed as part of the accident.
Louisiana is an at-fault state. The driver who is responsible for the accident must use their insurance to pay the costs of the other driver’s bills. However, in this state, the fault for accidents can be shared by multiple drivers.
One driver may be found to be 20% responsible for the accident, while the other driver is found to be 80% responsible. Alternatively, both drivers may be found to be equally responsible.
You may have been ticketed for your role in the accident (for example, if you were speeding or didn’t sufficiently stop at a stop sign). However, that does not mean you will be held more at fault than the other driver.
Start Your Compensation Claim: Reach Out to AKD Law's Skilled Car Accident Attorneys in New Orleans
Personal Injury Practice Areas
-
New Orleans Wrongful Death Attorneys
-
Car Accidents
-
Truck Accidents
-
Motorcycle Accidents
-
New Orleans Industrial Accident Lawyers
-
New Orleans Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
-
New Orleans Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
-
New Orleans Bicycle Accident Lawyers
-
New Orleans Defective Medical Device Lawyer
-
New Orleans Slip and Fall Lawyers
-
Ride-Sharing Accidents
-
New Orleans Class Action and Mass Tort Lawyers
-
New Orleans Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyers
-
New Orleans Chemical Exposure & Lead Poisoning Attorneys
-
New Orleans Medical Malpractice Lawyers