Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Reasons Why You Should Use A New Orleans Accident Attorney

By Jacqui Tyron


Many New Orleans residents are reluctant to hire a personal injury attorney after an accident due to common misconceptions. Some of these include not wanting to sue the responsible party, fearing that it will cost too much or thinking they can handle the situation themselves.

Sometimes because of this, the statute of limitations will expire before they realize they should have filed a claim with the help of a New Orleans personal injury attorney.

Understanding the Motivation of Insurance Companies

Another thing that accident victims fail to realize is that insurance companies are a business. Insurance agents are not there to ensure that the victim's needs are provided for on a long-term basis. It is their job to settle claims as quickly and cheaply as possible.

It's not uncommon for insurers to pressure an accident victim into accepting a less than ideal settlement offer. However, a New Orleans personal injury attorney understands the rights of accident victims and knows the ins and outs of negotiating with insurance companies. Having their education, skills and experience on your side will offer you the best chance at getting fair compensation.

Investigating the Accident

The typical resident of New Orleans doesn't have the time or the ability to conduct a thorough accident investigation, but a personal injury attorney does. As the person initiating a lawsuit, it is up to the injured party to prove negligence on the part of the other person involved in the accident.

When you have a New Orleans personal injury attorney assisting you, they can obtain the accident report, talk with witnesses, utilize accident reconstruction experts and collect evidence to build the best case and convince a judge and/or jury that compensation should be awarded.

Negotiating an Out-of-Court Settlement

In a best-case scenario, the person who caused the accident accepts responsibility and offers to pay a settlement. The other party may also work with a lawyer who encourages him or her to do this.

Even if you feel that the settlement offer is fair, it's vital to have an attorney experienced in negotiations to be on your side. While the settlement may seem reasonable, a New Orleans personal injury attorney will be able to tell you if the offer is sufficient to cover your medical expenses, lost wages and more.

No Up-front Costs

One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a New Orleans personal injury attorney is that it will be expensive. In reality, injured people typically don't pay anything unless they win the lawsuit.

Typically, your lawyer will offer you a free initial consultation to review your case and determine whether filing a claim is the right option for you. If it is a viable option, your attorney will work the case with no cost until a settlement is paid or jury award received. Then, your legal fees will be deducted from the compensation you received, with no up-front or out-of-pocket costs.




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