Nobody wants to think about what they would do in the event of an accident. However, with
auto accidents on the rise here in Louisiana, residents should have a plan to protect their interests if a crash occurs. No matter the severity, you should plan to hire an auto accident attorney following any car wreck. In today’s blog, we will discuss the importance of attorneys in the aftermath of
vehicular accidents, and how the team at Falcon Law Firm can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
What To Do at the Scene of a Car Accident
In the minutes following a crash, hiring an auto accident attorney may not be the first thing on your mind. The shock and the adrenaline rush of a wreck can make it hard to think clearly, and you’ll have other things to think about, like taking pictures and tending to injuries. Those involved in the accident will be quick to try and assign blame. Here are some important things to remember immediately following an auto accident:
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Check your surroundings and ensure that you are away from oncoming traffic.
- If your vehicle is driveable, make sure it is located in a safe place away from danger.
- See that the occupants of the other vehicle are uninjured.
- Call the police.
- Stay calm and keep your emotions in check.
- Exchange contact information with the other party.
- Protect the scene of the crash and take plenty of photos.
- Avoid discussing who is to blame at the scene of the crash.
How can an Auto Accident Attorney Help Your Case?
Whether or not an accident is your fault, you’ll want the help of an attorney to protect your rights. Here are just a few ways in which an auto accident attorney can help you in the aftermath of a crash:
When you hire an auto accident attorney in a case where the crash was not your fault, their first priority will be to prove the negligence of the liable party. To do so, the attorney may investigate the nature of the crash by:
- Carefully reading the details of the police report.
- Gathering testimony from witnesses.
- Consulting with experts and reconstruction specialists.
Auto accident attorneys look for the elements of negligence when establishing fault in a car accident case. These elements include: - Duty of Care: The liable party had the responsibility not to inflict damage or harm against the victim.
- The Violation of the Duty of Care: The liable party failed to uphold their Duty of Care.
- Causation of Damages: The liable party’s breach of the Duty of Care resulted in damages and injuries.
- Damages: The victim suffered economic losses and is owed compensation as a result of damages caused by the liable party.
When your auto accident attorney establishes that the accident was preventable and happened due to the negligence of the liable party, you can then rest easy knowing that you will receive financial compensation.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Next, your auto accident attorney will work to secure the financial compensation that you are owed from the liable party’s insurance company. In most cases, when a driver is at fault in a crash, their insurance provider will do everything in their power to lower the amount that is owed to the victim of the accident. They might try to trick you into saying things that could disqualify you from a higher payout. Having an attorney act as your liaison ensures that you will receive the maximum compensation available, which should be enough to cover your immediate expenses as well as any long-term medical treatments you may require. The types of financial awards you might be entitled to in the aftermath of a car crash include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Medical bill coverage
- Property damages
- Lost wages
- Physical therapy charges
With the number of expenses that can arise in the aftermath of a car crash that occurred by no fault of your own, hiring an auto accident attorney is the easiest way to protect your right to compensation.
When you’re in a car accident, having an auto accident attorney on your side will not only bring you more money and legal protection, but it will also bring you peace of mind. Rather than grappling with insurance claims and lawsuits yourself, your attorney can shoulder the burden of the settlement while you focus on what’s most important to you-- your health and your family.
Need an Attorney after Your Auto Accident?
If you were in a crash and need the assistance of an auto accident attorney, contact the Falcon Law Firm today at 504-341-1234. Our attorneys are prepared to defend your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you are owed. You may also contact us online or visit us at our office located at 5044 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, LA.