Some car accidents are minor. But whether it is a fender bender or a ten-car pileup, car crashes can cause serious injuries. Even a simple bump at a red light can cause whiplash and worse.
There is no way to tell how badly you will be affected by a car accident unless you seek medical attention, so you should always get in touch with medical professionals as soon as possible.
If you have experienced a car accident, get in touch with a professional New Orleans car accident lawyer to get the closure and compensation you need.
At Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, we put our clients’ interests first, providing a solutions–focused approach and exceptional service. Read on to learn more about our no-win, no-fee guarantee and how your New Orleans personal injury lawyer can help.
We Have a Powerful Track Record of Success
| Case Type | Amount of Settlement / Award |
| Pedestrian Accident | $1,300,000 |
| Motor Vehicle Accident | $2,100,000 |
| Graduation Day Truck Accident | $70,000 |
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504-500-1111Benefits of Working With Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers
Our New Orleans car accident attorneys play a crucial role in helping clients who have been involved in automotive collisions.
From providing legal advice to advocating for the rights of our clients, our experienced and dedicated advocates navigate the civil and insurance processes on behalf of our clients. Car accidents are unfortunate events that can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial damages.
Advice and Representation
One of the primary ways a New Orleans motor vehicle accident lawyer can assist clients is by providing legal advice and representation. We assess the details of the accident, gather evidence, and evaluate the extent of your damages. With this information, we can determine the legal options available to our clients and advise them on the best course of action.
Our car accident attorneys in New Orleans handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies on behalf of our clients. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, putting the burden on the accident victims to prove their case.
However, our team knows how to counter the tactics employed by insurance adjusters and will never stop fighting for the fair compensation our clients are entitled to.
Litigation
In addition to dealing with insurance companies, car accident law firms also assist clients in pursuing legal action against the responsible party. If negligence or recklessness caused the accident, we will help our clients file a personal injury lawsuit.
We will handle all the legal paperwork, meet the deadlines, such as the new statute of limitations under LA Code of Civil Procedure Art. 1424.1 under Louisiana Senate Bill SLS-24RS-557, and ensure that the case is presented effectively in court.
During litigation, we will act as an advocate for our clients, fighting for their rights and best interests. We will present arguments, examine witnesses, and cross-examine opposing parties to build a compelling case.
By utilizing our legal skills and knowledge, we aim to secure a favorable outcome for our clients, whether through a settlement or a trial verdict.
Support
Beyond the courtroom, our New Orleans car accident lawyers provide comprehensive support and guidance to our clients. We understand the physical and emotional toll that a car accident can have on an individual’s life.
Our legal team connects our clients with healthcare professionals, rehabilitation services, and other necessary resources to aid in their recovery process.
Moreover, our car accident team often works on a contingency fee basis. This means we only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation for our clients, as described under Louisiana Legal Ethics Rule 1.5: Fees.
This arrangement ensures that accident victims have access to legal representation without worrying about upfront costs.
Professional Help
Our car accident representatives play a crucial role in helping clients navigate the aftermath of their collisions. We provide legal advice, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and advocate for our clients’ rights in court.
By leveraging our knowledge, our professionals strive to secure fair compensation for our clients and support them throughout the recovery process.
If you find yourself involved in a car accident, do not panic. Seek the assistance of a skilled car accident lawyer in New Orleans. Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers could greatly improve your chances of receiving the justice and compensation you deserve.
Potential Damages in a New Orleans Car Accident Case
If you have recently been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, you can rely on a skilled representative to give you the legal counsel that you need.
Working on an accident claim without any help from a trusted professional can result in a much lower settlement than what you may actually be entitled to. All drivers in Louisiana are required to carry auto insurance per LA R.S. § 32:900, so you should never settle for less than what you are fully entitled to receive.
You can find out what kind of compensation package you are eligible to receive by speaking about your case with a qualified law firm who is ready to fight tirelessly on your behalf.
There is a wide array of damages that may be possible, depending on the circumstances of your case. Typically, they are categorized as being either economic or non-economic, based on whether the loss is tangible or more abstract.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills are one of the most common damages that many auto accident victims can receive. When you are injured in a sudden car accident, your medical bills can skyrocket. Getting treatment for your many injuries can result in financial difficulties.
You may not be able to pay off your bills in a short amount of time. If you have especially serious injuries, the costs can be astronomical. Organize all of your medical records and treatment documents so that you can find out what your total medical expenses are.
Property Damage
If you are a car accident victim, your vehicle is also likely to have sustained extensive damage. Even if you have minimal damage to your vehicle, you can still recover a large amount of compensation to cover your repairs.
Regardless of whether you just need several repairs or your car is considered a total loss, you should find out what your expenses are so that you can get as much compensation as possible.
Emotional Anguish
Another common type of damage that many car accident victims can recover from is emotional anguish. If you have been in an accident and you develop mental health issues or disorders as a result of the accident, you may be able to include emotional anguish in your list of non-economic damages. You must be able to provide evidence that your mental health has been impacted so that you can recover compensation.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refers to the physical and mental injuries that a victim has sustained from a personal injury accident. Many car accident victims can recover compensation for pain and suffering because of the effects caused by the accident.
In addition to their injuries, victims can experience psychological issues, heightened anxiety, depression, stress, and other problems affecting their mental health.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Victims can also recover damages known as loss of life enjoyment, as a trusted representative from our firm can explain. An accident can result in injuries so severe that a victim will not be able to enjoy specific hobbies anymore.
For example, if a car accident victim suffers a disability and they are no longer able to go hiking or another favorite activity, they may be able to recover compensation for these losses.
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504-500-1111Car Crashes Can Cause a Wide Range of Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries caused by a car accident. This can result in serious pain in your neck, shoulders, and back, and it is caused by a rapid back-and-forth motion.
However, accidents can cause all kinds of other injuries, and you will need the help of a legal advocate if you want to pay off those medical bills.
Car accidents can put you out of commission for weeks, months, and even years. Severe injuries may include:
- Burns
- Broken and fractured bones
- Spinal damage
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Lacerations
- Scarring
- Crush injuries
If you have been seriously injured at the hands of a negligent driver, you have the right to be fully compensated for any losses you suffer as a result. Car accident claims can be complex, and it is important that you seek the advice of a qualified legal representative who knows the law and can protect your best interests.
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504-500-1111Common Types of Car Accidents We Handle
Motor vehicle accidents are among the most devastating and preventable incidents across Louisiana. Our team has extensive experience handling a wide range of car accident cases, helping victims recover total compensation for their injuries. Some of the most common types of accidents we frequently handle include:
- Rear–end collisions – Irresponsible drivers often have delayed reaction times, leading to rear-end collisions at stoplights, intersections, or in traffic. Victims of these crashes may suffer whiplash, spinal injuries, and significant vehicle damage. These accidents frequently show that the driver was unable to maintain proper following distance or stop in time.
- Head–on collisions – Drivers may drift into oncoming traffic, resulting in catastrophic head-on collisions. These crashes often occur at high speeds, leading to severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, fractures, or internal organ damage. The aftermath of a head-on collision can leave victims facing long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
- T–bone accidents – Failing to obey traffic signals or stop signs can cause T-bone accidents at intersections. These side-impact collisions are particularly dangerous for passengers sitting on the struck side of the vehicle. Victims may experience broken ribs, hip injuries, or even permanent disabilities from such crashes.
- Pedestrian accidents – Drivers often fail to notice pedestrians crossing streets or walking along roadways. These accidents can lead to devastating injuries or fatalities, particularly in urban areas like New Orleans. Victims and their families may seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering.
- Multi–vehicle pileups – Drivers can create chain-reaction crashes by losing control of their vehicle or making erratic maneuvers. These pileups can result in widespread property damage and multiple injuries. This can complicate the process of determining liability and securing compensation.
Our team represents clients throughout Louisiana in a broad range of auto accident claims. Our understanding of the types of injuries that can happen in these accidents allows us to be much more proactive in the process of seeking the right compensation for your medical care and other losses. We are experienced and aggressive negotiators.
Important Steps to Take to Best Protect Your Car Accident Claim
The claims process can be overwhelming after everything you have been through. However, once you know what to expect, you can feel more confident moving forward with your claim.
Some of the most important steps you should take to protect your rights and maximize compensation include:
- Report the accident – Notify your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer about the collision as soon as possible. Delays in reporting may jeopardize your claim.
- Document the incident – Collect evidence, such as photos of the scene, medical records, and repair estimates, to support your claim. Thorough documentation strengthens your case against potential challenges.
- Consult representation before speaking to insurance agents – Avoid giving recorded statements without consulting your attorney. Insurers are often more concerned about their bottom line and may use your words against you to reduce their liability.
Insurance can be difficult to deal with, and when you are recovering from your car accident injuries, the last thing you should be handling is a mountain of paperwork and expensive bills.
Fortunately, your New Orleans car accident attorney from our office can help you get some much-needed compensation to cover what insurance will not and make sure your insurance provider pays you on time, too.
How Car Accident Insurance Claims Work in New Orleans
Filing a car accident claim in New Orleans can feel daunting, especially when dealing with the aftermath of an injury. Louisiana’s specific laws and processes require a thorough understanding to ensure you secure the compensation you deserve.
Here are some of the most important challenges that may be involved in filing an insurance or civil claim so you can prepare accordingly:
Determining Fault in Louisiana Car Accident Claims
In Louisiana, determining fault is critical to recovering compensation, as the state follows a comparative fault rule under LA Civil Code Art. 2323.
This means your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility for the accident. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
Challenges in Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over fair compensation. They may employ tactics like delaying claim processing, disputing liability, or undervaluing damages. These tactics can leave accident victims struggling to recover the compensation they deserve.
Having an experienced negotiator by your side ensures you are not taken advantage of during this process. We will be prepared to renegotiate with insurers on your behalf, present compelling evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation available under Louisiana law. We will never let the insurance company convince you to settle for less than your damages are worth.
4 Signs that You Need a Car Accident Lawyer
After being involved in a motor vehicle collision, you may need to talk with a car accident lawyer that New Orleans residents trust. No matter the severity of your accident, you may have legal options to discuss with a lawyer, so do not wait to give us a call to schedule a consultation. You can explain the details of the accident to a professional lawyer, ask questions, get legal advice, and more.
1. The Insurance Companies Want an Official Statement
It is common practice for the insurance company to ask for you to make an official, recorded statement explaining your side of the accident. It is always recommended that you speak with a New Orleans car accident lawyer before proceeding. Our team will provide you with legal guidance on how to proceed and explain how you should approach this. You can put this off until you speak with our team, so do not wait to give us a call and explain your circumstances.
2. Other Parties Want You to Sign Documents
The simple answer for signing legal documents is “Do not sign anything until you have spoken with your lawyer.” The reason for this is that once you have signed a legally binding document, there is no going back, and you may severely limit your options by doing so. Our team will explain the documents and provide you with legal advice on whether to sign. We will also explain the next steps and whether or not you choose to sign the documents.
3. You Are Not Getting the Compensation You Need
If the insurance company, or any other party, is either refusing to pay or offering a low amount that will not cover your losses and bills related to the accident, then you likely need an experienced lawyer. We can step in on your behalf and put legal pressure on the insurance company to pay what you deserve. You should not have to suffer further from this accident by being burdened financially, so let our legal advocate represent you and your interests every step of the way.
4. You Are Having Trouble Making Legal Decisions
Throughout your car accident claim, you will have many legal decisions to make. The legal choices that come up will always be yours to make, but we will make sure that you are equipped to make informed decisions. We can help you prepare for the likely outcomes of each option so that you can move forward in any direction with confidence.
It may be ill-advised that you try to make these decisions when you do not fully understand the choices and outcomes of each one. With our team on your side, you will not have to make legal guesses and hope for the best. Instead, you will be armed with the information you need to make choices that are best for you and your loved ones.
Get in Touch with a Car Accident Attorney in New Orleans Now
Your car accident does not need to disrupt your life any more than it already has. At Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, we know that nobody plans to have a car accident, and nobody expects the challenges that can come afterward.
We are here to help you navigate your next steps and are happy to answer any and all questions you may have about your car accident. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation, and see how your car accident lawyer in New Orleans from our office can help.
