Unfortunately, throughout the world, car-accident related injuries and deaths are on the rise. These accidents take a toll on individuals, families, and communities. In Louisiana, there are about 40,000 car accidents per year. Roughly six hundred of these accidents are fatal. An accident can place a substantial monetary burden on a family.
If you were hurt due to someone else’s negligence, then you are entitled to receive compensation for medical bills and lost income. However, it is important to remember that Louisiana has a statute of limitations that will apply to your case.
Time Limits for Personal Injury Claims in Louisiana
There is a time limit that applies if you are interested in filing a personal injury claim. It is imperative that you file a claim as soon as possible.
You only have one year to file a lawsuit if you have been involved in a car accident. You have one year to file a property damage lawsuit after an accident. The time limit will begin on the day of the crash.
Filing an insurance claim should be the first step after getting into a car accident. Make sure you seek medical attention and keep any proof of your visit to the emergency room. You should also make sure to get a copy of the police report. The police report will provide information that is crucial to receiving your claim, specifying who was at fault for the accident.
What is the Difference Between an Insurance Claim and Civil Lawsuit?
An insurance claim must be filed with the insurance company within a year of the accident. An insurance claim does not involve going to court. You will need to exchange insurance information with the other party. When you file a claim, it’s between your insurance company and their insurance company to pay for your medical bills, and any other pain and suffering.
If the time limit is approaching, you may have to file a civil lawsuit and get compensated through the court system. You may also have to file a lawsuit if the insurance company denies your claim. An insurance company may deny a claim if you waited too long to file, or if the claim was unsubstantiated.
If you have injuries from an accident that wasn’t your fault, you should hire a lawyer as soon as possible. Even if you failed to file a claim right away, you might still have legal recourse. The Louisiana car accident lawyers at E. Orum Young Law Offices can analyze the details of your accident ensure that the proper paperwork for compensation is filed promptly. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. Our Trial Guarantee ensures that we will take your case to trial per your request.
