Kenny Habetz Injury Law | March 28, 2025 | Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the steps you need to take to secure compensation for your injuries. One of the key players in this process is a car accident lawyer. These legal professionals focus on helping accident victims navigate complex legal and insurance systems.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what a car accident lawyer does, how they can help you, and why it’s important to hire one in Louisiana if you’ve been injured in a crash.
Investigating the Accident
One of the first tasks a car accident lawyer will do is investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. This includes reviewing the police report, interviewing witnesses, and examining any available evidence, such as photographs from the scene. If the accident occurred in Louisiana, a lawyer will also evaluate the state’s specific legal requirements for accident reporting under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:398, which mandates that certain accidents must be reported to local law enforcement.
A thorough investigation is crucial because it helps establish liability. Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system, which means that if multiple parties share responsibility for the accident, your compensation may be adjusted based on your degree of fault.
Gathering Evidence
To build a strong case, your lawyer will collect all necessary evidence to support your claim. This can include medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any available video footage.
In Louisiana, maintaining strong evidence is key because the burden of proof falls on the victim, and the more evidence you can provide, the stronger your case will be.
Medical records are especially important when it comes to personal injury claims. A car accident lawyer will work with your healthcare providers to gather relevant medical documentation, including diagnostic reports, treatment plans, and bills. This evidence will be used to calculate your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Handling Insurance Companies
One of the most important roles a car accident lawyer plays is acting as your advocate when dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than they’re worth. Adjusters may use various tactics to minimize the amount of compensation they offer, including questioning the severity of your injuries or arguing that you were partially at fault.
A car accident lawyer can help level the playing field by negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf. Louisiana law allows for compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. A lawyer will ensure that the full extent of your damages is considered and that the insurance company offers a fair settlement.
Filing a Lawsuit, If Necessary
If negotiations with the insurance company fail to result in a fair settlement, a car accident lawyer will file a lawsuit on your behalf. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is two years. This means that if you don’t file your claim within one year of the accident, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Negotiating a Settlement
Even after filing a lawsuit, your lawyer will continue to negotiate with the insurance company and the opposing party to reach a fair settlement. A settlement may be reached at any stage during the litigation process. If a fair offer is made, your lawyer will advise you on whether it’s in your best interest to accept or continue pursuing the case in court.
Settling a case can often be faster and less expensive than going to trial, but your lawyer will ensure that any settlement offer is adequate to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Ensuring You Receive Full Compensation
One of the most important aspects of a car accident lawyer’s job is ensuring that you receive full compensation for your injuries. This includes current medical bills, future medical expenses, lost future earnings, and compensation for ongoing pain and suffering. Louisiana law recognizes both economic and non-economic damages, and your lawyer will work to ensure that every aspect of your injury is covered.
Offering Legal Support Throughout the Process
Throughout the entire process, from investigation to settlement or trial, a car accident lawyer will offer you legal support and advice. They will help you understand your rights, explain legal concepts, and ensure you don’t make any mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
The Importance of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Louisiana
Car accident lawyers play a vital role in helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve. From investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court, a lawyer’s expertise can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact the Louisiana Car Accident Law Firm Of Kenny Habetz Injury Law for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana car accident lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 399-9000
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883
