Car accidents can happen to anyone. When you get on the road, you know that there’s a chance that one can happen to you. But still, you hope that you never get into one.
Unfortunately, car accidents still happen. And when you get into one, the last thing on your mind may be whether or not you need a lawyer. However, it’s still an important question to ask.
When you’re involved in a car accident in Gonzales, the lawyers at Pierce & Shows are here to answer your questions and help you in any way we can. We serve clients in Gonzales and throughout Louisiana.
Do I need a lawyer for a car accident in Gonzales, Louisiana?
There is no requirement in Louisiana law that says you need a lawyer to represent you following a car accident. And if you have car insurance, you may assume that you don’t need a lawyer. That being said, having a lawyer is always a good idea, even if you have good insurance.
The insurance industry has changed dramatically over the years, and folks who successfully handled a fender-bender on their own many years ago aer often shocked at the hostile tone encountered when trying to resolve a “simple” claim on their own. Insurers no longer are guided by what is right or fair. Their business is to make profits and part of that is to resolve every claim as cheaply as possible.
Remember: an insurance company’s job is to minimize the amount of money they pay out to you after an accident. On the other hand, your lawyer’s job is to look out for your best interest and to help you recover and move on from your accident. Often, this means getting you the compensation you deserve. This is why accident victims who hire lawyers often receive greater compensation than those who do not.
Car accidents are difficult and stressful, and it’s good to have someone by your side to help you through the situation. The right personal injury attorney can provide a great deal of assistance, including:
- Providing legal guidance and support throughout the entire process
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
- Assessing the extent of damages and losses (including medical expenses, lost income, and property damage)
- Navigating the insurance claims process
- Negotiating a settlement with insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court, if necessary
- Advocating for your rights and seeking the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses
- Giving you peace of mind: Hiring a lawyer can provide you with peace of mind and allow you to focus on recovering from the accident, knowing that your case is being handled by an experienced professional
No matter what kind of car accident you’ve been involved in, we can help. We help people who have suffered all kinds of accidents, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Intersection accidents
- Side-impact and T-bone collisions
- Lane change and passing accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Speeding-related crashes
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Multiple-vehicle collisions
- Drunk driving
- Serious car accidents
- Fatal accidents
Will I have to go to court?
If you’re filing a lawsuit, you may wonder whether or not you’ll have to go to court. Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer. Every car accident case is different.
Most car accident cases are settled outside of court through negotiation. Typically, a lawsuit won’t go to a court or trial unless the parties fail to reach an agreement during settlement talks.
Other instances when a car accident lawsuit may to go court include if the fault is disputed and if the accident involved serious injury or death.
Whether your lawsuit will be settled inside or outside of a courtroom, it’s important to have legal representation to fight for you.
Statute of limitations in Gonzales, Louisiana
When deciding whether or not to involve a lawyer in your case after a car accident, remember that you’re working on a tight timeframe. Due to the statute of limitations in Louisiana, you only have one year to file a lawsuit after a car accident.
Between recovering from the accident, dealing with insurance, fixing your car, taking care of your family, and all of the normal day-to-day things you do in your life on top of handling the aftermath of your car accident, that one-year deadline can sneak up on you quickly, so it’s important to hire a lawyer who can take things off your hands and handle your lawsuit.
Contact Pierce & Shows today
If you decide that you need a lawyer to help you with your car accident lawsuit, it’s important to have the right legal team behind you. If you’ve been in an accident in Gonzales, Louisiana, our team is here to give you peace of mind and help you through this challenging time. Contact the offices of Pierce & Shows today.
