Car accidents are stressful – you may be facing physical harm, serious vehicle damage, as well as other hindrances to your daily life.
One important question people usually ask after their accident is, “Will I have to go to court after my car accident in Hammond?”
The short answer is probably not. But from our team of Hammond car accident attorneys at Pierce & Shows, here’s the long answer, too.
Car Accident Lawsuits in Hammond, Louisiana
Accident victims that have legal representation typically recover more compensation compared to those who do not have a lawyer.
But most states, including Louisiana, have laws in place that mandate how long you have to file a lawsuit. These laws are called the statute of limitation laws.
The Louisiana statute of limitations for filing car accident cases is one year and applies to cases that are seeking compensation for all damages, including property damage, injury, and medical expenses.
Our team of car accident attorneys has seen every kind of car accident case imaginable:
- Drunk driving victim accidents
- Serious car accidents
- Car accidents resulting in death
- 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
But can we tell at the beginning of your case whether you’ll have to go to court?
Avoiding Trial
While every case is different, here are some of the ways that clients involved in lawsuits can work to avoid trial.
Remember: it’s essential to consult with your attorney about any changes in your case before making a final decision.
- Settling Early: One of the easiest ways to avoid trial is to consider settling on an amount early.
- Cooperation: During the process of a lawsuit, situations can quickly worsen if you do not cooperate (i.e., dodging phone calls, not equipping yourself with proper legal defense, not showing up for court).
- Having Insurance: In Louisiana, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle without proof of insurance. But there’s an easy fix: simply make sure you have car insurance, and that it’s always up-to-date.
When DO You Have to Go to Court for a Car Accident?
There are a few instances in which you may have to go to court in a car accident case.
These can include:
- If the accident resulted in serious injuries or fatalities
- If the at-fault party disputes fault
- If the insurer doesn’t offer a fair settlement
These situations are significantly less common, but they do happen.
That’s why it’s vital to seek legal representation if you have been seriously injured in a car accident in Hammond. An experienced Louisiana car accident attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call Pierce & Shows Hammond Car Accident Lawyers
Our legal team understands the complexities of dealing with both insurance companies and the court – but hopefully, your case won’t come to that.
If you’ve been in an accident, contact our Hammond car accident lawyers today so we can assess your situation and get started fighting for you.