Car accidents happen far too often on the busy streets of New Orleans. From Canal Street to the bustling intersections near the French Quarter, you risk a negligent driver colliding with you and causing serious damage. If you’ve suffered injuries or lost someone you care about in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you’re likely dealing with more than just physical pain. Medical bills, lost income, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies can quickly pile up. You don’t have to handle this alone.
A skilled New Orleans car accident lawyer from Smiley Law Firm can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us advocate for your rights.
What you do immediately following a car accident can greatly affect your ability to recover compensation for your losses. If you’re able, follow these steps to protect yourself and your claim:
Check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. Even if you feel okay, your body may be masking pain due to adrenaline. Don’t underestimate injuries that seem minor—these can become serious over time.
Calling the police ensures that an official report documents the crash. Your attorney can help you obtain a copy to use to support your claim. While waiting for officers to arrive, exchange names, contact details, and insurance information with the other driver.
Witnesses can provide neutral, third-party accounts of the accident. Politely ask for their contact information and a brief summary of what they saw. Share this information you’re your lawyer. Witness statements could strengthen your case.
Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles, damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Videos can capture the scene’s layout and any relevant details better than photos alone.
Your insurance policy may require you to promptly notify your insurance company after a wreck, even if it wasn’t your fault. Stick to the facts when speaking to an insurance adjuster, and avoid admitting fault, even unintentionally.
Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage can worsen without treatment. Visit a doctor as soon as possible and keep records of your appointments and expenses. You need documentation of having received treatment for an injury related to the accident to file an injury claim.
Before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company, consult a knowledgeable car accident lawyer from our firm. Our car accident attorneys can protect your interests and handle communication with insurers to help you avoid common pitfalls.
Filing a car accident claim in New Orleans involves several steps, each critical to securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses. While the process may seem overwhelming, having a strong legal advocate can make it manageable. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
The process begins with a consultation where you share the details of your accident and injuries. Your attorney will evaluate the circumstances to determine whether you have a valid claim. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and understand how the firm will handle your case.
Your attorney will begin gathering evidence to build a strong case. This includes:
Your lawyer must collect thorough evidence to demonstrate the at-fault driver’s negligence and the extent of your damages.
Once the necessary evidence is compiled, your attorney will file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This claim will outline the damages you’ve suffered and the compensation you’re seeking. The claim will detail the facts of the accident, the at-fault party’s liability, and the damages you’ve incurred. This process sets the stage for settlement negotiations.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, offering settlements that don’t fully cover your losses. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to seek a fair settlement that reflects the true cost of your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses.
If the insurance company agrees to a fair settlement: Your attorney will finalize the agreement, ensuring you receive the compensation as quickly as possible.
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation: Your attorney may file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
If your case proceeds to litigation, your attorney will present evidence, call witnesses, and argue your case before a judge or jury. While many cases settle before reaching this stage, having an attorney prepared to go to trial can strengthen your negotiating position.
Once a settlement is reached or a court awards a verdict, you’ll receive your compensation. Your attorney will ensure that all medical liens and other outstanding bills are resolved before disbursing the remaining funds to you.
By using this structured approach, your attorney can handle your case professionally and thoroughly. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to doing all we can to give you the best chance of securing full compensation for your injuries and losses.
When someone else’s negligence causes a car accident, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of your injuries and losses. At Smiley Law Firm, we help car accident victims in New Orleans seek compensation for a wide range of damages, such as:
These damages cover the tangible financial losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. They are easier to quantify and supported by bills, receipts, and other documentation.
These damages compensate you for the intangible effects of the accident, which don’t come with receipts but still significantly impact your life.
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or intentional behavior, such as driving under the influence. While not intended to compensate for specific losses, these damages serve as a deterrent for future misconduct.
At Smiley Law Firm, we work closely with medical experts, economists, and other specialists to ensure that your damages are accurately calculated. This includes estimating future costs for long-term medical treatment or loss of earning potential, which are often overlooked in initial insurance company offers.
Recovering all the damages you’re entitled to is about more than just money—it’s about ensuring you have the resources you need to rebuild your life after the accident. Whether your injuries resulted in temporary setbacks or permanent changes to your daily life, Smiley Law Firm will work to secure the compensation you need to move forward.
At Smiley Law Firm, we understand that choosing legal representation after a car accident is a major decision. Here’s why so many clients in New Orleans trust us:
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling car accident cases and are familiar with Louisiana’s unique traffic laws and regulations.
We’re committed to pursuing the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to, whether through settlement negotiations or litigation.
Our team has recovered significant compensation for clients across New Orleans and beyond, helping them move forward after devastating accidents.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless we resolve your case successfully. This ensures we’re just as invested in your outcome as you are.
At Smiley Law Firm, you’re more than just a case number. We provide personalized attention and keep you informed throughout the process. You can trust us to work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your claim.
Louisiana consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of car accidents. In New Orleans alone, areas like I-10, Chef Menteur Highway, and South Claiborne Avenue see frequent crashes due to heavy traffic and reckless driving. According to recent data from the Louisiana Traffic Records Data Report:
These statistics highlight the need for vigilance on the road—and the importance of holding negligent drivers accountable.
Louisiana’s No Pay, No Play policy limits uninsured drivers’ ability to recover damages, but it doesn’t affect your right to pursue compensation if the other driver is at fault. If the driver who hit you lacks insurance, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may help cover your losses.
Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
Louisiana’s statute of limitations gives you one year from the date of the accident to file a claim. Acting quickly is essential to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
The amount you can recover depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, and lost income. A car accident lawyer can help you calculate the full extent of your damages.
You can seek compensation for your lost wages and diminished earning capacity as part of your car accident claim. Documentation from your employer and medical records will be key to proving these losses.
Seth Smiley – New Orleans Car Accident Attorney
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a car accident alone. Smiley Law Firm is here to help you hold negligent drivers accountable and seek the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (504) 822-2222 for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal side while you focus on recovering.
201 St Charles Ave Ste 2500
New Orleans LA, 70170
Phone: (504) 822-2222
Hours: M-F, 9AM-5PM
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