Car Accident Lawyer

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Uninsured Driver Accident Lawyer Covington LA

What are the liability and uninsured motorist laws in Louisiana? In Louisiana, drivers are required to carry liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage.   The minimum liability coverage for Louisiana driver’s is $15,000 for bodily injury, and $30,000 for property damage.  If you are injured in a wreck and don’t have insurance yourself, the Louisiana “no pay, no play” law will apply and will reduce your claim by the first $15,000.  This means that your damages have to exceed $15,000 before you would be entitled to any payment at all. However, not all drivers comply with this requirement, and accidents involving uninsured drivers can happen. To protect drivers in these situations, Louisiana has uninsured motorist (UM) laws that require insurance companies to offer UM coverage as part of a car insurance policy. UM coverage provides financial protection in case the policyholder is in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Louisiana law requires UM coverage to have the same minimum limits as liability coverage, which are: Drivers can opt out of UM coverage by signing a written waiver, but insurance companies are required to offer it as part of the policy. It’s important to note that UM coverage is different from underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which provides additional protection if the at-fault driver has insurance, but their coverage limits are not enough to cover the full extent of damages. UIM coverage is not required by Louisiana law but is also typically offered by insurance companies. So how much coverage should you purchase? That is an important question and one that few people seriously consider. Many of us just get the cheapest coverage we can and hope for the best. That is not a good plan. You should consider how expensive medical bills are and whether expensive medical bills might impact you financially. The last thing you want to do is lose your house or file for bankruptcy if someone without insurance crashes into you. Here is a list of applicable Louisiana insurance laws: Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 22, Section 1295: Louisiana Department of Insurance, Auto Insurance: Louisiana State Bar Association, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: I am a Covington car accident attorney who can advise you of your rights if you have been injured by in a car crash. We can help you with the insurance claims process if you qualify, and take steps to preserve your rights so that you can focus on your medical treatment and getting better.  Remember, you only have one year in Louisiana to file your claim so time is of the essence.  Don’t wait and don’t let the insurance company string you along.  Speak to an attorney who has experience dealing with complex insurance claims.

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Covington car accident lawyer

Do you need a Covington car accident attorney? Before you scroll through the yellow pages, you should consider whether the lawyer actually has an office in Covington, Louisiana. An actual Covington car wreck attorney should have an office here. Help!  I was in a car accident in Covington, La.  What do I do? First, get medical attention immediately.  After that, call a good car accident attorney who knows the local traffic patterns and driving regulations. Also, is your lawyer familiar with the unique intersections in Covington?  There are several dangerous off ramps and intersections, particularly the one near the Judge Tanner exit which is close to Louisiana State Troop L. We have represented several clients who have been rear-ended of were “t-boned” in that intersection near the hospital. Do I have to take an ambulance to the hospital after a wreck? Deciding whether to take an ambulance to the hospital after a car accident depends on several factors. If you have serious injuries, suspect you might have internal injuries, or are in considerable pain and unable to move safely, it is generally advisable to use ambulance services. This ensures you receive immediate medical attention and are transported safely. Ambulances are equipped to provide necessary care en route to the hospital and can communicate with hospital staff ahead of your arrival, ensuring quick treatment upon arrival. However, if your injuries are minor and you can safely be transported in a regular vehicle, you might choose to go to the hospital by other means. Always prioritize your health and safety when making this decision. My car is damaged and un-drivable after the wreck.  How do I get to work?  If the other driver is at fault, they owe you a rental car, but you will likely need a lawyer to enforce that. When your car is damaged in an accident and you need to continue commuting to work, it’s essential to explore different transport alternatives if you don’t yet have a good lawyer. Consider the feasibility of public transit routes such as buses or trains. If possible, arrange a car share with coworkers or neighbors. Another option is to look into short-term car rental services or check if ride-sharing options are viable and cost-effective for your daily commute. Make sure whichever option you choose ensures safety and doesn’t interrupt your work routine while your car is under repair. How do I take care of the bills I incur after a wreck? When settling claims from a car wreck, several common bills typically need to be addressed. These include medical expenses related to injuries sustained in the accident, such as hospital bills, costs for medical treatments and therapies, and expenses for ambulance services. Additionally, repair costs for any damaged property, including vehicle repairs or replacement, are also covered. If there has been a loss of income due to the accident, compensation for lost wages can also be part of the settlement. Furthermore, depending on the jurisdiction, legal fees incurred during the claims process might also be reimbursed through the settlement.” Why are there so many accidents? Unfortunately, many drivers are inattentive and are not paying close enough attention.  Others simply follow too closely such that they cannot stop in time if the car ahead of them were to quickly deploy the brakes. How many car crashes occur in St. Tammany Parish annually? The number of car accidents that occur in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, can vary from year to year. According to data from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, there were a total of 5,937 car crashes in St. Tammany Parish in 2020. Out of these crashes, 1,318 resulted in injuries, and 33 resulted in fatalities. The majority of the crashes (4,586) resulted in property damage only. How many car accidents occur in Covington, Louisiana annually? The number of car accidents that occur in Covington, Louisiana, can vary from year to year. According to data from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, there were a total of 1,181 car crashes in Covington in 2020. Out of these crashes, 232 resulted in injuries, and 1 resulted in a fatality. The majority of the crashes (948) resulted in property damage only. It’s important to note that these figures are for all car crashes in Covington, not just those that occurred on public roads. They include crashes that occurred on private property, parking lots, and other non-public areas. Additionally, these numbers only represent reported car accidents. It’s possible that there were unreported accidents or accidents that did not involve property damage, injuries, or fatalities that are not included in this data. What percentage of collisions on Louisiana roadways are single-vehicle collisions? In Louisiana, 60% of the collisions that occur on the roadways each year are single-vehicle collisions. Overall, car accidents can have a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities, and it’s important to take steps to prevent them. This includes following traffic laws, avoiding distracted driving, and practicing defensive driving techniques. I am a Covington car accident lawyer who can help you if you’ve been hurt in a collision. What does burden of proof mean? In a civil case, the burden of proof is by “preponderance of the evidence.”  This simply means you have to prove more likely than not, that the other guy was negligent and caused the car wreck. How do attorney fees work? In car accident cases, we get paid a percentage of the gross proceeds of the settlement or trial verdict.  The percentage range differs according to the stage of litigation: pre suit, post suit, post trial, etc. If I am from another state and was injured in a car accident here, can you  help? Yes!  We have helped numerous non residents recover in personal injury claims when they were hurt in Louisiana. Do you return phone calls promptly? Yes!  Returning calls promptly is crucial for us for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates our commitment to reliability and responsiveness, showing that we value and respect our clients’ time. Secondly, swift communication

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What do I do if I am in a car accident?

What do I do if I am in a car accident? We hope you are never injured in a car accident.  But if you are in a car accident, it’s important to know what to do so you can not only get the medical treatment you need, but also preserve your ability to seek compensation from the insurance company. Here are 10 tips to remember if you have been in a car accident: Check yourself and passengers for injuries: The first thing you should do is check yourself and any passengers in the car for injuries. If anyone is injured, call for medical assistance right away. Move to a safe place: If the accident is minor and your car is still drivable, move to a safe place off the road to avoid further accidents. Call the police: Even if the accident is minor, it is still important to call the police so that they can document the accident and create an accident report. Exchange information: Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved, including names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance information, and license plate numbers. Document the scene: Take photos of the damage to your car and any other cars involved, as well as any other details of the accident scene that may be relevant. Talk to witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information in case you need to contact them later. Don’t admit fault: Be careful what you say at the scene of the accident. Even if you think you were at fault, it is important not to admit fault as this can be used against you later. Contact your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Seek medical attention: If you or anyone else in the car is injured, seek medical attention right away, even if the injuries seem minor. Consult an attorney: If you are unsure of your legal rights or if you believe you may be at fault, it is important to consult an attorney who specializes in car accidents to help you navigate the legal process. What should I do if I have suffered a neck injury in a car accident? If you have suffered a neck injury in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injury seems minor, it is best to have a medical professional evaluate it to ensure that there is no serious damage or underlying medical condition. When you seek medical attention, make sure to tell the healthcare provider about the accident and the nature of your neck injury. This will help them to determine the appropriate treatment plan, which may include medication, physical therapy, or other forms of treatment. In addition to seeking medical attention, it is also important to inform your insurance company of the accident and the nature of your injuries. They can help you understand what type of coverage you may have and what steps you need to take to file a claim. If you believe that the accident was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another driver, you may also want to consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in car accidents. They can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

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Personal injury law attorney

Did you know that a low impact collision can cause significant back injures?  An experienced personal injury law attorney knows this. In fact, low impact collisions can cause serious spinal injuries.  These spine injuries can often only be seen with an MRI machine. If you have suffered a back injury, you may have actually suffered from a herniated disc. How do you treat back injuries resulting from a collision? Rest: Taking a break from activities that exacerbate the pain can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through exercises and stretches that aim to improve flexibility, strengthen supportive muscles, and relieve pressure on the affected disc. Pain Medications: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or prescription pain relievers can help manage pain and inflammation. Epidural Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections around the inflamed nerve can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation and pain. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and other techniques to realign the spine, which might alleviate pressure on the affected disc and nerves. Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help reduce pain and muscle spasms. Cold therapy is often recommended during the acute phase, while heat therapy can be used later on. Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and avoiding activities that strain the spine can help prevent further disc issues. Traction: Traction involves gently stretching the spine to reduce pressure on the affected disc, potentially relieving pain and improving symptoms. Surgery: In severe cases where conservative treatments haven’t been effective, surgical options like discectomy (removing the herniated portion of the disc) or spinal fusion might be considered. Alternative Therapies: Some people find relief from herniated disc symptoms through complementary approaches like acupuncture, massage therapy, or yoga. While these might not directly address the disc issue, they can help manage pain and improve overall well-being. Remember, the most appropriate treatment depends on factors such as the severity of your herniated disc, your overall health, and your doctor’s recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment regimen. If you have been in a car accident, you may have suffered injuries to your cervical, lumbar or sacral spine. You may have a bulging, herniated or rupured disc.  This can cause significant pain and range of motion limits. You need to call an experienced herniated disc attorney to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. If you’ve suffered a herniated disc in an accident, you need a personal injury law attorney.  Call Covington accident lawyer David Kervin at 985-888-0640. Below is a case that demonstrates the possible compensation amounts in a herniated disc case. Here is a summary of a case we researched which discussed back injuries from a car accident: Two men involved in the same car accident received treatment by the same doctors and hospitals three days after the accident. Both men refused to have lumbar surgery. The first male sustained injuries of 2 herniated lumbar disc. His treatment lasted 8 years after the accident including physical therapy. Man claimed to have pain with sitting for long periods as well as issues with impotence. The second male sustained injuries of 2 lumbar herniations received treatment for 7 years after the accident and complained of impotence. Reason for the award amount: The court awarded the first male $30,000 general damages and $7,000 in medical expenses. The court awarded the second male $40,000 general damages and $10,000 in medical expenses. The court noted for the first male treatment lasted so long because he refused surgery and the man was able to sit through court without any pain. The court noted that in both cases of the impotence were unrelated to the case.

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