A minor car accident can still result in painful injuries. For example, a driver who is at a stop signal and is rear-ended while waiting for a light to change could be struck from the rear because the driver behind them was not paying attention, or simply traveling too fast to stop safely. While the damage to your vehicle may be minor, your injuries may be serious.
There is no way to determine exactly how much your accident claim may be worth without evaluating your specific case. The final amount will be determined by your out-of-pocket costs for your injury care, the amount of wages you lost, and the damage to your vehicle. The car accident lawyer team at Morris Bart, LLC can help make sure you get the maximum compensation when you have been involved in an accident.
The Injuries You Suffer in a Minor Car Accident Can Affect Your Claim
The health of the driver, the rate of speed at which each vehicle is traveling, and the point of impact all play a role in determining how serious an injury you could suffer. Some of the common injuries victims report in minor car accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Broken ribs
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck and back pain
As you can see, any one of these injuries can be painful and can require weeks of recovery. Neck pain can be problematic following a minor car accident because it can result in a victim living with pain for weeks or years to come.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
Compensation that Victims of Minor Car Accidents Can Seek
As with all car accident cases, a victim may include the following monetary losses in their claim:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
Since each victim’s injury is different, putting a flat price tag on the exact amount of compensation is difficult. Each victim’s case must be evaluated, and their losses must be calculated based on their specific circumstances. The best way to determine the maximum amount you can get is to seek guidance from an accident injury lawyer.
What do I Do When the Insurance Company Contacts Me?
Use the utmost caution when dealing with the insurance company. Do not do any of the following:
- Sign documents without legal review
- Agree to a recorded statement
- Answer leading questions about your physical health
Any one of these mistakes can cause you to lose important rights. For example, an insurer may ask you to sign a medical release. While the insurer should be asking for the records pertaining to the accident, they often ask for complete access to your records. The reason for this is they are looking for any pre-existing conditions which may help them minimize the value of your claim.
The experienced team at Morris Bart, LLC knows the tricks insurance company adjusters will use in an attempt to minimize your claim. That is why we always recommend victims of an accident allow the firm to handle all insurance company communications. We know how to get the most money from a car accident.
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Filing a Car Accident Claim Without an Attorney
While no person is required to hire a lawyer to help them with an auto accident claim, it is always a good idea to do so. Insurance company adjusters are going to be working hard to make sure you get as little as possible in compensation for your injury. They are protecting the bottom line of the insurance company.
If you hire an experienced car accident attorney to help you with your claim, you are going to have a better chance to get the maximum compensation you are entitled to. This is because you have someone who will be serving as your advocate and has your best interests in mind. A lawyer can also make sure your rights are protected.
Is It Worth Hiring an Attorney for a Minor Car Accident?
Yes. For example, Louisiana’s auto insurance regulations require every driver to carry insurance. The minimum coverage may be sufficient to cover your losses. Even in minor accidents, the at-fault drivers’ insurance company may feel they can get away with paying you as little as possible even if it is significantly less than the coverage the at-fault driver has. When you work with a lawyer, the goal will be to make sure you are fully compensated.
Regardless of where you live, there is a limited period when you can file a personal injury claim. If you do not file your claim early, you could waive your right to get the compensation you deserve. It is always a good idea to call an attorney as soon after an accident as possible, preferably after you have had a thorough medical checkup, so you know the extent of your injuries.
The Cost of Hiring an Attorney in Louisiana
You may think it is too expensive to hire a lawyer when you have been involved in a minor car accident. However, this is seldom the case. At Morris Bart, we offer a free consultation, and we work on a contingency fee basis. This means unless we are able to secure a settlement on your behalf, you will not be required to pay our legal fees. You have nothing to lose by hiring us to assist you with your claim.
We have years of experience representing victims of car accident injuries ranging from minor accidents to more serious accidents. Thanks to our experience, we know what to watch out for when dealing with insurance company adjusters and the company they represent.
Contact Morris Bart for Your Minor Car Accident Claim
At Morris Bart, we will help you understand your rights and discuss your legal options with you. We are happy to offer a free consultation and we are here to help you navigate the complex process of filing an accident injury claim. Do not settle for less than what you may be entitled to. Let us help you get the maximum compensation for your injury. Contact Morris Bart today and schedule your free consultation.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
