One of the fundamental tenets upon RUDIN LAW operates is transparency. With that in mind, weโd like to take this opportunity to clear up a fewmisconceptions about car accident claims in Louisiana:
Myth 1. You Donโt Need a Lawyer If You Have Insurance
The truth hurts. And, as harsh as it may sound, insurance companies are not in the business of looking our for your best interests. While you may think that having auto insurance is Some believe that, when theyโve been in an accident, having car insurance is enough the need for legal representation. However, insurance companies are in the business of minimizing their payouts to increase their profits. This is why you should stop being polite โฆ and GET RUDE with insurance companies by contacting RUDIN LAW.
Myth 2. You Can File a Lawsuit at Any Time
If youโve been involved in a car wreck, time is of the essence. We cannot stress how important it is to file your car accident lawsuit timely. Every state has its own deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit and the deadline, or โstatute of limitations,โ varies by state. In Louisiana, the deadline is known as the โprescriptive date,โ was previously one year. However, the Louisiana Legislature recently changed the law: effective July 1, 2024, the deadline is now two years from the date of the accident. So, if your car accident occurred after July 1, 2024, you have two years to file a lawsuit from the date your accident occurred.
Myth 3. Minor Injuries Are Not Worth Pursuing
Even seemingly โminorโ injuries can lead to continued issues, significant medical costs, and other losses. It is essential to get a thorough medical evaluation and consider the long-term impact of the injury. At RUDIN LAW, we work with medical providers across the state and beyond to assess the scope of your injuries and build your case, no matter how insignificant or trivial it may seem from the outset.
Myth 4. The At-Fault Driverโs Insurance Will Cover All Damages
There is no guarantee that the at-fault driver has adequate insurance to cover all of your damages. Those damages can include vehicle repair costs, diminished vehicle value, rental car expenses, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The sad truth is that many drivers travel the roads of Louisiana with low insurance or, worse, no insurance. In Louisiana, the minimum required amount of insurance is $15,000 per person / $30,000 per vehicle for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
Assuming the at-fault driver actually has insurance, the available coverage may not fully compensate for your losses. It is for this reason we strongly recommend to our clients that they carry uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage โ and weโve covered this in another blog post.
Myth 5. You Must Accept the First Settlement Offer
At RUDIN LAW, we believe you donโt get anything you donโt ask for โ and this goes for settlement offers as well. Insurance adjusters are usually well-practiced negotiators and like with any negotiation, the first settlement offer you are likely to receive is the best one for your opponent, the insurance company. With that in mind, you should anticipate the first offer you receive will be lower than what you are entitled to. For this reason, among others, it is crucial that you review any offer with an attorney before accepting it. At RUDIN LAW, we reject lowball offers and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Myth 6. You Cannot Afford a Car Accident Attorney
Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. And RUDIN LAW is no different! If we take your case, we cover the up-front costs and we donโt get paid unless we succeed in recovering compensation for you. That is, we donโt get paid unless you get paid.
Contact RUDIN LAW for a FREE Consultation NOW!
If youโve been involved in a motor vehicle accident โ no matter how โminor,โ then you may be entitled to compensation.
At RUDIN LAW, our dedicated team, led by attorney, Lee Rudin, will leverage our legal expertise and tireless commitment to justice to help you navigate the complexities of your accident and recover the compensation you deserve. If youโre tired of getting pushed around by the insurance companies, then stop being politeโฆ and GET RUDE! Call us today at (504) 500-5504(504) 500-5504.
