4 Steps to Protecting Your Rights after Being Hit by a Drunk Driver

If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in New Orleans, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The days of a drunk driving accident can be a challenging and emotional time, but it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Here, we’ll outline four essential steps to take after being hit by a drunk driver and how our New Orleans drunk driving accident lawyers can help you with the legal process.

Step 1: Get Medical Attention

Your health and well-being should be your top priority after a drunk driving accident. Even if you feel fine or believe your injuries are minor, it’s best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious but can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated.

When you visit a medical professional, be sure to document all of your injuries and keep detailed records of any treatment you receive. This documentation will be helpful when it comes to building your case and seeking compensation for your medical expenses.

It’s also important to follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments. Failing to do so could give the impression that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, which could hurt your case in the long run.

Step 2: Avoid Discussing the Accident with Insurance Companies

After a drunk driving accident, you may be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize the amount they have to pay out in claims.

If an insurance adjuster contacts you, it’s best to avoid discussing the accident or your injuries with them. They may try to get you to make a statement or accept a settlement offer that is far less than what you deserve.

Step 3: Contact Our New Orleans Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

One of the most important steps you can take after being hit by a drunk driver is to contact an experienced New Orleans drunk driving accident lawyer. Drunk driving accidents can be difficult cases, and having a skilled attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

At Egenberg Trial Lawyers, we will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. We will also work with experts such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals to build a strong case on your behalf.

In addition to handling all communication with the insurance company, our lawyers will negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. This may include compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. If a fair settlement can’t be agreed to, our team will take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.

Step 4: Focus on Your Recovery

Dealing with the days and weeks after a New Orleans drunk driving accident can be a stressful and emotional process. While it’s important to take the necessary legal steps to protect your rights, it’s also wise to prioritize your physical and emotional recovery.

Take the time you need to heal from your injuries, both physically and mentally. Attend all of your medical appointments and follow your doctor’s orders. If you’re struggling emotionally, don’t be afraid to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.

Remember that recovery is a process, and it may take time. Be patient with yourself, and don’t try to rush back into your normal routine before you’re ready.

Our New Orleans drunk driving accident lawyers will handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We will keep you informed of any developments in your case and will be available to answer any questions you may have throughout the process.

Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Louisiana

When it comes to filing a claim after being hit by a drunk driver in New Orleans, it’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the deadline within which you have to file a lawsuit, or you risk losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

In the state of Louisiana, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including those involving drunk driving accidents, is one year from the accident date. This means that you have one year from the date you were hit by a drunk driver to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

This one-year time limit applies to filing a lawsuit, not to the entire claims process. In many cases, our New Orleans drunk driving accident lawyers will work to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company before filing a lawsuit. However, if a fair settlement can’t be agreed upon, our lawyers will need to file a lawsuit within the one-year time frame to protect your legal rights.

There are some exceptions to the one-year statute of limitations in Louisiana. For example, if the at-fault driver was a government employee acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, you may have a shorter time frame within which to file a claim. In these cases, it’s best to consult with a knowledgeable New Orleans drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines.

Another exception to the one-year statute of limitations is if the victim of the drunk driving accident is a minor. In these cases, the one-year time limit does not begin until the minor reaches the age of 18. However, it’s still important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that evidence is preserved and to begin building a strong case on behalf of the minor victim.

Remember, the one-year statute of limitations for drunk driving accident claims in Louisiana is a strict deadline that cannot be extended in most cases. By contacting our lawyers as soon as possible after your accident, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance of securing the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

Contact a New Orleans Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in New Orleans, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact our New Orleans drunk driving accident lawyers today at (504) 229-5700 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve.