Shreveport, LA Auto Accidents: How Quickly Can I Get My Settlement?
Settlements can be reached very quickly, sometimes in less than two months, depending on the facts of the case. However, more complicated cases will take longer. Most car accidents in Shreveport, Louisiana, are resolved via settlement. But, it must be remembered that a settlement involves a full release of any further claims. That is, once a settlement is reached and paid, there can be no "going back" to demand more money. This is because a settlement involves signing a legally binding settlement agreement. In that agreement, there will be language that bars any ability to make more demands related to the accident in the future. The language is often similar to the following example:
"Release of Claims: In exchange for the Settlement Amount, [NAME (the party injured in the crash)] hereby forever releases the Insurance Company, the at-fault driver, and all others from any and all claims, lawsuits, and demands, whether now known or unknown, flowing from the Accident from this Date until the end of Time."
Because of this, if a victim agrees to settle too quickly, the victim of a Shreveport, Louisiana, car accident may not receive FULL compensation. So, "being patient" is generally the best method of ensuring the MAXIMUM settlement. If you have been injured, seek a consultation with an experienced Shreveport auto accident attorney like the ones at the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams. Use our Contact Page.
Under Louisiana law, an auto accident victim is entitled to compensation for ALL damages, including ALL medical bills, ALL lost wages and income, ALL pain and suffering, and much more. In less complicated cases, those medical bills, cost estimates for repairs, claims for lost income, etc., can be quickly and completely gathered. It is on the basis of that information that a settlement is negotiated. However, as noted, once a settlement is reached, there can be no further claims, even if the accident caused a latent injury unknown at the time of the settlement. Imagine that one of the injuries suffered in the car accident was a broken leg. The leg is set, and everything seems fine. But a month later, the doctors say surgery on the leg is needed. If the victim took the settlement money before the surgery, then the victim will have to pay those costs. And, as we know, surgery is very expensive. So, again, "being patient" is the best practice.
For more complicated cases, reaching settlement takes more time because surgeries, therapies, and other healing treatments are needed before the victim's health is fully recovered. Further, because the medical bills are still accumulating, the total damages cannot yet be calculated. Thus, more serious cases with more severe injuries will require more time before settlement monies are paid. These cases can take six months to a year to settle. Settlement will take even longer, where long-term medical care is needed. The costs of such future medical care are recoverable as damages, but it takes time to evaluate and properly estimate what those future costs are going to be.
Contact A Louisiana Personal Injury Attorney Today
For more information, contact the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams. If you have been injured in a Louisiana accident, our Louisiana personal injury lawyers can help you recover the full compensation you are entitled to according to Louisiana law. To contact us, complete our "Contact Us" page here. You may significantly benefit by having an attorney with legal competence and experience assist you with your Louisiana personal injury case. We have offices in Shreveport and handle personal injury cases throughout all of Louisiana. Thank you for reading this blog post and visiting our website.