Car accidents happen every day in Louisiana and are a leading cause of personal injuries statewide each year. If another driver injured you in a car accident, you have the right to pursue accountability and compensation for your damages, but can you sue after a car accident in Louisiana if you weren’t hurt?
Can You Sue After a Car Accident in Louisiana If You Weren’t Hurt?
Most car accidents in Louisiana result from negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, and some result from illegal misconduct like intoxicated driving. Regardless of how your recent accident happened, if another driver caused it, they are liable for your damages under Louisiana’s fault rule for vehicle accidents. You have the right to claim compensation for any economic and non-economic losses you suffered from the accident.
While many motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana result in physical injuries, some do not, and you still have the right to claim compensation for damages after such an accident. The Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety reported that in 2022, there were 105,284 vehicle accidents in Louisiana that only resulted in property damage.
If you experience an accident but do not suffer injuries, you may still have grounds to claim compensation for your vehicle repair costs and emotional distress from the at-fault driver. You would follow a similar procedure to what you could expect after an accident resulting in injury. A Louisiana car accident attorney can help you establish fault for the accident, accurately calculate your damages, and then determine the total compensation you are eligible to claim.
Claiming Compensation After a Car Accident With No Injury
Even if you did not suffer an injury in your recent accident, proving fault is still an essential first step in your case if you intend to claim compensation for vehicle repair costs and emotional distress from the other driver. Your Louisiana car accident attorney can gather any evidence you need to prove liability and then determine the optimal way for you to recover compensation from the at-fault driver.
After most accidents in Louisiana, auto insurance is an injured victim’s first avenue of recovery. Every driver in the state is required to have auto insurance, and a successful claim could yield compensation for damages up to the policy’s coverage limits. Every driver’s policy in Louisiana must include coverage for property damage liability, so an attorney can help you claim compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Most insurance companies try to settle injury claims for as little as possible, looking for reasons they can devalue or deny a claim. You should not wait for an insurance company to try this with your claim to hire a car accident lawyer. If the insurance company sees that you have legal counsel, they are more likely to process your claim in good faith and offer a reasonable settlement.
Ultimately, you have the right to seek compensation for any losses you suffered in an accident caused by another driver, even if you did not suffer a physical injury. If you recently experienced such an accident, the team at Ron Austin Law can provide comprehensive legal counsel as you seek accountability and compensation for your damages. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how we can help with your case.
FAQs
How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Car Accident With No Injury?
The amount of compensation you can claim for a car accident with no injury will likely depend on the severity of the damage done to your vehicle and whether you experienced psychological trauma from the accident. Your Louisiana car accident attorney can accurately determine the full extent of the damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant and guide you through your recovery process.
What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Auto Insurance?
If the at-fault driver does not have auto insurance, you may be able to claim compensation from your own auto insurance carrier if you have uninsured motorist coverage. If you do not have this coverage, you will need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, and they will be personally responsible for the damages they caused. Hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident so they can determine your most viable recovery options.
How Much Can You Claim for Pain and Suffering?
The amount you can claim for pain and suffering depends on the overall severity of the injuries you suffered and the psychological harm you experienced from the accident. Your Louisiana car accident attorney will know how to determine a suitable amount of pain and suffering compensation that reflects the nature and severity of your experience.
What Happens if I Share Fault for an Accident in Louisiana?
If you share fault for an accident in Louisiana, you may still be able to recover partial compensation for your damages from the other driver, but only if you are found less at fault. Louisiana follows a newly adopted modified comparative fault rule. Under this rule, the plaintiff’s fault percentage is subtracted from their total compensation, but if they are found more at fault than the defendant, the plaintiff is barred from recovery.
Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer After a Crash With No Injury?
Yes, you should still hire a car accident lawyer even after a crash with no injury. You will still need help proving liability for the accident if you intend to claim compensation for your vehicle repair costs and the emotional distress you experienced. Hiring an attorney significantly improves your chances of reaching a favorable outcome in your case and securing appropriate compensation for your damages.
Louisiana Car Accident Law Firm
If you are wondering if you can sue after a car accident in Louisiana if you weren’t hurt, the answer is usually “Yes,” and an experienced Louisiana car accident attorney will be an invaluable asset to have on your side throughout your proceedings. The team at Ron Austin Law is ready to help you pursue compensation for your recent accident, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team.
