Question 1

Can you Represent Yourself in a Car Accident or Personal Injury Claim?

Accepted Answer

While you have the legal right to represent yourself in a car accident or personal injury claim, doing so can significantly put your case and your compensation at risk. Before making this decision, consider the following critical factors.

The Legal System Is Designed to Be Complex

Personal injury law involves strict deadlines, detailed procedures, and legal strategies that can be difficult to navigate without formal training. A single missed filing or procedural error can weaken or even eliminate your claim. Attorneys understand how to properly build and present a case, ensuring no critical step is overlooked.

Insurance Companies Have Lawyers You Should Too

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Without legal representation, you may unknowingly accept a settlement far below what your case is truly worth. Personal injury attorneys know how to counter insurance tactics, protect your rights, and pursue full and fair compensation.

Experience Makes a Measurable Difference

Personal injury lawyers bring years of focused legal experience to your case. They know how to evaluate claims accurately, gather compelling evidence, consult experts, and negotiate from a position of strength. Studies consistently show that claimants represented by attorneys recover significantly more compensation than those who handle claims on their own.

Your Time Is Better Spent Recovering

Managing a personal injury claim is time consuming and stressful, especially while you are injured. Hiring an attorney allows you to focus on your health while a professional handles paperwork, phone calls, deadlines, and negotiations on your behalf.

You Pay Nothing Unless You Win

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. You only pay if your attorney secures compensation for you. This ensures your lawyer is fully invested in achieving the best possible outcome.

The Bottom Line

Self representation may seem like a way to save money, but it often results in lower settlements and greater stress. An experienced personal injury attorney not only levels the playing field, but frequently secures compensation that exceeds what most individuals could obtain on their own.

When your health, financial future, and legal rights are on the line, having an experienced advocate can make all the difference.

Question 2

What to Do when you 1st Get into an Accident?

Accepted Answer

1. Stop and Stay at the Scene (Legally Required)
You must stop your vehicle at the scene, even if the crash seems minor. Leaving the scene can lead to criminal charges, fines, or jail time under Louisiana law.

2. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
If anyone is seriously hurt, such as bleeding, unconsciousness, or trouble breathing, call 911 immediately so emergency medical help and police are dispatched right away.
Do not move someone with a suspected head, neck, or back injury unless there is immediate danger, such as a fire.

3. Move Vehicles to a Safe Spot (If You Can)
If the vehicles are drivable and it is safe, pull off the road to the shoulder or a nearby safe area to avoid blocking traffic. Turn on hazard lights.

4. Call the Police and Get the Police Report Number
In Louisiana, you are required to report the accident to law enforcement immediately when:
• Someone is injured or killed
• Property damage exceeds $500
• A driver flees the scene, appears impaired, or other suspicious factors exist

Having an official police report is critical for insurance and legal claims later.

5. Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Collect the following from each driver:
• Name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle information including make, model, year, and license plate

If possible, also get the names and contact information of any witnesses.

6. Document the Scene
Use your phone to take photos and videos of:
• All vehicle damage from multiple angles
• License plates
• Road conditions, traffic signals, and skid marks
• Anything that may have contributed, such as weather or debris
• Visible injuries and the overall scene

Write down your own notes about what happened while it is still fresh.

7. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 72 hours. Provide facts, photos, and the police report, but do not admit fault.

8. Seek Medical Care Through Your Attorney Even If You Feel Okay
Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately. Seeing a doctor soon after the accident protects your health and creates documented evidence for insurance or legal claims.

9. Keep All Records
Save everything, including:
• Medical bills and diagnoses
• Repair and estimate receipts
• Insurance correspondence
• Police reports and written statements

These records are essential for supporting insurance claims or potential legal action.

Question 3

Do Pre-Existing Conditions affect a Personal Injury Claim?

Accepted Answer

Pre existing medical conditions do not bar you from recovering compensation in a personal injury claim. What matters under the law is not your prior health history, but whether the accident caused new harm or worsened an existing condition. Understanding how pre existing conditions are evaluated is essential to protecting your right to full and fair compensation.

What Qualifies as a Pre Existing Condition

A pre existing condition is any injury, illness, or medical issue that existed before the accident, such as prior injuries, chronic conditions, or ongoing medical treatment. While insurance companies often attempt to use these conditions to deny or reduce claims, the law does not allow them to avoid liability simply because you were not in perfect health.

The Law Protects Injured Victims

Aggravation of Existing Injuries
If an accident intensifies a prior condition, you are entitled to compensation for the additional pain, suffering, medical treatment, and limitations resulting from that aggravation.

The Eggshell Plaintiff Doctrine
Under established legal principles, a negligent party must take the victim as they find them. This means a defendant is fully responsible for any worsening of a pre existing condition caused by their actions, even if another person may not have suffered the same level of injury.

Proving Your Case

Medical Documentation
Comprehensive medical records establish your condition before the accident and demonstrate how it changed afterward. This evidence is critical in showing the extent of aggravation.

Expert Medical Testimony
Qualified medical experts can explain how the accident worsened your condition and distinguish pre existing symptoms from new or intensified injuries.

Consistent Medical Care
Following prescribed treatment and maintaining consistent medical care strengthens your claim and documents the ongoing impact of the accident.

Insurance Company Pushback

Insurance companies frequently argue that injuries are unrelated to the accident and instead blame pre existing conditions. These tactics are designed to limit or deny rightful compensation. Our attorneys anticipate these defenses and counter them with medical evidence, expert analysis, and a clear demonstration of causation and liability.

The Bottom Line

Having a pre existing condition does not diminish your legal rights. When an accident worsens an existing condition, the law allows you to recover compensation for the harm caused. With skilled legal representation, pre existing conditions can be properly addressed and not used against you. If an accident aggravated a condition you already had, you deserve to be fully compensated for the additional harm caused.

Question 4

Who Pays for Physical Therapy After a Car Accident?

Accepted Answer

After a car accident, physical therapy is often a critical part of your recovery, but who pays for it can depend on several factors, including insurance coverage, fault, and the specifics of your policy. In most cases, the at fault driver or their insurance should cover your medical bills, but securing full payment can be complicated without professional help.

Insurance Coverage Options

PIP or MedPay
These policies cover medical expenses, including physical therapy, regardless of who caused the accident.

Health Insurance
Health insurance may cover costs as primary or secondary coverage, but co pays, deductibles, and coverage limits may apply.

At Fault Driver’s Insurance
Liability coverage should pay for your therapy, but filing a claim may require negotiation or legal action to ensure fair compensation.

Why Fault Matters

Police reports, witness statements, and insurance investigations are used to determine responsibility. Delays or disputes can leave you paying out of pocket without proper guidance.

Protecting Your Recovery

Keeping detailed records of all bills, receipts, and medical documentation is crucial for reimbursement. An experienced attorney can manage negotiations, gather evidence, and ensure that all medical expenses, including physical therapy, are fully compensated, allowing you to focus on healing without financial stress.

The Bottom Line

The cost of physical therapy should not be a burden if the accident was not your fault. With skilled legal representation, you can protect your recovery and ensure that responsible parties and their insurance cover the treatment you need to get your life back on track.

Question 5

How Much will it Cost to hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

Accepted Answer

The cost of hiring a car accident attorney can vary depending on the complexity of your case, but most personal injury law firms, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront fees. Below is what you need to know about the costs involved.

Contingency Fee Arrangement for Personal Injury Cases

No Upfront Fees
You do not pay anything to hire an attorney. There are no hourly charges or initial costs.

Percentage of Settlement
Attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement or court award.

No Win, No Fee
If your case is unsuccessful, you owe no attorney fees. This structure aligns the attorney’s interests with yours and ensures they are motivated to pursue the best possible outcome.

Additional Case Expenses

While attorney fees are covered by the contingency agreement, some case related expenses may arise:

Filing Fees
Costs associated with submitting documents to the court.

Expert Witness Fees
Payments to medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, or other professionals.

Investigation Costs
Expenses for obtaining medical records, police reports, or conducting depositions.

Administrative Costs
Charges for photocopying, postage, and related administrative tasks.

Handling of Expenses

Some law firms require clients to pay these costs as they arise. At our firm, we cover these expenses upfront and only deduct them from your settlement if we win your case.

Free Initial Consultation for Personal Injury Cases

No Obligation
We offer a free consultation for personal injury matters to review the details of your accident, explain your legal options, and outline potential costs.

Transparent Fee Agreement
We provide a clear and detailed agreement so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.

The Bottom Line

Hiring an attorney should never be a financial burden. With a contingency fee arrangement and upfront expense coverage, you can pursue your claim with confidence, knowing your attorney is fully invested in securing the best possible outcome for you.

Question 6

What is the Average Settlement for an Automobile Accident?

Accepted Answer

The settlement for an automobile accident, especially one involving a large commercial truck, can vary dramatically and may range from tens of thousands to several million dollars. Several key factors influence the ultimate value of a claim. Understanding these factors is essential to ensuring you receive full and fair compensation.

1. Severity of Injuries

Minor Injuries
Cuts, bruises, and soft tissue injuries typically result in settlements on the lower end of the spectrum, often under six figures.

Moderate to Severe Injuries
Serious injuries such as fractures, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disabilities can significantly increase the settlement amount, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

2. Liability and Negligence

Clear Liability
When the trucking company or driver is clearly at fault, settlements are generally higher because responsibility is easier to establish.

Disputed or Shared Fault
If liability is contested or partially assigned to the injured party, the settlement may be reduced or delayed.

3. Economic Damages

Medical Expenses
Covers past and future medical bills, rehabilitation, surgeries, and necessary medical equipment.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings
Compensation for income lost due to the accident and reduced earning capacity if injuries prevent a return to work.

• Property Damage
Covers repair or replacement of vehicles and any other personal property damaged in the accident.

4. Non Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering
Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

Loss of Consortium
Compensation for family members who experience the loss of companionship, support, or care.

5. Punitive Damages

Gross Negligence or Recklessness
In cases where the trucking company or driver acted with extreme negligence or reckless disregard for safety, courts may award punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar behavior, often increasing the total settlement.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Because settlement values can vary widely, having experienced legal representation is critical. Skilled personal injury attorneys can:

Accurately evaluate the full value of your claim
Gather and present strong evidence of liability and damages
Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your settlement

Proper legal representation ensures your injuries, losses, and rights are fully accounted for and helps you secure the compensation you deserve.

Question 7

What is covered under My Automobile Insurance Policy?

Accepted Answer

Understanding your automobile insurance coverage is essential, especially before an accident. Louisiana law requires certain minimum coverages, but many drivers are unaware of what their policy actually includes. Knowing your coverage can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.

Review Your Insurance Policy

The most reliable way to determine your coverage is by reviewing your insurance declarations page. This document summarizes your policy limits, types of coverage, and any optional protections you selected, and it identifies exactly what coverage applies in the event of an accident.

Minimum Coverage Required by Louisiana Law

Under Louisiana law, drivers are required to carry liability insurance with at least the following minimum limits:

$15,000 for bodily injury per person
$30,000 for bodily injury per accident
$25,000 for property damage

This coverage pays for injuries or damage you cause to others, but it does not cover your own injuries or vehicle damage.

Important Optional Coverages Many Drivers Overlook

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Louisiana law requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage. If you did not knowingly reject it in writing, it may be included in your policy. This coverage can be critical if you are injured by a driver who has little or no insurance.

Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments coverage helps pay medical bills regardless of fault.

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
This coverage pays for damage to your own vehicle from accidents, theft, weather events, or other covered losses.

Why Coverage Details Matter

Insurance companies often interpret policies narrowly to limit payouts. Without a clear understanding of your coverage, you may unknowingly leave benefits unused or accept less compensation than your policy allows.

How an Attorney Can Help

An experienced Louisiana personal injury attorney can:

Review your insurance policy in detail
Identify all available coverages, including overlooked benefits
Determine whether uninsured motorist coverage applies
Ensure the insurance company honors the full value of your policy

The Bottom Line

Knowing what automobile insurance coverage you have is not always straightforward, but it is critical to protecting yourself after an accident. Louisiana law provides important safeguards, and understanding how they apply to your policy can significantly impact your financial recovery. If you are unsure about your coverage, having your policy reviewed by a knowledgeable attorney can help ensure nothing is missed and your rights are fully protected.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can you Represent Yourself in a Car Accident or Personal Injury Claim?

What to Do when you 1st Get into an Accident?

Do Pre-Existing Conditions affect a Personal Injury Claim?

Who Pays for Physical Therapy After a Car Accident?

How Much will it Cost to hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

What is the Average Settlement for an Automobile Accident?

What is covered under My Automobile Insurance Policy?

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PERSONAL INJURY/AUTO ACCIDENT

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Headquarters

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2245 Virginia Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Hours

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PERSONAL INJURY/AUTO ACCIDENT FREE CONSULTATION

Contact

PERSONAL INJURY/AUTO ACCIDENT FREE CONSULTATION

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

PERSONAL INJURY/AUTO ACCIDENT FREE CONSULTATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can you Represent Yourself in a Car Accident or Personal Injury Claim?

What to Do when you 1st Get into an Accident?

Do Pre-Existing Conditions affect a Personal Injury Claim?

Who Pays for Physical Therapy After a Car Accident?

How Much will it Cost to hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

What is the Average Settlement for an Automobile Accident?

What is covered under My Automobile Insurance Policy?

CALL THE KING

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

PERSONAL INJURY/AUTO ACCIDENT FREE CONSULTATION

Schedule Your

FREE CONSULTATION PERSONAL INJURY/AUTO ACCIDENT

Our Mission

Headquarters

THE KING LAW FIRM 2245 Virginia Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Hours

BY APPOINTMENT

PERSONAL INJURY/AUTO ACCIDENT FREE CONSULTATION

Contact

PERSONAL INJURY/AUTO ACCIDENT FREE CONSULTATION

PERSONAL INJURY/AUTO ACCIDENT
FREE CONSULTATION

FREE CONSULTATION
PERSONAL INJURY/AUTO ACCIDENT

THE KING LAW FIRM
2245 Virginia Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802