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An automobile accident brings with it a host of questions. Who is at fault? Who pays for damage to my car? Am I entitled to a rental car? Who will pay for my medical bills? Can I ask the insurance company to reimburse me for lost wages? An experienced personal injury attorney can be extremely helpful in negotiating the often chaotic and confusing world of insurance claims and settlements. Because most personal injury attorneys work on a contingent-fee basis, and only get paid if there is a successful resolution to your claim, there is often little incentive to try to handle these types of claims on your own.

After a person has been involved in an auto accident and called in a claim to the insurance company, he or she is likely to wonder when the case will settle. A person can be in a sort of limbo as he or she waits for the settlement to occur.

Particular circumstances that are specific to the accident may impact the timing of a potential settlement offer. For example, liability may not be as clear due to the particulars of the accident or the parties involved. One vehicle may have stopped suddenly because of a vehicle swerving in front of it, causing a third party to crash into the back of the stationary vehicle.

Hiring a personal injury attorney to represent you after a car accident means you will have a professional working for you -- one who is extremely knowledgeable about the relevant laws and procedural rules that may affect your case.

Many claims that are clear-cut and are solid on the question of liability are settled in a matter of months. This is especially true when the claim involves medical damages that are clearly and objectively established. However, other claims may take years before they settle and may require the threat or commencement of a lawsuit before there is any forward traction in the case. Additionally, some cases do not settle at all.

An attorney can advise you of any time limits (called statutes of limitations) that can operate to bar you from filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. For instance, in Louisiana you must file your lawsuit within one year of your car accident or be forever prohibited from filing your lawsuit.

Your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and will know how best to handle any possible defenses raised by the other side. In addition, once your legal case gets under way, an attorney will be an invaluable guide in navigating the often confusing world of trial preparation -- and even going to trial if your case doesn't settle.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, having an attorney who is knowledgeable about the law evens the playing field, especially when you are going up against the experience and vast resources of a big insurance company.

For more information, call 318-222-4444 or 855-LAW-TODD (855-529-8633).

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