Debunking Common Myths About Car Accident Settlements In Kenner, LA

In this article, you can discover…

• The value of hiring an attorney after a car accident, even if the damage seems minor.
• Whether you’ll have to pay taxes on your case settlement.
• If pre-existing medical conditions can hurt or impact your claim.

Myth #1: I Don’t Need To Hire A Kenner, LA, Personal Injury Attorney If My Car Accident Was Minor, Or The Opposing Party Admits Fault

No, that is not true. You should hire an experienced personal injury attorney even if the accident was minor or the at-fault party admits fault. These accidents may seem straightforward, but there’s no guarantee the insurance company will pay you the compensation you deserve. For this reason, you need experienced personal injury attorneys to help you navigate the claims process.

Myth #2: Louisiana Personal Injury Settlements Go Quicker If I Accept The Insurance Company’s First Offer

That is not true. The first offer from an insurance company is normally a low-ball settlement offer that covers only a fraction of your expenses. If you accept an insurance company’s initial settlement offer, you may be unable to collect additional compensation later on, even if you discover your injuries require further medical treatment.

Never accept an initial offer! Instead, allow experienced personal injury attorneys to negotiate with the insurance company for you and work toward the compensation you truly deserve.

Myth #3: I Won’t Have To Pay Taxes On My Car Accident Injury Settlement In Louisiana

Not quite. If your settlement was simply for pain and suffering and medical bills, you will not have to pay taxes on your sum. But if your settlement includes compensation for lost wages, you will have to pay taxes on that amount. If in doubt as to whether your settlement is taxable, reach out to your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for clarification.

Louisiana’s Husband and Wife Legal Team, Jeffrey Gennusa and Ana Rodrigues Gennusa of the Gennusa Firm in Louisiana are respected, determined personal injury attorneys. With over 30 years of combined experience, they’ve helped clients just like you determine who is liable when a company vehicle strikes them and guided them in seeking compensation.

Have questions, or in need of legal guidance after a car wreck? Reach out to the Gennusa Firm for a FREE initial consultation today at (504) 298-1983.

Myth #4: Only Physical Injuries Are Covered In A Louisiana Car Accident Case

No, that is not true. You can also receive compensation for past and future medical expenses, medical insurance and copayments, lost wages, reduced quality of life, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

Myth #5: Having A Pre-Existing Condition Will Affect My Kenner, LA, Car Accident Injury Settlement

This depends on whether the body part with the pre-existing condition was injured in the accident. For example, if you have a pre-existing back condition but injure only your head and neck in the accident, your pre-existing condition will not impact your settlement.

However, if your back had previously been injured and the accident re-injured your back, your settlement amount will be based on how much more your back was injured. This is why it is very important to tell your medical doctor about all of your injuries, especially if you have pre-existing injuries and have received treatment for them in the past.

With the right information, your doctor can obtain a copy of your medical records to understand how severe the prior injury was and what type of treatment you received. The more information you can provide your doctor about your pre-existing condition, the better chances you have of getting better and healing properly.

Our Firm Has Heard It All – And We’re Here To Help

The biggest myth we encounter is, “My friend had this exact type of injury. He received X dollars. I expect to get the same.” The mechanics and circumstances of every wreck are different, and people’s bodies respond in very different ways, even in similar accidents. What’s more, even people involved in the exact same wreck within the same vehicle can come away with vastly different injuries.

You cannot compare your case to the case of a friend or family member, as that is not a fair comparison. That’s why it is so important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to help you with your claim.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on Car Accident Settlements In Kenner, LA, a FREE initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (504) 298-1983 today.