John W. Redmann | March 3, 2025 | Car Accidents
Being involved in a car accident is stressful, and facing a lawsuit in Louisiana adds another layer of difficulty. Knowing the steps to take helps protect your rights and ensures a fair resolution. We will guide you through the legal actions, Louisiana’s fault laws, and why having an experienced car accident attorney by your side is important.
Legal Steps to Take After Getting Sued
If someone sues you after a car accident, start by reviewing the lawsuit documents carefully. Understand the claims against you and the damages sought. Notify your car insurance company immediately. They can guide you and may cover legal fees, depending on your policy. Gather evidence such as photos of the accident scene and witness statements to support your defense.
After notifying your insurer, consider consulting with an experienced car accident attorney who specializes in personal injury cases. They will help you analyze the lawsuit and form a strategy for your response. Your attorney may also assist in negotiating with the other party or their insurance company to reach a fair settlement. Acting promptly is important, as delays can hurt your case and your ability to defend yourself.
How Louisiana’s Fault Laws Affect Your Case
Louisiana follows a comparative fault system to determine liability in car accident cases. This means the degree of fault assigned to each party can affect the compensation awarded. If you are partly at fault, your compensation may decrease in proportion to your fault. You need to establish clear evidence supporting your position as the not-at-fault driver.
An experienced personal injury attorney will help gather evidence showing the other party’s negligence. They will also emphasize your lack of fault in the accident. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce their liability.
Deadlines You Must Meet to Respond to a Lawsuit
When facing a car accident lawsuit, meeting specific deadlines is vital to protect your rights. In Louisiana, you have 21 days from being served with the lawsuit to file a response. Failing to meet this deadline may result in a default judgment against you, meaning you lose the case without defending yourself.
Why Ignoring a Lawsuit Can Lead to Bigger Problems
Ignoring a car accident lawsuit can lead to serious consequences. If you fail to respond, the court may issue a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff, which means you could face substantial financial liability. This judgment may also severely affect your credit rating and financial stability.
Neglecting the lawsuit may limit your negotiation options. Once a default judgment is entered, the plaintiff may pursue actions to collect the awarded damages, such as garnishing your wages. Taking the lawsuit seriously and consulting with an attorney will help you avoid these negative outcomes and work toward a fair resolution.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is one of the best ways to protect your rights after a car accident lawsuit. An attorney will provide valuable legal advice and guide you through the complexities of the lawsuit process. They will gather evidence, build a strong defense, and negotiate with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf. This expertise ensures that your interests are represented throughout the case.
Schedule a Consultation with a Metairie Personal Injury Lawyer
If you face a lawsuit after a car accident in Metairie or Gretna, Louisiana, seek legal representation as soon as possible. Schedule a consultation with our car accident attorneys at The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC, to get the guidance and support you need during this difficult time. During the consultation, discuss the specifics of your case, learn about your rights, and explore your defense options.
We serve Jefferson Parish County and Louisiana’s surrounding Areas
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Metairie, LA Office
2901 N Causeway Blvd, STE 202
Metairie, LA, 70002
(504) 500-5000
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Gretna, LA Office
