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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I schedule an appointment to meet you face-to-face?

Yes, please call or text 504-358-0008 and we will do our best to schedule you for a meeting. Please note that all meetings are by appointment only. We are also available to meet by way of Zoom/virtual means.

Should I accept an early settlement offer?

No, if you've received an early settlement offer from the insurance company they are acknowledging that you have a viable injury claim, and your claim may be valued much higher than what they are offering you. It's highly recommended that you consult with an attorney to learn the full extent of your rights before accepting an early settlement offer. There are limited circumstances when we would recommend accepting an early settlement offer. To find out when those are or for a free consultation, please get in touch.


When should I hire an attorney after an accident?

The sooner the better, especially if you have suffered an injury. After you have been involved an accident, insurance company representatives may start to call you and attempt to obtain information (such as a recorded statement) that they may seek to use against you at a later date. From the beginning, it's important to have an experienced attorney in your corner so that you understand your rights and you have confidence that your case is being handled correctly. 

I have high medical bills, who is going to pay them?

Medical bills that you incur due to someone else's recklessness and carelessness are 100% the responsibility of that person and their insurance company. As part of our representation, we make sure that your bills get paid with the insurance money and where it becomes necessary we will negotiate bill reductions (e.g., high hospital bills) on your behalf.  

I was hit by someone that didn't have insurance, do I still have a case?

Yes, when someone causes you harm intentionally or negligently you have a case against them. The next question becomes 'who will pay for my damages?' At Burnham Law Firm, we specialize in finding insurance coverage. Contact us for a consultation so we can review your insurance policy, review the facts of the case, and fully explore all potential sources of recovery.

How much do you charge?

 

Our payment options generally fall into two categories: contingency fees and hourly fees. For personal injury cases, such as car accidents, or storm damage cases, we often work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won't pay anything upfront. Instead, our fees are contingent on winning your case, and we will receive a percentage of the settlement or court award as our fee. If we don't secure compensation for you, you won't owe us anything.

 

For other civil litigation matters, we offer hourly fee arrangements. In such cases, you will be billed for the time and effort we put into your case. Our pricing structure is tailored to be fair and competitive while reflecting the complexity of each case. During our initial consultation, we will discuss the fee structure that best suits your situation and answer any questions you may have.


How much is my case worth?

This is the golden question. For personal injury cases, there are many factors that determine the value of a case: the type of injury, the medical treatment needed, the medical treatment performed, the existence of any comparative fault (whether the injured person did anything to contribute to the accident), the existence of prior similar injuries, and the total amount of insurance available. As long as you follow the advice of your lawyer and your treating doctor, rest assured that you are maximizing the value of your case.


How much time do I have to pursue a personal injury claim?

While this timeline varies state-to-state, in Louisiana you have one year from the date of the accident to resolve your case, otherwise, you must file a lawsuit to preserve your rights. In Georgia, the timeline is a little bit longer, two years from the date of the accident.  


Do I have to go to traffic court with you?

For most traffic infractions, we can represent you without your presence, saving you valuable time and effort. However, if your case involves more serious charges or if the court requires your appearance, we will inform you promptly and guide you through the necessary steps. Rest assured that we will keep you informed throughout the process, explaining your rights and options, and advocating for the best possible outcome on your behalf.


Do you handle tickets outside of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes?

Yes, we provide legal representation for traffic tickets and related matters outside of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. In fact, we offer representation across both Louisiana and Georgia. Whether you've received a ticket in other cities or counties within these states, I can assist you in addressing the citation and its potential consequences. We are well-versed in the traffic laws of both Louisiana and Georgia, and we can navigate the specific regulations and procedures of different jurisdictions to protect your rights and achieve favorable results.


What is collision coverage?

 

Collision coverage is an essential component of auto insurance that covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle in the event of a collision, regardless of who is at fault. This type of coverage is optional, but it can be highly beneficial, especially if your vehicle is relatively new or valuable. When you have collision coverage, your insurance company will help pay for the repairs or replacement of your car, up to the policy's limits, minus the deductible you have selected. 

In cases where the at-fault insurance company is dragging their feet and not paying to fix your vehicle, collision coverage can be particularly valuable because we can use it to get your vehicle fixed without having to wait on the insurance carrier. If a deductible is owed, we will fight to recover it on your behalf. Since you are pay for collision coverage as part of your premium, electing to use it instead of waiting for the other insurance company will not cause your rates go up.

Can I find out how much insurance the other driver has after I've been hurt in a car wreck?

After the accident, you can request this information from the other driver directly or through their insurance company. Sometimes the insurance company may reveal this information, for example, if the case involves a minimum state policy. But in most cases, the insurance company will keep the policy limit information confidential; they are under no obligation to reveal it.

Will filing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with my insurance company cause my auto insurance premiums to go up?

No, it is illegal for your insurance company to increase your premiums where you were not at fault for a wreck and you filed an uninsured motorist claim.

Do you offer a free personal injury case review?

Yes, please fill out the form below and we will contact you to schedule a review of your case at no charge to you. 

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