Louisiana first banned texting while driving in 2008 and has since taken additional steps to strengthen that ban. While this may seem a logical step in keeping our roads safer, New Orleans drivers should be aware that a study by the Highway Loss Data Institute calls into question the effectiveness of such bans. The Highway Loss Data Institute is a non-profit organization that conducts scientific studies of insurance data. It compared insurance claims for vehicles damaged in crashes before and after a full texting ban was instituted in four different states, including Louisiana. Data was also collected from nearby states, where the texting law had not changed, for use as a comparison and to control for other factors. The study found that – contrary to the expected result – crashes increased following the implementation of a texting ban for all drivers in three of the four states studied, including Louisiana.…Read More
As New Orleans personal injury attorneys, we deal with the impact of car accidents on families on a daily basis. While our job is to pursue financial compensation for our clients in personal injury lawsuits, we understand that in many cases, no monetary reward can compensate for the suffering of the injured or the hardship imposed on loved ones as a result of a serious – or even fatal – car crash. Nonetheless, there are several financial costs associated with automobile accidents that can be measured. Recently, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission released a finding that the costs associated with automobile accidents in Louisiana totaled approximately $5.7 billion in 2009. The expenses used in arriving at this figure included medical treatment, property damage, loss of wages and litigation costs. While those wrongly injured are entitled to full compensation for their personal injuries, this number is truly staggering. It becomes even…Read More
Yes. In cases where the negligent party involved in the auto accident doesn’t have insurance coverage, the only way for the injured party to recover is through uninsured/underinsured coverage or to sue the negligent driver personally. Suing the negligent party personally often is unsuccessful. With uninsured/underinsured coverage, your insurance company will stand in place of the negligent party and pay for your damages resulting from the accident. If you have questions about a car accident, call the Gertler Law Firm at (504) 527-8767 for a free consultation.Read More
When dealing with the aftermath of Uber or Lyft accidents, you may be thinking of filing a lawsuit and getting your due compensation. Maybe you suffered an injury, or you incurred expensive damage to your vehicle. Because rideshare drivers are contract workers and not employees of their companies, it limits the liability of the company in the case of an accident. Our New Orleans Uber and Lyft accident attorneys can help you understand your claim and take the case to court if necessary. Call our experienced accident lawyers today for a free consultation. Filing A Lawsuit Against Uber Or Lyft After An Accident There are cases where you may be dealing with the rideshare’s insurance company, but your claim will take time to process. This is because settling an accident claim represents a loss for the company, so Uber or Lyft will try to avoid compensation as much as possible. The Gertler Law Firm excels…Read More
New Orleans requires certain insurance conditions to be met by a rideshare company and its drivers before the company can offer its services. Some of these conditions may apply if you have been involved in a rideshare accident. If your driver is logged into the app when the accident occurs, then the rideshare company will cover the insurance. If they are not logged in, you will likely be dealing with an Uber or Lyft driver’s personal insurance. It is important to know a skilled and dedicated New Orleans rideshare accident attorney. We can help you make sense out of the complex mandates regarding rideshare insurance policies. The Gertler Law firm is well versed in dealing with the nuances of Uber and Lyft accident claims. If you have any questions about your specific case, do not hesitate to call us. Insurance And Liability When Accepting Passengers Uber and Lyft drivers are required to meet…Read More
Regardless of how the accident happened, it is important to call 911 immediately if you are in an Uber or Lyft accident. Make sure to give the police as much information as possible about your side of the story. If there were any injuries, get medical attention quickly. This applies whether you are the passenger, the driver, or in a third vehicle that may be involved in the accident. At Gertler Law Firm, our New Orleans rideshare accident attorneys will fight for your rights and take your case to court if needed. Call us to talk about your case anytime, 24/7. At The Scene Of The Accident While you are waiting for the authorities to arrive, get as much information as possible about the vehicles involved in the accident. Take notes and photos of any relevant details, such as license plates, damaged vehicles, and contact information of involved drivers. In the event of…Read More
If you have been injured or have suffered the loss of a loved one due to a car wreck, you should know your options for getting compensation. While you may be within your rights to sue, for some, the stress of court dates and litigation is too much to handle. If this is the case, you may prefer going through a less-structured mediation hearing with the help of a car accident attorney. However, whether litigation or mediation is better for your case will depend on the circumstances. Here, we will cover some of the differences between mediation and litigation, what happens at mediation for auto accidents, and how to determine which option is better for you. What’s The Difference Between Mediation And Litigation? To begin with, we should define what both mediation and litigation are. Litigation is what happens when you begin a civil lawsuit, and usually ends in a court trial…Read More
In Louisiana, there is a no pay/no play rule. What that means is that if you do not carry the mandated minimum amount of auto insurance coverage, then you cannot recover for the first $15,000 of damages. However, it may still be possible to recover if your damages from a car accident exceeds $15,000. If you have questions about the serious injuries you received in a car accident, call the Gertler Law Firm at (504) 527-8767 for a free consultation.Read More
If you were involved in an automobile accident, check to see if your automobile policy has medical coverage. Medical coverage on car insurance will pay medical bills up to a certain amount and can get you medical attention quickly. If you were injured in a car accident and have neither coverage, and the accident was not your fault, you may be able to pursue the other person for your bills from the crash. That’s where an attorney will need to get involved. If you have questions about a serious car accident in the New Orleans area, call the Gertler Law Firm at (504) 527-8767 for a free consultation.Read More
No, you should not. Many insurance adjusters are looking to quickly resolve your claim for much less than it you may be entitled to in a court of law. Also, adjusters may record your conversation and attempt to use it against you later on. If you have been in a auto accident and an Insurance Company wants to question you, call the Gertler Law Firm at (504) 527-8767 for a free consultation…. before you speak to them.Read More
