Frequently Asked Questions

If you've been injured in an accident, you probably have questions before you're ready to call anyone. Here are honest answers to the ones we hear most. And when you're ready to talk, the call is free — and you'll talk directly to an attorney named Bono, not a screener.

What happens when you hire a billboard or TV lawyer?

It's a fair question, because those firms spend millions to get your call — so what do you actually get? At many large advertising firms, the lawyer on the billboard is not the person handling your case. After you sign, your file is usually passed to a case manager or paralegal, and you may speak with several different people over the life of your claim — rarely the attorney whose face you saw. These firms run on volume: thousands of cases at once, which means individual attention is hard to come by, and cases that don't settle quickly can get less focus than they deserve. That's the opposite of how we work. At Bono Law Firm, you work directly with John or Michael Bono from the first call to the final check. There's nothing wrong with a big firm if you want a big firm — but if you'd rather be a client than a file number, that's what we offer.

Will I actually talk to a lawyer, or a case manager?

A lawyer — specifically, John or Michael Bono. This is the single biggest difference between our firm and the high-volume advertising firms. When you call, you're not routed to a call center or assigned to a case manager you'll never meet. You talk directly to one of the attorneys whose name is on the door, and that same attorney handles your case.

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Louisiana?

For an injury case, nothing up front. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover money for you — our fee is a percentage of the recovery, agreed on before we start. If we don't recover anything, you don't owe us an attorney's fee. That also means the consultation is free, and you're never out of pocket to find out whether you have a case.

What should I do right after a car accident in Louisiana?

A few things, in roughly this order: get medical care, even if you feel okay (some injuries don't show for days); call the police and get a report; photograph everything — the vehicles, the scene, your injuries; get the other driver's insurance information and the names of any witnesses; and do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before talking to a lawyer. Then call us for a free consultation. The first hours and days matter more than most people realize, because evidence and witness memories fade fast.

Who pays my medical bills after a car accident?

This is one of the most stressful parts for injured people, and the answer depends on the situation. Ultimately, the at-fault driver's insurance is responsible for your injuries — but that money usually comes at the end of the case, in the settlement, not as the bills arrive. In the meantime, your own health insurance, medical payments (MedPay) coverage, or arrangements with medical providers may cover treatment. Part of what we do is help manage this so you can get the care you need while your claim is pending. Don't avoid treatment because you're worried about bills — gaps in treatment hurt both your health and your case.

How long do I have to file an injury claim in Louisiana?

For accidents on or after July 1, 2024, Louisiana generally gives you two years to file an injury claim — extended from the old one-year deadline. For accidents before that date, the shorter one-year deadline may still apply. Either way, don't wait: evidence disappears, witnesses move, and a claim is far stronger when it's investigated early. The deadline is the outer limit, not the right time to start.

What if the insurance adjuster wants a recorded statement?

Be careful — and ideally, talk to a lawyer first. When an insurance adjuster calls asking for a recorded statement, they're not making friendly conversation; they're building their file, and they're trained to ask questions designed to get you to say something that reduces or denies your claim. You're generally not required to give the at-fault insurer a recorded statement, and it's usually a mistake to do so before you have a lawyer.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

You may still have a case. As of 2026, Louisiana follows a modified comparative-fault rule: if you're found less than 51% at fault, you can still recover — though your compensation is reduced by your share of fault. Only if you're found 51% or more at fault are you barred from recovering. Here's why this matters: insurance companies now have a strong incentive to push as much blame onto you as possible, to get you over that line. Don't assume you have no case because you think you were partly responsible — what you assume is your fault may be smaller than you think, or not your fault at all.

What is my injury case worth?

Honestly — it depends, and any lawyer who promises you a specific number before reviewing your case is guessing. The value of a claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the medical treatment you needed, your lost wages, the permanent effects of the injury, the insurance coverage available, and the strength of the evidence. What we can promise is an honest evaluation: we'll tell you what we think your case is realistically worth, and we'll tell you if we don't think you have one.

Do I have to go to court, or will my case settle?

Most injury cases settle without ever going to trial — but the cases that settle for full value are usually the ones the other side knows are prepared for trial. We prepare every case as if it will be tried, because that preparation is what produces a fair settlement. If the insurance company won't offer what your case is worth, we're ready to take it to court. You won't be pushed into a lowball settlement just to avoid the work of trial.

How quickly should I call a lawyer after an accident?

Sooner is better, for a practical reason: the evidence that proves your case is most at risk right after the accident. Surveillance footage gets overwritten, vehicles get repaired, witnesses become hard to find, and the at-fault party's insurance company often starts building its defense within days. Calling early doesn't mean you're being litigious — it means you're protecting your rights while the evidence is still fresh. And since the consultation is free, there's no cost to finding out where you stand.

Why choose a smaller firm over a big advertising firm?

Because in a smaller firm, you're a client, not a case number. The big advertising firms are built for volume — they sign thousands of cases and run them through a system. We're built for attention: a manageable caseload, direct access to the attorney handling your case, and the time to prepare your case properly. Since 1980, this is how our family firm has worked, and it's why so many of our clients come from referrals and come back to us.

We're here when you're ready

You don't have to have it all figured out before you call. If you've been injured and you're not sure what to do next, that's exactly what a free consultation is for. We'll answer your questions honestly, tell you whether you have a case, and if we can help, we'll handle it directly — no case managers, no call center.

Call Bono Law Firm, APLC at 504-835-9909 for a free consultation. Direct attorney access. No fee unless we recover for you. Se Habla Español.