I Got Into A Car Accident—What Do I Do?

The clock starts ticking immediately once the accident occurs. Wait too long and you may miss important timeframes or steps, which could make it impossible for you to pursue a car accident claim. Although swift action is necessary, it’s important to go about it the right way. Follow the steps below to give yourself the best chance at successfully pursuing a car accident claim.

When Should I Report A Car Accident?

By law, drivers in Louisiana must immediately report any vehicle accident if that accident results in injury, the death of any person, or property damage in excess of $500. To comply with this law, you’ll need to call 911 right after the accident occurs.

When Is The Deadline To File A Claim For A Car Accident In Louisiana?

Louisiana has different motor vehicle laws than the rest of the country. The Pelican State also uses different terms for standard legal concepts. For example, in Louisiana, we say prescription instead of Statute of Limitations.

I Was Partially At Fault, Am I Still Eligible For Compensation?

Louisiana car accident judgments are subject to comparative negligence law. This means that a court can find you, the victim, partially at fault for your car accident. You can still recover damages for your case if you are found to be partially at fault. However, the court will reduce your award by the percentage that it decides you were at fault.

How Much Compensation Will I Get From The Insurance Company?

If you are in an accident involving a driver who is at fault for the accident, chances are the driver has personal car insurance. Like most states, Louisiana requires drivers to carry this insurance. Failing to carry this insurance can lead directly to fines and loss of license. That existing personal liability insurance will extend to rental cars and cover injuries as well as damages suffered by others.

What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?

PIP is a type of insurance that is available in no-fault states. It covers the policyholder’s medical bills regardless of who was found to be at fault for the accident. Unlike many states, Louisiana does not require drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP).

What Is The No Pay No Play Law And What Does It Mean?

Louisiana is one of a few states that has passed a No Pay No Play law. This law bars uninsured and under-insured drivers from collecting the first $15,000 dollars of any claim of bodily injury and the first $25,000 of any claim of property damage.

PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS

Navigate Our Louisiana Car Accident Guide

How Our New Orleans Car Accident Lawyers Help You Recover Compensation

A serious car crash can disrupt every part of your life, your health, your finances, and your future. Medical bills, car repairs, calls from the insurance company… it all adds up fast. That’s where our team steps in.

At Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC, our New Orleans car accident lawyers help you take control of the situation. From the start, we focus on protecting your health, your rights, and your financial future. Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, some crash injuries take time to show up. Talking to a lawyer early helps make sure you get the proper medical care and that nothing important gets missed in your claim.

We’ve been helping injured drivers and passengers in New Orleans and Metairie for over 50 years. Our attorneys work one-on-one with every client. We deal with insurance companies, build strong cases, and when needed go to court to fight for fair compensation.

Whether you were hit in a rear-end collision, a T-bone crash, or by a distracted driver, we’re ready to investigate your accident from every angle. We work with doctors, investigators, and financial experts to make sure your case reflects what you’ve truly lost.

We also handle severe injury cases involving truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, and wrongful death.

Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on getting better.

Expert New Orleans Car/Truck/Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Speak with a New Orleans car accident lawyer who knows how to protect your rights and get results.

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Our Car Accident Lawyers Have Recovered Millions for New Orleans Clients

Our legal team builds every case to reflect the actual cost of what you've lost—medical bills, missed work, pain, and long-term recovery. Below are just a few examples of the outcomes we've helped our clients achieve:

$200 K

PERSONAL INJURIES
$240 K

PERSONAL INJURIES
$275 K

PERSONAL INJURIES
$315 K

PERSONAL INJURIES

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Why So Many New Orleans Car Accident Victims Trust Charbonnet Law Firm

Best Choice for Car/Truck/Motorcycle Accident Legal Assistance

After a crash, you need a lawyer who understands both Louisiana car accident laws and how insurance companies operate. At Charbonnet Law Firm, we’ve spent over 50 years helping injured people in New Orleans and the surrounding communities.

Here’s what sets us apart:

We customize every case to your specific injuries and recovery path, avoiding templates and one-size-fits-all solutions. We prepare each case as if it’s going to trial, ensuring we’re ready for any outcome.

Our team works with medical experts, investigators, and financial specialists to back your claim with solid evidence. With deep roots in New Orleans, we’ve served this community for generations and remain dedicated to our clients’ success.

While most of our cases involve car, truck, or motorcycle accidents, Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC also provides trusted guidance in estate planning, wills, and probate.

No matter what you’re facing, we’re here to help you protect what matters most.

Helpful Resources for Car Accident Victims in New Orleans

Helpful Auto Accident Articles
Dealing with Doctors & Insurance
Car Accidents Involving Uber, Lyft, Taxis, Leases & Rentals
Car Accident Law Concepts
- Are Drunk Drivers Automatically Liable for Accidents?
- Autonomous Car Features Are Advancing – Who is Responsible for a Crash?

How a New Orleans Car Accident Claim Really Works - Step by Step

If you've been injured in a car accident in Louisiana, knowing what to expect from the legal process can ease a lot of stress. Here's how the journey typically unfolds when you work with Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC:

Free Consultation
Accident
Investigation
Medical
Documentation
Insurance
Negotiation
Filing a Lawsuit
(if Necessary)
Litigate
Case
Trial or
Settlement

What happens after a car accident? Here’s how we walk you through every step of the legal process.

It all starts with a free case review, where we learn what happened and explain what comes next. Then, we dig into the details like reviewing crash reports, talking to witnesses, and working with reconstruction pros if needed.

Next, we help document your injuries and medical treatment so your claim reflects the full impact on your health and finances. We deal directly with the insurance company so that you can focus on healing.

If a fair settlement offer doesn’t come through, we’re ready to file a lawsuit. That stage involves evidence sharing, depositions, and trial preparation. While most cases are settled, we prepare every claim like it could go to court.

Throughout the process, we stay focused on one thing: getting you the compensation you deserve while keeping the stress off your plate.

Involved in a Car Accident in New Orleans? Do This Immediately

Knowing what to do after a crash can protect both your health and your right to compensation. If you’re in a car accident in New Orleans, follow these steps:

Stay at the Scene and Call 911: Check for injuries and stay calm. Louisiana law requires you to report crashes involving injury, death, or over $500 in damage. Emergency responders will also file an official accident report.
Swap Info and Take Photos: Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved. Use your phone to take clear pictures of vehicle damage, license plates, the scene, and any visible injuries.
See a Doctor Right Away: Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. Medical records also strengthen your personal injury claim.
Report the Crash to Authorities: In Louisiana, failing to report a qualifying crash can result in fines or penalties. Make sure an official police report is filed—it’s key evidence for your case.
Call a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer: Before you speak with the insurance company, talk to us. We’ll explain your rights, protect your claim, and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Still not sure what to do next? That’s what we’re here for. At Charbonnet Law Firm, we’ve helped New Orleans drivers through the aftermath of serious crashes for over 50 years. Let’s start with a free case review and get you on the path to recovery.

Trusted New Orleans Car Accident Lawyers Backed by Decades of Results

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Testimonials from Our New Orleans Accident Clients

These real experiences from our New Orleans clients show what it's like to work with a legal team that genuinely cares and delivers.

“I walked in as a client and walked out as a friend. If you are good at what you do, you will never need expensive ads to prove it. Good outshines the rest and in volatile times such as now always go for the good and at Charbonnet Law Firm you will be treated as humans and not just a case file. It’s my word of mouth endorsement and I approve this message.”

A. Bajaj

Client
“It’s easy to get caught up in lies. These days it’s hard to weed out good from bad. The best endorsement is what comes from people, not the lawyers’ own endorsements, paid celebrity endorsements or actors telling you they made millions. Charbonnet law firm has no expensive ads because they have happy clients. I am one of them!”

J. Kelly

Client
“If I had to sum it up in short Charbonnet Law Firm has a team that treats everyone with respect and esteem. Kindness is apparent as soon as you walk into the office, don’t be just a case number! I am not just saying it I am a client too!”

B. Smith

Client

Car Accident Statistics and Traffic Risks in New Orleans

The Cost of Traffic Congestion in New Orleans

Traffic Congestion Costs in New Orleans

The TRIP Transportation Research Report, a leading transportation research group, found that drivers in Louisiana’s most congested areas lose up to 78 hours per year stuck in traffic, costing them up to $2,126 annually. The New Orleans metropolitan area ranks among the highest in the state for traffic delays, especially during rush hours.

In addition to traffic congestion, Louisiana sees high rates of motor vehicle crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Louisiana had 914 fatal crashes in 2021, with 997 fatalities. This marked an increase in fatalities compared to the previous year.

The total economic cost of traffic accidents in Louisiana was estimated to be $6.04 billion in 2006, which is still used as a baseline for economic losses related to motor vehicle accidents in the state.

Traffic Violation Fines in Louisiana

In Louisiana, fines for common traffic violations can add up quickly. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC), the fine for speeding can range from $200-$500 for a first offense and can result in up to 30 days in jail. Subsequent offenses can incur fines ranging from $350-$1000, with penalties of up to 6 months in prison for repeat offenders.

If you’re facing traffic violation charges, remember that you don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. Our experienced attorneys understand the stress and uncertainty you’re feeling and can help protect your driving record, minimize financial penalties, and potentially prevent license suspension.

Louisiana Car Accident Laws & FAQs

When should I report a car accident in Louisiana?

You must report a crash immediately if it causes injury, death, or over $500 in property damage. Call 911 at the scene and file a report with law enforcement to comply with Louisiana car accident reporting laws.

What's the deadline to file a car accident claim in Louisiana?

You typically have one year from the accident date to file a personal injury or property damage claim. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation under Louisiana’s strict statute of limitations.

Can I get compensation if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Louisiana follows a comparative fault system. You can still receive compensation even if you were partially at fault, but your final payout will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility for the crash.

How much compensation can I expect from the insurance company?

It depends on your injuries, losses, and liability. Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and car repairs. Insurance companies may offer less than full value—speak with a lawyer before accepting a settlement.

Does Louisiana have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage?

No, Louisiana doesn’t require or offer traditional PIP coverage. Instead, drivers can opt into medical payments (MedPay) coverage to help with injury-related costs regardless of who caused the accident.

What is the "No Pay, No Play" law in Louisiana?

Louisiana’s “No Pay, No Play” law limits how much compensation an uninsured driver can collect after a crash. If you didn’t carry valid insurance at the time, you may be barred from recovering the first $15,000 in damages.