Partner at Charbonnet Law Firm LLC
Practice Areas: Personal Injury
Hit and run accidents leave people confused, stressed, and unsure about what to do next. These incidents happen quickly and often without warning, which makes it even harder for victims to respond. Louisiana has strict rules about drivers staying at the scene, and understanding these laws can help you take the right steps afterward.
If you were recently involved in a crash in the city, learning how cases work can help you navigate what comes next, and why many people search for a New Orleans car accident lawyer for guidance.
This guide breaks down Louisiana’s hit and run process, what evidence matters most, how insurance works, and the deadlines you should know.
A hit and run occurs when a driver causes or is involved in an accident and leaves without stopping to provide their identity or offer reasonable aid. Louisiana law is clear about this responsibility.
“La. R.S. 14:100 defines hit and run as the intentional failure of a driver involved in or causing an accident to stop and provide identity and aid.”
Hit and run cases can involve:
The consequences increase when someone is hurt or killed. While penalties vary, they may include fines and possible imprisonment. Louisiana treats these cases seriously because leaving the scene makes it harder for victims to get timely help.
Right after the crash, things may feel overwhelming. Still, the steps you take in the first few minutes matter. Move yourself to safety, especially if you are near moving traffic. Check for injuries and call for medical help if needed.
Once safe, start documenting the scene. Take clear photos of your vehicle, any surrounding damage, the road surface, nearby signs, and weather conditions at the time.
If witnesses are nearby, politely ask for their names and contact information. Calling the police is required in many cases involving injury or property damage. Officers will create an official report, and this becomes a key document for insurance claims or future legal steps.
Evidence plays a major role in helping identify the driver or proving what occurred. The more information you collect, the clearer the picture becomes.
Useful details include:
Video footage can also help. Many hit and run investigations rely on security cameras at nearby homes or businesses, traffic cameras, and dashcams.
“Under La. R.S. 32:398, drivers must report crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage to law enforcement.”
Investigators often use vehicle parts left behind to determine the type, year, and sometimes even color of the fleeing vehicle. Early action gives them more to work with.
Reporting the crash is not only helpful, but often legally required. When officers arrive, they document injuries, interview witnesses, and gather physical evidence.
Provide as many details as possible, such as:
Once the report is ready, you can request a copy. This document becomes a foundation for insurance claims and forms the record of what happened.
Hit and run cases often fall under Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage in Louisiana. Many drivers carry UM coverage without realizing how important it is until they need it.
“Uninsured motorist coverage in Louisiana can apply when the at-fault driver cannot be identified, such as in hit and run cases.”
UM coverage may help with medical bills, lost wages, or property damage depending on your policy. File the claim as soon as possible and provide the insurer with all evidence you gathered. Insurers may request the police report, photos, and witness information.
Policy limits vary, and not every type of damage may be covered, but this coverage can still ease the financial impact of the crash.
Victims of hit and run accidents may pursue compensation through a civil claim if the driver is eventually identified. Damages may include medical costs or property repairs, depending on the case. Louisiana also allows punitive damages in limited situations involving intoxicated driving.
“Punitive damages are only available in Louisiana when authorized by statute, such as alcohol-related incidents under La. Civ. Code art. 2315.4.”
Louisiana has one of the shortest filing windows in the country:
“In Louisiana, most personal injury and property damage claims must be filed within one year of the accident.”
This short deadline makes it important to gather evidence early, keep records organized, and understand your options quickly.
|
Offense Type |
Description |
Possible Penalties (General) |
| Property damage only | Leaving after a minor crash | Fines and possible short-term jail time |
| Injury involved | Leaving without giving aid or identity | Higher fines and longer jail time |
| Fatality involved | Fleeing after a deadly crash | Felony charges with significant penalties |
| Impairment-related | Leaving the scene while impaired | Enhanced criminal consequences |
Try to recall the vehicle’s color, model, direction of travel, and any part of the license plate.
Yes. Investigators use debris, camera footage, and witness statements to track down fleeing drivers.
Other evidence such as vehicle pieces, paint transfer, and video footage may still help identify the driver.
Penalties vary depending on whether the crash caused injuries, property damage, or a fatality.
It may cover medical expenses and property damage when the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
Hit and run accidents are unsettling, but knowing the steps to take can help you regain control of the situation. Prompt reporting, strong documentation, and a clear understanding of Louisiana’s rules can make the process smoother.
Evidence plays an important role in identifying the driver and navigating insurance requirements, and timing matters because Louisiana has a short one-year filing window.
If you need clarity about your options after a hit and run, Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC offers guidance grounded in Louisiana law. Speaking with a New Orleans personal injury attorney can help you understand the next steps and what the process may look like.
You can reach out to us for a free consultation to discuss your situation.
With over 50 years of legal experience serving families in the New Orleans area and surrounding Louisiana communities, our firm takes pride in providing clients with personalized legal services tailored to individual needs.
