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

After a crash, you need more than just legal representation. You need a law firm that understands how car accident claims work in Louisiana and one that knows how local insurers think.

At Charbonnet Law Firm, we’ve stood by New Orleans families for generations. Our personal injury lawyers bring focused strategy, personalized support, and deep local roots to every case we handle.

What Sets Us Apart:

At our firm, every case is built from the ground up, never copy-pasted. We prepare each file with the same care and attention as if it’s going to trial, making sure no detail is missed.

With over 50 years of experience serving New Orleans families, we provide full-service support across personal injury, probate, and more. Our clients also benefit from access to trusted medical and crash reconstruction experts.

Choosing the right New Orleans car accident lawyer isn’t just about legal knowledge but about having a team rooted in this city, ready to fight for your outcome from the very first call.