New Orleans Car
Accident Lawyers
Experience You Can Count On

Trusted New Orleans Car Accident Lawyers Serving Victims for Over 50 Years

How Our New Orleans Car Accident Lawyers Help You Recover Compensation

A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. From painful injuries to mounting medical bills, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. On top of that, dealing with insurance companies and legal claims can be stressful. That’s where Charbonnet Law Firm comes in. Our New Orleans car accident lawyers are here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to speak with a lawyer. Some injuries take time to appear, and without proper medical care, they can get worse. Our team ensures your case is handled properly so you get the medical treatment and financial recovery you need.

With over 50 years of experience, Charbonnet Law Firm is a trusted name in New Orleans personal injury law. We take a personalized approach to every case, ensuring our clients receive the best legal support. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court, we work tirelessly to maximize your settlement.

Our legal team specializes in handling car, truck, and motorcycle accident cases. We work closely with medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists to build a strong case for you. From investigating the accident scene to negotiating with insurance adjusters, we take care of every legal detail so you can focus on recovery.

Expert New Orleans Car/Truck/Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Get the justice you deserve, call Charbonnet Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Proven Victories: New Orleans Car Accident Lawyers Fighting For You

At Charbonnet Law Firm, we’ve helped countless car accident victims recover the compensation they need to move forward. With three generations of attorneys serving New Orleans, we know what it takes to win tough cases. Our New Orleans car accident lawyers have secured millions of dollars in settlements for injured clients, and we’re ready to fight for you.

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Why Choose Charbonnet Law Firm for Your Car Accident Claim?

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.

What sets us apart?

  • Personalized Legal Support – We take the time to understand your situation and build a strategy that works for you.
  • Strong Trial Experience – If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
  • Team-Based Approach – Our attorneys work together, bringing in medical experts, accident investigators, and legal specialists to strengthen your case.

While car accident claims are our primary focus, we also help families with estate planning, wills, and probate matters. Whether you need a car accident lawyer in New Orleans or guidance with legal planning, we are here to help every step of the way.

Best Choice for Car/Truck/Motorcycle Accident Legal Assistance

Step-by-Step Guide to the Car Accident Legal Process in New Orleans

The below illustrates the general steps involved in the legal process for car accident cases in Louisiana

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    Consult With
    Attorney

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    Investigate
    Accident

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    Gather
    Evidence

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    Negotiate With
    Insurance

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    File Lawsuit
    (if Necessary)

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    Litigate
    Case

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    Settle or Go
    to Trial

The legal process starts with consulting an experienced attorney who will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.

If a settlement isn’t reached, your lawyer may file a lawsuit and proceed with litigation, which can involve discovery, depositions, and possibly a trial. Many cases settle before reaching court, but if needed, your attorney will fight to maximize your compensation.

Car Accident in New Orleans

Got into in a Car Accident in New Orleans? Here’s What to Do Next

Car Accident in New Orleans

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Stay at the Scene & Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical help if needed.
  • Exchange Information & Take Photos – Collect details from the other driver and document the scene.
  • Get Medical Care Immediately – Even minor injuries should be checked by a doctor.
  • Report the Crash to the Authorities – File a police report, especially for significant damage or injuries.
  • Consult a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer – Legal guidance can protect your rights and maximize your claim.

Trusted New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer With a Record of Winning Cases

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Get the justice you deserve, call Charbonnet Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Real-life Success Stories With Charbonnet Law’s Car Accident Attorneys

Rather than have us tell you about ourselves. listen to what real clients have to say

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    “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

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    “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

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    “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

New Orleans Car Accident Statistics

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.

The Impact of Traffic Violations

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?

    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.

    If a non-life-threatening emergency occurs, the operator may instruct you to call 311 or another service to report the accident. It is important that you follow through with the reporting even if the accident isn’t an emergency.

    The accident will then be investigated by a law enforcement officer directed to the scene by emergency services. The officer will take down the details of the crash and may have some questions to ask you.

    When the investigation is complete, a crash report will be publicly available. Our office can secure it for you once the law enforcement officer completes and releases it.

  • 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.”

    The prescription for filing a car accident claim is one year. What does that mean?

    Louisiana drivers have one year from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. This is one of the shortest limits in the country. It is a limit that can pass very quickly while you’re recovering from car accident injuries or waiting to receive reports from any investigations.

    This limit applies to any claim for injury or vehicle damage by a driver, passenger, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or bicyclist. Missing it almost certainly means losing your ability to negotiate for fair compensation. To avoid this, speak to an experienced as soon as possible after the car accident. This will give you and your legal team plenty of time to build the strongest case possible before the one-year deadline.

  • 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.

    Let’s explore this with an example. Imagine that you successfully make a claim for an injury in the amount of $100,000. If you received a $100,000 award and were found to be 20% at fault for the car accident, your award would be reduced by 20% to $80,000.  An insurance claims adjuster will use the same logic in determining what it will offer as a settlement.

    Obviously, there is no empirical measure of fault. Any assignment of liability is really a judgment call that is subject to your ability to negotiate with insurers or persuade a judge or jury. Evidence that you or your lawyer collect from the accident scene can be crucial to this process. So can the witnesses that you collect and what is said to your insurance company.

    An experienced car accident attorney with knowledge of past awards and how “fault” is determined can be invaluable in helping you through this process.

  • 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.

    All insurance policies only pay up to the policy limits. The amount that your insurance or the insurance of other drivers covers will vary based on the cost and the quality of the policy. Your insurance may only cover a small portion of the damages that you suffer in an accident.

    In Louisiana, drivers of personal use vehicles are required to maintain at least the following levels of liability insurance coverage:

    • $15,000 for bodily injury per person
    • $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
    • $25,000 for property damage per accident

    The car insurance policies that you can buy on the open market will not carry less than this amount. However, you have the option of buying car insurance that covers significantly more. Many policies also include comprehensive and collision coverage. Some rental car companies require renters to provide proof of insurance coverage from a personal car insurance policy in order to waive their liability or collision coverage. The level of coverage will depend on the state requirements in which the policy was issued.

  • 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).

    Personal injury protection is not available in Louisiana. However, while this coverage is unavailable from any car insurance policy, you may be able to find a policy that provides similar protection in the form of a provision called “MedPay.”

    If your policy includes MedPay, you can get coverage for your injuries even if you are found to be at 100% fault for the accident. MedPay typically covers less than the PIP protection that you can get from policies in other states. This makes it all the more important that you make a successful claim if you need coverage for medical bills.

  • 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.

    that means that if you drive without insurance, you cannot make claims before a certain limit—even if another driver is found to be completely at fault for the accident. Neither they nor their insurance will be responsible for your damages unless those damages exceed the limits listed above.

    While the “No Pay No Play’ applies to most car accidents, there are some important exceptions. Even if you drive without insurance, you may still be able to make full claims against the other driver if that driver:

    • Was intoxicated
    • Caused the accident intentionally (for example, by ramming your car)
    • Was engaged in committing a felony crime
    • Was fleeing from the scene of a crime
    • Struck you while you were parked

    This law doesn’t apply if you are an out-of-state driver or have out-of-state insurance, even if that insurance doesn’t cover enough to meet Louisiana standards.

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Why Choose Charbonnet Law Firm LLC?

Get the justice you deserve, call Charbonnet Law Firm today for a free consultation.

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