When considering seeking compensation after an accident that wasn’t your fault, one of the Louisiana car accident laws exists to protect everyone on the road. If you’re involved in an accident, you must understand your rights and options for recovery. While you can represent yourself in a car accident case, it’s highly recommended that you hire a car accident lawyer to support you. Even so, it’s helpful to know what to do after a car accident in Louisiana for yourself, too.
5 Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Louisiana
Traffic accidents in Louisiana accounted for 59,010 injuries and over 750 deaths in a single year. The wake of a car accident is bound to be chaotic and overwhelming. Louisiana’s car accident laws protect injured parties in crashes, but you still have to know how to navigate them.
It’s helpful to have a plan in place, so you can take advantage of these critical moments after an accident to gather evidence and begin forming your case. Louisiana has some of the highest auto premiums in the country, in large part due to the high volume of bodily injury claims filed throughout the state. Louisiana accounts for 3.65 percent of bodily injury claims filed across the country despite accounting for just over one percent of the population.
No two traffic accidents are going to be alike. That said, there are basic steps you can plan to take in the immediate aftermath of a crash to protect yourself and your right to compensation:
- Get out of immediate danger. Right after an accident, it’s important to get everyone to a safe area. Car accidents often occur on busy roads and become hazards for other drivers. It’s important to preserve the scene of the accident until law enforcement arrives, but if you’re in a dangerous spot, it may be worth moving to a safer location. It’s also wise to seek medical attention as soon as you’re able.
- Document the scene. First-hand documentation of your injuries and other damages is going to form the basis of your claim. Take detailed notes, photos, and videos. You can also talk to any witnesses to corroborate your story.
- Exchange information with involved parties. It’s also wise to talk to any involved parties. It’s wise to exchange names, contact information, and insurance information, so you can continue communicating after you leave the scene of the accident.
- Contact law enforcement. As soon as you can, it’s wise to contact local law enforcement and file a police report. When the Baton Rouge PD arrives, be sure to give your own statement for the report. You can also request a copy for your personal records.
- Hire a car accident lawyer. It’s highly recommended that you work with a Louisiana car accident attorney if you’re planning to file a claim after a car accident. Your legal team can evaluate the situation, communicate with insurers, handle negotiations, and represent you through litigation if necessary.
Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate a car accident case on your own. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you hire a car accident lawyer to help you navigate the claims process and recover fair compensation for your losses.
FAQs
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Louisiana?
The most common causes of car accidents in Louisiana can be boiled down to driver error, heavy traffic volumes, and poor road conditions. Our Louisiana car accident attorneys at Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege have represented Louisianans in car accident cases involving:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Failure to yield
- Fatigued driving
- Inclement weather
- Poor infrastructure and maintenance
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Traffic congestion
It’s important to understand the cause of an accident in order to establish fault and recover damages.
Is Louisiana an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?
Yes, Louisiana is an at-fault state for car accidents. In an at-fault state, parties that cause an accident through negligence or intentional harm can be held liable for any damages suffered by others. As of 2026, Louisiana follows a modified comparative fault law.
Under modified comparative fault, injured parties are eligible to recover damages for losses even if they are partially at fault for the accident. Claimants simply cannot be the majority party at fault.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Louisiana?
How long you have to file a car accident claim in Louisiana depends on the type of claim you’re filing, as well as other unique factors of your case. Under Louisiana law, you typically must file a personal injury claim within two years of sustaining the injury.
Are Damages Capped in Louisiana Car Accident Cases?
Damages are typically not capped in Louisiana car accident cases, but it is possible in certain cases. For example, car accident cases filed against government employees or entities are capped at $500,000. For example, car accident cases filed against government employees or entities are capped at $500,000, plus medical expenses and lost earnings.
Otherwise, you can expect to recover the full scope of damages based on the strength of your claim. It’s wise to hire a car accident lawyer to help you recover the appropriate compensation for your losses.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer to Represent You After a Crash in Louisiana
It’s difficult to plan for a car accident, especially when there are so many different factors at play. Fortunately, you won’t be left alone in the wake of a crash. It’s highly recommended that you contact a Louisiana car accident lawyer to help you understand your options for recovery and represent you throughout your case.
Our team at Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege settles complex personal injury cases throughout Baton Rouge and surrounding communities. We benefit our clients by providing them with the experience they need for their case.
If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, our Louisiana car accident attorneys are here to listen. Contact the office to set up a consultation with a member of our team and start forming your strategy today.
