Auto Accident Injury in New Orleans, LA

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in New Orleans? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around New Orleans, LA that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in New Orleans, Louisiana

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. In conjunction with Louisiana State University, the Louisiana Highway Safety Research Group reported 13,267 accidents that involved moderate to severe injuries. This data indicates that 27% of all reported crashes involved injuries.

Another startling statistic is that Louisiana ranked #9 in the nation when compared to other states for accidents caused by drivers under the influence. The four main contributing factors of accidents involving fatalities? Driving under the influence, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and lack of seat belts.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

In New Orleans, you do not have to call the police depending on the severity of the accident though it is recommended that you call regardless of severity. If police are involved, they will handle the accident report, and you can obtain a copy by visiting the New Orleans Police Department website. They also offer information and steps to take in regards to filing your own report if police were not called or were not needed at the scene of the accident.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

Louisiana’s $50,000 jury trial threshold is 3.3 times higher than the next closest state, Maryland, at $15,000. This means there are more suits, for more money, in Louisiana than any other state. According to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America collision frequency in Louisiana is much higher than the countrywide average which sits at around 6%.

In fact, Louisiana remains among the most expensive states for car insurance because of a high number of uninsured drivers, among a few other factors. This means claims and settlements reached are also higher than the national average which is above $60,000 per an accident involving injuries.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Louisiana

Liability Laws for New Orleans

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

In Louisiana, drivers are required to have 15/30/25 liability limits. These limits provide payments of $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for bodily injury to more than one person in a single accident, and $25,000 coverage for damage to someone else’s vehicle or other property.  

Statute of Limitations in New Orleans

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is one year from the date of the accident. This means you must file any lawsuit no more than one year from the date of the accident. This statute’s timeline is one of the shortest in the nation.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near New Orleans, LA

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in Louisiana!