New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer   (2024)

New Orleans, renowned for its vibrant local population and thriving tourism, is also ranked as the number one parish in Louisiana for the highest number of motor vehicle accidents resulting in injury. While the city promises excitement, its intricate road network, combined with factors like heavy tourist traffic and its reputation for nightlife, contribute to a higher risk of accidents.

When someone else’s negligence or recklessness behind the wheel causes you to be seriously injured in a crash, you have the right to hold them accountable under the law and sue for damages. Call or contact us online to make sure your legal rights to compensation are fully protected. Get started today with a free consultation.

New Orleans & Auto Accidents – Stats at a Glance

Each day, car crashes in Louisiana result in injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, and these accidents frequently lead to severe injuries, substantial property damage, and tragic fatalities.

The 2022 LOUISIANA TRAFFIC RECORDS SUMMARY REPORT indicates the following occurrence rates for 2022:

  • 42.4 thousand injury crashes
  • 68.0 thousand injuries
  • 906 fatalities
  • 852 fatal crashes

The recently released 2022 Louisiana Traffic Records Summary Report paints a grim picture of the state’s road safety.

“Louisiana has seen a steady and tragic increase in traffic deaths and injuries since 2020,” said Lisa Freeman, Louisiana Highway Safety Commission executive director.

These numbers underscore the urgent need for heightened safety awareness, better road infrastructure, and legal support for those who have been impacted by these accidents.

There are many potential causes of car accidents, such as speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, or failure to adjust to adverse weather conditions. In the event of an accident, our team is well-equipped to conduct a thorough investigation into the root cause of the incident. We carefully assess and determine who holds liability due to negligent actions on the road.

Important Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Following the necessary steps to safeguard your entitlement to compensation after an accident is crucial. Here are the steps you should take in the immediate aftermath of a collision:

  • Check for Injuries: Your safety should always be the top priority after a car accident. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.
  • Call the Police: Report the accident to the police. Having an official report can be crucial when filing an insurance claim or seeking legal action.
  • Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved. Be sure to gather witness information as well.
  • Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident scene, injuries, vehicle damage, and license plates.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, seeing a healthcare professional is essential. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms. Medical records are vital to your claim.
  • Contact an Attorney: Reach out to an experienced car accident attorney like Douglas and London to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

How Douglas and London Can Help

At Douglas and London, we understand the unique challenges and legal landscape of New Orleans. Our accomplished team of car accident lawyers is dedicated to helping you navigate the complex aftermath of an accident.

Although there is no requirement to hire an attorney for your car accident claim, it is strongly advised you do, because without any legal representation you are at a hefty disadvantage. Unfortunately, insurance companies will often try to minimize payouts to increase their profits and will do everything in their power to delay, diminish, or deny your claim.

A skilled attorney will act as your advocate and counter these tactics, fighting on your behalf. Here is how we can assist you:

  • Gather evidence proving the other party is responsible for your damages
  • Conduct an investigation into your car accident to establish the cause and determine liability
  • Manage all interactions with the insurance company and engage in settlement negotiations
  • Work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other resources that can strengthen your case
  • Interview eyewitnesses
  • Trial-Ready Representation, if necessary

Instead of providing a recorded statement to an insurance company or their adjusters, reach out to our legal team. We are here to advocate for your best interests and protect your rights.

Do You Need a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney?

If you’ve been seriously injured in a crash, we invite you to consult with one of our experienced attorneys here at Douglas and London. A successful claim can reimburse you for various damages, including:

  • Past and future medical costs
  • Medications
  • Therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced future earning capacity
  • Vehicle repairs
  • Travel expenses
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of quality of life

The compensation you might receive following your car accident can be substantial, contingent upon the seriousness of your injuries and how they affect your daily life. It’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney to evaluate the specific details of your case, as each situation is unique.

Our attorneys possess the skills to streamline the process and help secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to. We are well-versed in handling insurance companies and their claims adjusters. Your focus should be on your physical recovery and emotional well-being, rather than being embroiled in a legal battle.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you were injured or someone you loved died in a car accident, moving forward with your life can seem like an incredibly challenging ordeal. It is essential to know that you have the right to legal representation and should never settle for less than you deserve. Contact one of our New Orleans personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. Your path to recovery starts with us.

New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer   (2024)

FAQs

What is the average car accident settlement in Louisiana? ›

Average Louisiana Car Accident Settlement Amounts
Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Payout Range by Type of Accident
Rear-End Collisions$6,152 - $281,922
Side-Impact Collisions$2,525 - $649,780
Head-On Collisions$36,225 - $138,548
3 more rows

How do you answer a car accident deposition question? ›

Tips for Your Car Accident Depositions
  1. Carefully listening to each question;
  2. Asking for clarification of a question before answering;
  3. Examining any documents that are presented at the time of the deposition;
  4. Telling the truth, which is actually required by law under California Penal Code 118(a);

What happens if you don't report an accident within 24 hours in Louisiana? ›

Failure to follow these Louisiana accident reporting requirements can result in up to a $100 fine and up to 60 days in jail. In addition to that, it's a good idea to get assistance from an experienced car accident lawyer because they can help you understand all of your legal options.

Do you have to call the police after a minor car accident in Louisiana? ›

Louisiana law requires you to call the police after serious traffic accidents. If the accident is severe and there is damage done to the vehicles, or significant motor vehicle law violations, call an officer.

How much is pain and suffering in Louisiana? ›

In most cases, the damages are multiplied by a factor from 1 to 5, depending on the severity and duration of the injuries and on the pain and discomfort they caused. For example, if you sustained soft tissue injuries like sprains and whiplash, your special damages may be multiplied by a factor of two.

How long do most accident settlements take? ›

Complexity of case
Complexity of caseLength of Time to Settle
SimpleApproximately: 1 – 6 months
ModerateApproximately: 6 – 12 months
HighApproximately: 12 – 24 months+
Dec 7, 2023

Can I decline to answer questions at a deposition? ›

The rules for depositions vary by state and in federal court, but generally, the deponent must answer every question presented, regardless of objection, unless the answer is protected by a privilege or a court order. A deposition will usually be taken before a court reporter authorized to administer oaths.

What questions can you not ask in a deposition? ›

In many cases, questions that do not have to be answered fall into three categories:
  • Private information. You have a right to refuse any questions about a person's health, sexuality, or religious beliefs (including your own). ...
  • Privileged information. ...
  • Irrelevant information.

What are the best answers in a deposition? ›

How to Handle a Deposition: Advice from an OMIC Defense Attorney
  • Tell the truth. ...
  • Think before you speak. ...
  • Answer the question. ...
  • Do not volunteer information. ...
  • Do not answer a question you do not understand. ...
  • Talk in full, complete sentences. ...
  • You only know what you have seen or heard. ...
  • Do not guess.

Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim in Louisiana? ›

But if you intend to seek compensation for any injuries or damages, a police report can be vital in strengthening your case and increasing your chances of compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or damages as a result of an automobile accident, you could be entitled to compensation.

What is the law for failure to report accident in Louisiana? ›

Failure to report an accident as required in R.S. 32:871 shall be punished by a fine not in excess of twenty-five dollars, and in the event of injury or damage to the person or property of another in such accident, the commissioner shall suspend the license of the person failing to make such report, or the non- ...

How long do you have to file an insurance claim in Louisiana? ›

The statute of limitations for a car accident case in Louisiana is one year from the date on which your crash occurred. When you have suffered injuries in a car accident, you may have a legal right to claim compensation for those losses. However, you must file the claim before the statute of limitations expires.

What to do after a car accident in Louisiana? ›

What To Do After A Car Accident In Louisiana
  1. Step One: Call The Police And Get A Police Report. ...
  2. Step Two: Get Names And Phone Numbers From Witnesses. ...
  3. Step Three: Take Pictures At The Accident Scene. ...
  4. Step Four: Get Medical Attention. ...
  5. Step Five: Contact Our Auto Accident Attorneys.

How long does an accident stay on your record in Louisiana? ›

Car insurance after an at-fault collision in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the mean insurance rate following an at-fault crash is $3,138, versus the national average of $2,012. A serious accident like an at-fault crash can stay on your insurance record for as long as three years!

Is Louisiana a no-fault state? ›

When it comes to traffic collisions, Louisiana is not a no-fault state. Instead, it is a “tort” state, which means victims need to prove the other driver caused their crash and hold them responsible to recover money damages.

How long does it take to settle a car accident claim in Louisiana? ›

It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. The minimum amount of time is one to two months after filing your claim with your insurance provider. But depending on the severity of your injuries and your claim, it may take years to be resolved.

How much do lawyers take from settlement in Louisiana? ›

The fee can also come from the damages awarded after the verdict in the event the case goes to court. Most lawyers receive a contingency fee percentage of approximately one-third of any settlement or award (the attorney's fees typically range between 30 to 40 percent).

How much are most personal injury settlements? ›

Here are the average settlement amounts for some of the more common types of personal injury claims in California:
  • Workers' Compensation Settlement: $5,000 – $20,000.
  • Car Accident Settlement: $20,000 – $30,000.
  • Motorcycle Accident Settlement: $50,000 -$150,000.
  • Pedestrian Accident Settlement: $40,000 – $100,000.
May 10, 2024

How do you calculate settlement amount for a claim? ›

To determine a potential settlement value, they first combine the total of medical expenses to date, projected future medical expenses, lost wages to date and projected future lost income. The resulting sum is then multiplied by the pain and suffering multiplier value to produce a projected settlement amount.

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