Have you been hurt in a car accident in Louisiana and weren’t sure about your rights or how the law can protect you? Car accident lawsuits in Louisiana follow specific legal rules that can affect your ability to get compensation. From fault laws to filing deadlines, understanding these rules is important if you plan to seek compensation.
In this article, we’ll break down a few key Louisiana car accident laws, who can file a claim, and what kind of compensation you may deserve. You’ll also learn what steps to take after a crash and when it’s time to talk to a New Orleans personal injury lawyer.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can still get compensation even if you're partly at fault, but your payout will be reduced.
- Injured persons can seek compensation for things like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage if the other driver was careless.
- Most motor vehicle accident lawsuits in Louisiana must be filed within two years; however, some exceptions may apply depending on the specific circumstances.
- Knowing your rights and working with a car accident lawyer can help you build a strong case and get the compensation you may deserve.
Louisiana Car Accident Laws
From auto insurance to determining fault, the law plays a role in all aspect of seeking compensation after an accident. A few key concepts you should keep in mind are explained below:
Fault vs No-Fault
The first big question for many car accident victims is whether Louisnana is a no-fault insurance state. No-fault, also called Personal Injury Protection, means the state disregards who was at-fault for the accident. Instead, all parties file claims for insurance coverage with their own insurance providers. What’s important to note is that Louisiana is not a no-fault state. Instead, if you’re involved in an accident, the at-fault party will be responsible for the damages, with some complications explained in the next section.
Comparative Negligence
If you get hurt in a car crash in Louisiana, more than one person can be held responsible. This is thanks to a legal rule called comparative negligence. Comparative negligence means that if you were partly at fault for the crash, you can still receive compensation, but the amount will be reduced based on your share of the blame. For example, if your losses total $100,000 and you were 10% at fault, you’ll only get $90,000.
This rule is a key part of Louisiana’s car accident laws and is used by insurance companies, car accident lawyers, and courts, and it can make cases more complex. That’s why car accident victims should speak to a personal injury attorney. Knowing how fault is decided can help auto accident victims recover compensation for their losses.
Who Can Claim Compensation Under Louisiana Car Accident Law?
If you were in a car accident that was partly someone else’s fault, you may be able to claim compensation to help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage. An experienced car accident lawyer or personal injury attorney, like those at Cardone Law Firm, can help you with your case.
To get this compensation, you must show that the other driver was legally responsible. Here’s an overview of the conditions your lawyer needs to prove:
- Duty of Care – The other driver has the legal obligation to act in a manner that is safe and prevents them from causing harm to other road users. For example, all drivers have a duty to pay attention to their surroundings and obey traffic rules.
- Breach of Duty of Care – If the driver failed to act safely, they have breached their duty of care. These behaviors may include speeding, drinking while driving, or running a red light.
- Actual Harm or Injury – Your lawyer will need to prove that you suffered damages as a result of the accident. Some of these damages include property damage, emotional distress, and even loss of enjoyment of life.
- Causation – Your lawyer also needs to establish a direct link between your injuries and the driver’s breach of duty. They will have to show that the damages you suffered would not have happened without the driver’s action or inaction.
Louisiana Statute of Limitations
In Louisiana, car accident victims have a time limit to take legal action, known as the statute of limitations. Under Louisiana law, you have two years to file a case after a traffic accident. If you wait too long, you may lose your chance to seek compensation.
Some car accident cases have different rules. Car accidents involving wrongful death have a one-year deadline to file. On the other hand, if the injured person is a child, or if the at-fault driver leaves the state, then the time limit might be paused. A personal injury attorney can help you figure out how long you have to handle your case.
Compensation Available Under Louisiana Tort Law
After a car accident or personal injury, you may be in pain, miss work, or face big medical expenses. Louisiana law allows injured persons to seek compensation to help cover their losses. A car accident lawyer can help you understand what you’re owed and fight to get whatever compensation you may deserve. Here are the types of compensation you may be able to receive:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are financial losses with a calcuable value. These losses include:
- Medical Bills – This compensation includes hospital stays, doctor visits, medicine, and therapy.
- Lost Wages – This compensation covers the money you lost from not working
- Property Damage – This compensation includes repair or replacement of your car or belongings.
- Future Medical Expenses – This compensation covers long-term treatment or rehabilitation.
- Lost Earning Ability – This compensation is given to you if you can’t do the same work anymore.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are types of suffering without a set price of calcuable value. These losses include:
- Pain and Suffering – This compensation covers physical pain and emotional stress.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – This compensation is given if you can’t enjoy your hobbies or daily life.
- Mental Distress – This compensation covers fear, sadness, or anxiety from the accident.
- Loss of Companionship – This compensation is given to you if your injury affects your family life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are a rare type of compensation that is awarded in cases when the court wishes to punish the wrongful party. These damages are only given when the at-fault driver was very reckless or caused significant harm. It’s meant to stop other drivers from engaging in the same behavior.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
If you're involved in a car or truck accident in Louisiana, taking the right steps can help keep you safe and support your car accident case. These steps also help you follow Louisiana car accident laws and increase your chances of a positive legal outcome. Here’s what to do:
- Stay calm.
- Stay in you vehicle unless it is flooding or on fire.
- Check for injuries.
- Call 911 right away.
- Move to safety if you are able and it is safe to do so.
- If you are injured, seek treatment as soon as possible.
- Wait for the police before talking to the other driver or drivers.
- Take photos and write down what happened.
- Exchange information, such as names and insurance details.
- Get medical attention, even if you feel okay.
- Call a car accident lawyer to protect your rights.
Get Help From Our Louisiana Car Accident Lawyers
Whether you’re a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, understanding Louisiana car accident laws can make a big difference after a car or motorcycle accident. These laws affect how fault is determined, how long you have to act, and what kind of compensation you might receive.
At Cardone Law Firm, we focus on helping accident victims protect their rights and move forward after any accident they experience. If you’ve been in a car accident and aren’t sure what to do next, reach out to our New Orleans personal injury lawyer team today. We offer a free consultation and the trusted legal support that you deserve.
Trust and count on Cardone Law Firm for legal help with your car accident case.