If you’re driving in Louisiana, it’s important that you know how to keep yourself and others safe on the road. Unfortunately, even the safest drivers can find themselves involved in a car accident. With that being said, there are many Louisiana car accident laws every driver should know just in case.
Even if you’re involved in an accident, a Louisiana car accident attorney can help you recover fair compensation for your losses. Even with that in mind, it’s important for you to know what steps to take for yourself, too.
Louisiana Car Accident Laws Every Driver Should Know
As a licensed driver in the state, it’s critical that you know how to stay safe regardless of where you’re driving or what’s going on around you. Many car accident laws can impact you as a driver or anyone else on the road. It’s beneficial to have a basic understanding of them in order to stay safe.
For starters, Louisiana is a modified comparative fault state. Historically, the state followed a pure comparative fault law, but this recently changed in 2026. Under the new modified comparative fault law, injured parties might still be able to receive damages for their losses, even if they were somewhat at fault in an accident.
In these situations, the claimant can expect their total settlement to be reduced by their percentage of fault for the accident. It’s also important to note that the injured party cannot be the majority at fault in order to be eligible for recovery.
If you wish to file a car accident claim in Louisiana, you typically must do so within two years of the accident. If you’re filing against a government entity or employee, you can expect to have slightly different rules.
For example, you must submit a notice of claim within a certain period of time prior to filing the actual claim. While damages are typically not capped in car accidents, cases against government employees do impose a $500,000 cap on non-economic damages.
Louisiana Car Accident Laws Regarding Insurance
It’s imperative that you understand how auto insurance policies fit into the equation when you’re in an accident. You typically recover damages by filing against the at-fault party and going through their insurance.
However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may have to go through your own policy to recover fair damages. This is why it’s important not to disclose too much information about the accident to your own insurance adjuster.
While it’s wise to report the accident as soon as possible, you may want to stay away from giving specific details. In the event your own insurance policy is covering your losses, everything you say can be used against you. The adjuster is able to use every bit of information you give them to offer as little as possible for your injuries.
On the other hand, if the injured party in a car accident is found to be uninsured, they have different barriers and limitations with which to contend. Under Louisiana’s no pay, no play rule, uninsured parties are not eligible to recover damages for injuries and property damage up to $100,000.
FAQs
Is Louisiana an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?
Yes, Louisiana is an at-fault state for car accidents. This means that if you’re in an accident, anyone responsible for causing the incident can be held liable for the damages. There can be more than one at-fault party in a car accident case. Common liable parties in these situations include:
- Drivers
- Government entities
- Parts manufacturers
- Passengers
- Pedestrians and cyclists
- Truckers and their employers
- Vehicle maintenance companies
A Louisiana car accident lawyer can help you identify all at-fault parties.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Case in Louisiana?
How long it takes to settle a car accident case in Louisiana depends mostly on whether or not the case settles out of court. Many personal injury claims like these settle out of court through direct negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance adjuster.
If negotiations fail, you can also try mediation or arbitration before taking matters to the courtroom. While litigation in court is likely going to take the longest, out-of-court resolutions can take time, too.
What Do I Do if I’m Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Louisiana?
If an uninsured driver hits you in Louisiana, it might be difficult to recover compensation. Fortunately, there are other solutions to secure a settlement after an accident. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in your insurance policy can cover some losses.
It is still possible to file a claim against the at-fault party, but people without insurance are unlikely to have the money or assets to pay you the compensation you’re owed.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Louisiana?
The cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Louisiana depends on the complexity of your case and how much you recover through your settlement. Whether or not the case goes to trial can determine how much it costs for representation.
That said, you typically don’t have to pay anything up front. Louisiana personal injury lawyers typically charge a contingency fee, which they only collect if you secure compensation.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer if You’re Involved in a Crash in Louisiana
If you’re in a car accident in Avoyelles Parish or the surrounding areas, you can turn to LaCour Law Firm to help you recover fair compensation. Our team has been helping Louisianans through complex injury claims since 2010, giving us over a decade and a half of experience handling cases like yours.
Our firm was founded by attorney Christopher LaCour, an experienced trial attorney. We aren’t afraid to advocate for you in the courtroom if that’s what it takes to secure full compensation.
If you’re ready to learn more about how we can help with your case, contact our office near you to schedule a consultation today. We’re conveniently located near I-49 and U.S. Highway 71 to serve our clients throughout Central Louisiana.
