Louisiana Car Accident Lawyers

When the Unthinkable Happens, Call Our Louisiana Injury Team

According to data from the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) at LSU, a car crash resulting in injuries occurs in Louisiana roughly once every 15 minutes, and a fatal crash happens about once every 12 to 13 hours. Every day, car accidents cause serious, life-changing injuries, such as whiplash, neck and back injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, burns, and brain damage. When a collision occurs, it is almost always the result of avoidable negligence or lack of care. 

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our Louisiana car accident lawyers fight for justice on behalf of injured victims and the surviving families of fatal accidents. We believe no one should be forced to suffer for the rest of their lives due to another person's negligence.

Collisions can happen anywhere, from busy stretches of I-10 and I-12 to rural parish roads. They almost always lead to significant, long-lasting consequences. Expensive medical bills, weeks or months of missed work, costly car repairs, and phone calls from the insurance company often begin before you have even had time to process what happened. When you reach out to a Louisiana car accident attorney from our team, we can walk you through what to expect, explain the timeline of a typical claim, and help you avoid early mistakes that might weaken your case.

If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed, call our Louisiana car accident attorneys at (225) 209-9943 for a free consultation.

Understanding Car Accident Laws in Louisiana

In Louisiana, car accident laws are designed to protect injured individuals and help them pursue fair compensation for damages. Louisiana follows a “fault” system, meaning the party responsible for the accident is generally liable for damages. Victims of car accidents can seek compensation through insurance claims or by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. 

Drivers should also know that Louisiana has specific deadlines, called prescription periods, that limit how long you have to file a lawsuit after a crash. In many car accident cases, you may only have a short window of time to take formal legal action, which is why it is wise to speak with a car accident lawyer in Louisiana as soon as you can. Waiting too long can make it harder to locate witnesses, preserve evidence such as camera footage, and fully document how your injuries impact your daily life.

One unique aspect of Louisiana law is its comparative fault rule, where fault can be shared among parties. This means if an injured party is found partially responsible for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. Navigating these complex legal landscapes requires proficient legal guidance. Our team at Clayton, Frugé & Ward ensures clients are well-informed about these laws and how they might impact their claims.

Car wreck claims in Louisiana also interact with insurance rules, such as required liability coverage and optional uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Understanding which policies apply and how coverage limits work can significantly affect the amount of money actually available after a serious collision. We review every potentially applicable policy, including those for company vehicles or commercial fleets, so that our clients understand all possible sources of recovery under Louisiana law.

Dealing with the Insurance Company: How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help 

After an accident, dealing with the insurance company can be daunting. Insurers often try to minimize payouts, employing various tactics to undervalue claims. Often, insurance adjusters offer quick settlements that do not consider future medical expenses or financial losses. They may even question the extent of your injuries to reduce their liability. Without legal representation, the process can be extremely frustrating, and many people simply take the insurance company's low settlement offer just to move on. While the reason behind this is understandable, taking the first settlement could mean leaving money on the table. 

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we handle all communication with the insurance company so that you do not have to. Our approach involves pursuing the full compensation clients deserve, whether through negotiations or legal action. We lift the burdens of documentation, filing, and negotiation off our clients' shoulders, allowing them to focus on recovery.

Some common ways a car accident lawyer in Louisiana can protect you when dealing with insurers include:

• Managing all communications so that adjusters do not pressure you into statements that can be taken out of context or used to shift blame onto you.
• Documenting the full scope of your losses, including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and day-to-day limitations that may not be obvious from initial medical records.
• Reviewing every settlement offer against the evidence in your file so you can compare what is being offered to what your claim may be worth under Louisiana law.
• Preparing for litigation in the appropriate Louisiana court if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer and you decide that filing suit is the right next step.

Insurers know that most people have never been through a serious crash before, and they sometimes use that inexperience to their advantage. They may push you to give a recorded statement, sign broad medical authorizations, or accept a check before you have completed treatment. When you work with our team, we can step in to organize medical records, calculate future costs with your doctors, and present a clear picture of your losses so that an adjuster cannot fairly dismiss or minimize your claim.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Louisiana

Not every collision on Louisiana roads happens the same way, but many wrecks share common patterns. Understanding frequent causes can help you recognize whether another driver or company failed to act safely. On busy routes like I-10 through Baton Rouge or I-20 in Shreveport, traffic congestion and high speeds often combine with distraction or fatigue to create dangerous situations. When you know what typically leads to serious crashes, it becomes easier to identify signs that negligence may have played a role in what happened to you.

We regularly see collisions caused by drivers who are texting, speeding in wet weather, or running red lights at major intersections. In some cases, a bar or restaurant may have continued to serve alcohol to someone who was clearly impaired before they got behind the wheel. Other wrecks stem from mechanical issues, such as worn tires or faulty brakes, that should have been addressed long before a vehicle entered traffic. Our team looks closely at cell phone records, vehicle inspection histories, and witness statements to uncover exactly how a crash unfolded.

Louisiana also faces unique risks from heavy commercial traffic and industrial activity, especially near ports and petrochemical corridors. When companies ignore safety rules, push unrealistic delivery schedules, or fail to train their drivers, the result can be devastating commercial vehicle and truck crashes. As trusted Louisiana car accident lawyers, we know how to investigate complex chain-reaction collisions and identify every responsible party, whether that is an individual driver, an employer, or another business entity.

How Our Louisiana Car Accident Lawyers Handle Your Case

From the moment you contact us after a crash, we work to lift as much stress off your shoulders as possible. We start by listening carefully to your story, reviewing any documents you already have, and explaining in plain language how claims typically move forward in Louisiana courts and with insurers. This early conversation helps you understand what information to gather, what communication you should avoid, and what immediate steps can best protect your rights.

Once we take on a case, we gather evidence such as police reports, medical records, photographs, and statements from witnesses or first responders. When needed, we consult with professionals, like accident reconstructionists or medical specialists, to better understand how the collision occurred and how injuries are likely to affect your future. This work is particularly important for clients treated at major hospitals in cities like New Orleans, Lafayette, and Lake Charles, where complex injuries may require ongoing care, therapy, or even future surgeries.

As your claim progresses, we keep you informed about negotiation efforts and any developments in your case so that you can make decisions with confidence. Our track record, including a landmark $117 million verdict and more than a billion dollars overall in settlements and verdicts, reflects the level of preparation and commitment we bring to every case. Whether we are pursuing a settlement or preparing for trial, our goal is to present a clear, well-supported claim that fully reflects the impact of the crash on you and your family.

Louisiana Car Accident FAQ 

What Should I Do Right After a Car Accident?

After an accident, the first thing to do is make sure that you and others involved are safe. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911. While waiting for help, if possible, document the scene. Take photos, note current road and weather conditions, and gather information from witnesses and other drivers. Contact your insurance company to report the accident, but limit your statements to factual descriptions. Seek medical attention, even if you do not have any visible injuries. Finally, consult with an experienced car accident attorney in Louisiana to understand your rights and legal options.

How Does Louisiana's Comparative Fault System Work?

Under Louisiana's comparative fault system, each party involved in an accident is assigned a percentage of fault, which affects the compensation they receive. For example, if you were awarded $10,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you would only be able to receive $8,000 (the total amount minus 20%, or $2,000). An experienced accident lawyer in Louisiana can help ensure that fault percentages are calculated justly, reflecting accurately on each party's contribution to the accident.

What Types of Damages Can I Claim in an Auto Accident?

After a car accident in Louisiana, victims can claim various types of damages. This includes economic damages, which cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. In more severe cases, punitive damages might be pursued if gross negligence is involved. An attorney from Clayton, Frugé & Ward can help assess the full scope of recoverable damages based on specific circumstances and guide you through the claims process.

Is It Possible to Reach a Settlement Outside of Court?

Yes, many car accident claims in Louisiana are resolved through settlements outside of court. This process involves negotiation between parties to reach agreeable compensation without a trial. It is often quicker and less costly than litigation. However, the settlement should always reflect a fair value of the claim.