Car Accidents

Car Accidents in Louisiana

Car accidents are the most common injury claim in Louisiana, and how fault is handled here is very different from a no-fault state. If another driver caused your crash, understanding Louisiana's rules is the first step.

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Your deadline

2 years

'Prescriptive period' 2 years as of 2024-07-01 (was 1 year — a major recent change). Uses civil-law terminology.

How fault works

Pure comparative negligence (civil-law 'delictual' actions)

Louisiana is an at-fault state with no mandatory no-fault PIP coverage, so the driver responsible for the crash — through their insurer — is generally the one who pays for your injuries. The state also follows pure comparative negligence, which means that even if you share part of the blame, you can still recover damages reduced only by your percentage of fault. One rule to watch closely is the deadline: Louisiana's civil-law system calls it a 'prescriptive period,' and as of July 1, 2024 it is two years for most injury claims — a recent change from the old one-year window. Because that clock starts on the date of the crash, it helps to act early. FaultFreeClaims can connect you with an independent, licensed Louisiana attorney who can review your situation.

What decides a car accident claim in Louisiana

Louisiana calls the deadline prescription, and the general injury period became two years on July 1, 2024 — so your crash date decides which rule applies.
Your claim is filed in the parish where it happened, in a district court, and local practice there is its own kind of knowledge.
Rental cars and out-of-state policies are common in New Orleans traffic, so who insures that other car can take a week to pin down.
Adjusters call early and sound helpful. The call is generally recorded, and every word lands in a claim file.

Car Accidents help by city

All accident help in Louisiana

Frequently asked questions

Is Louisiana a no-fault state for car accidents?

No. Louisiana is an at-fault (tort) state with no required Personal Injury Protection, so the at-fault driver's insurer is generally responsible for covering your injuries. FaultFreeClaims can match you with an independent attorney who can explain how this applies to your crash.

How long do I have to bring a car accident claim in Louisiana?

As of July 1, 2024, most injury claims have a two-year prescriptive period — Louisiana's civil-law term for the deadline — increased from the previous one year. Because the deadline runs from the date of the accident, connecting with a licensed attorney sooner rather than later is wise.

Does it cost anything to get connected?

No. Getting connected with an attorney through FaultFreeClaims is free and comes with no obligation. We are not a law firm — we connect you with independent, licensed attorneys.

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