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Car accidents can change lives in an instant, leaving victims with painful injuries, medical bills, and financial stress. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car wreck in New Orleans, the attorneys at Brandt & Sherman are here to help. Our New Orleans car wreck lawyers know how to hold negligent drivers accountable and fight the insurance companies for you. With over 50 years of combined experience, we hold negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable so you can focus on recovery. We understand Louisiana traffic laws and how insurers try to minimize claims. From day one, we are your voice and your guide through a difficult process.
After a crash, you may be juggling medical care, vehicle repairs, and insurance calls. An experienced auto accident attorney preserves evidence, clarifies liability, and pursues every dollar of compensation available under Louisiana law. You should call a lawyer immediately if you suffered serious injuries, fault is disputed, the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, or the insurance company is making a low offer.
Louisiana law gives you a limited time to act. For most accidents, the statute of limitations is one year from the date of the wreck (La. Civ. Code art. 3492). For crashes after July 1, 2024, that deadline extends to two years. Missing these deadlines can bar your recovery, so timing is critical.
We investigate the crash, gather police reports and witness statements, and secure photos or video when available. We analyze fault under Louisiana’s comparative negligence system and work with your medical providers to document injuries and future care. Our team values your case, negotiates with insurers that try to underpay, and files suit when needed to pursue full compensation in court.
What you do in the moments after a crash can make or break your case. Here’s how to protect yourself:
The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that most car crashes are preventable. In New Orleans, the leading causes include:
We’ve handled every type of collision—from rear-end crashes on I-10 to intersection wrecks on Canal Street—and we know how to prove fault, even when the insurance company tries to pin the blame on you.
Every crash is different, but some accident types happen more often in New Orleans:
Each type of crash brings its own challenges. Rear-end collisions, for example, often involve disputes over liability despite clear damage patterns. Intersection crashes can hinge on witness testimony or traffic light data, while head-on collisions usually result in catastrophic injuries and higher case values. Pedestrian accidents in New Orleans traffic frequently raise questions of right-of-way and driver negligence. No matter the circumstances, our team builds a strong case to prove fault and maximize your recovery.
Louisiana follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you are partly at fault, you can still recover damages—your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault in a $100,000 case, you can still recover $80,000.
This becomes especially important in multi-vehicle crashes, where liability is complex. Our attorneys investigate thoroughly to untangle fault and ensure negligent drivers—and their insurers—are held accountable.
The state also enforces a “no pay, no play” law that limits recovery if you were driving uninsured. Typically, you forfeit the first $15,000 of injury damages and $25,000 of property damage. There are exceptions—for example, if you were hit by a drunk driver.
Because of the force involved, car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
Some crashes tragically result in fatalities. Families facing the loss of a loved one may pursue a wrongful death claim to hold negligent drivers accountable and recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of support, and emotional suffering.
Insurance companies are businesses first. Their adjusters may sound cooperative, but their job is to protect profits, not you. They often try to minimize payouts by offering quick but low settlements before the full cost of injuries is known, requesting recorded statements they can later use against you, arguing that your injuries were pre-existing or exaggerated, or dragging out communication to pressure you into settling cheap. Having an attorney means you don’t have to face these tactics alone. We’ve spent decades standing up to insurers and know how to counter their strategies.
Every case is different, but accident victims may be entitled to recover:
The value of a settlement often depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, how much work you’ve missed, and whether you may need future care. Cases involving permanent injuries or disputed liability can take longer to resolve, while straightforward claims may settle faster. Some cases resolve in just a few months, while others require litigation and may take a year or more.
The time it takes to resolve a claim varies. Straightforward cases with minor injuries may settle in just a few months, while serious cases that require surgery, long-term treatment, or involve disputed liability can take a year or more. Insurance companies often push for quick settlements, but settling too soon usually means leaving money on the table.
If a child is injured in a car accident, parents or legal guardians can file claims on their behalf. These cases can include compensation for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and long-term care.
To learn more about the broader categories of claims, see our types of personal injury claims in Louisiana.
Louisiana uses a comparative negligence system. Even if you share responsibility, you can still recover compensation. For example, if you are 20% at fault in a $100,000 case, you could still recover $80,000. Our attorneys work to minimize the blame placed on you and maximize your recovery.
You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, but recovery often extends further. General damages can cover pain and suffering, disability, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, you may also have a claim for diminished vehicle value if your car is worth less after repairs.
The timeline for a car accident claim depends on several factors. First, liability must be clearly established, which may involve police reports, witness statements, or accident reconstruction. Second, the extent of your injuries plays a role — it’s often better to wait until your medical treatment stabilizes before settling. Third, the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate affects timing. While some claims resolve within months, more complex cases may take a year or longer, especially if litigation is required.
No. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that can be used against you. Even casual comments like “I’m fine” can be twisted to weaken your claim. Let your attorney handle all communication with the insurer.
Parents or legal guardians can file claims on behalf of children. Compensation may include medical expenses, long-term care, and pain and suffering damages. Because children cannot represent themselves, having an attorney ensures their rights are fully protected and the case is handled with urgency and care.
Concussions require immediate attention. Seek medical care, even if symptoms don’t appear right away. Follow your doctor’s orders closely, including physical and mental rest, and avoid strenuous activity. Monitor for headaches, dizziness, or mood changes, and only return to normal activities under medical supervision. Early treatment is critical to prevent long-term effects.
Back injuries are among the most common outcomes of car crashes. Herniated discs occur when spinal discs rupture, often causing pain and numbness. Spinal fractures may result from the impact, sometimes requiring surgery or lengthy rehabilitation. Whiplash-associated disorders strain muscles and ligaments in the neck and back, leading to chronic pain in some cases. These injuries can disrupt your work and daily life, making it essential to seek early diagnosis and legal support.
Several sources may apply. Health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid often help cover initial bills. Your auto policy may include medical payments coverage. If you were driving for work, a workers’ compensation claim may also be available. Our attorneys help you identify all possible coverage options and ensure medical expenses are included in your claim.
We work on contingency. That means you pay no fees unless we recover compensation for you. From the start, we explain attorney fees and case costs clearly in writing, so there are no surprises.
At Brandt & Sherman, you work directly with an experienced attorney, not just staff. While paralegals assist with case management, your lawyer remains your main point of contact and personally guides you through every step of your claim.
The aftermath of a car wreck can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Brandt & Sherman, we’ll fight the insurance companies for you, just like we’ve done for countless Louisiana families over the last five decades.
Call (337) 800-4000 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. There’s absolutely no fee unless we win your case.
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