BEST New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer
Why Hire a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer Near You?
New Orleans Car Crash Attorney Fighting for Fair Compensation
Lavis Law Firm – Personal Injury & Accident Attorney is a New Orleans car accident attorney that can provide nearby help with any applicable past, present, and future medical bills, related healthcare, lost wages and pain and suffering. While money cannot put you in the same condition you were in before the accident, money is what our judicial system provides for and can help provide you with a sense of closure so that you can move on with your life.
Recent Car Accident Statistics
According to the most recent national statistics , the number of car accidents with injuries is on the rise nationally with over 6,102,936 police-reported motor vehicle crashes. In these crashes, over 42,939 people died and over 2,497,657 were injured. In addition to the physical damage and traumatic injuries, these car accidents can be devastating both emotionally and financially. You can view the number of 2024 & 2025 New Orleans car accidents here. If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by some else’s negligence, let a New Orleans car accident lawyer near you at Lavis Law Firm – Personal Injury & Accident Attorney have our lawyers who sue insurance companies so you do not have to. We can help you recover your lost wages, hospital and medical bills, pain and suffering and funeral costs if the accident involved the death of a loved one.
Interactive Map Of New Orleans Car Accidents Near You Over The Past Year (Current Through 2025)
Recent New Orleans Car Accident Statistics
Here are the key insights about 2024 auto accidents:
- Total Auto Accidents: 20,112
- Total Hit-and-Run Accidents: 9,046 (approximately 45% of all auto accidents)
- Top Locations with the Most Accidents:
- I-10 W After Orleans Onramp: 94 accidents
- US90B E After Earhart Onramp: 90 accidents
- Martin Luther King Jr Blvd & S Claiborne Ave: 87 accidents
- S Claiborne Ave & Martin Luther King Jr Blvd: 86 accidents
- Chef Menteur Hwy & Downman Rd: 81 accidents
- US90B W After Earhart Onramp: 75 accidents
- I-10 E After Pontchartrain Onramp: 72 accidents
- I-10 W After Poydras Onramp: 69 accidents
- I-10 E & Louisa St: 63 accidents
- I-10 W After Ridgeway Onramp: 62 accidents
- Accidents by Day of the Week:
- Friday: 3,417 accidents (highest)
- Sunday: 2,460 accidents (lowest)
- Accidents by Time of Day:
- Peak hour: 4 PM – 5 PM (1,596 accidents)
- Least active hour: 3 AM – 4 AM (229 accidents)
Louisiana Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics:
Drivers and their passengers are injured every day on Louisiana roads and highways. You may be a safe driver, but you cannot always control for the negligent acts of other drivers.
Unfortunately, according to a 2024 Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Traffic Safety data , in 2024, there were 37,306 suspected injury crashes involving 58,785 injuries and 652 fatal crashes with 699 related fatalities. There were also 108,640 crashes with no apparent injury. Rear-end, right angle and non collision with a motor vehicle make up the bulk of injury, fatal and property damage only crashes according to the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety.
How The Lavis Law Firm Can Help You With Your New Orleans Car Accident Case
Charles Lavis Jr and Lavis Law Firm – Personal Injury & Accident Attorney recognize your most immediate problems following an automobile accident with injuries include the following:
- Past and future lost wages so you can pay your day to day bills;
- Emergency room, hospital and other medical bills that may have been placed in collections as well as future medical bills;
- Funeral expenses
Preparing a strong case can be difficult but is very important. You will need to gather and submit all medical, wage, photos, videos, and other supporting documents to establish a successful claim and get a fair auto accident settlement. Charles Lavis has over two decades of experience with car accident claims. He will work with your medical providers and the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery. In evaluating your claim, the insurance company file review will include the following:
- Records and bills from the hospital, treating doctors and other medical providers;
- Statements given at the accident scene by those involved in the accident, the witnesses and the reporting police officer as well as body cam video and any other statements;
- Photographs of the accident scene, damage to vehicles and of injuries sustained;
- Medicaid, Medicare, child support and other liens
The insurance company’s goal is to give you the lowest possible settlement. Therefore, you should hire a car accident lawyer in your area to help! Lavis Law will work to recover for your personal injuries and property damage caused by another person’s negligence.
Lavis Law firm represents clients in New Orleans, on the Westbank, Algiers, New Orleans East, Metairie, Kenner, and throughout Louisiana. If your accident involves a car, motorcycle, or truck and was caused by someone else’s negligence, reach out to us by calling, texting, or chatting online. We take cases that include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Car accidents;
- Motorcycle accidents;
- Bus accidents;
- Truck accidents;
- Automobile property damage;
- Bicycle accidents;
- Rear-end collisions;
- Drunk drivers;
- Uninsured motorists;
- Hit-and-run accidents;
- Left-turn accidents;
- Entering road from side accidents;
- Entering highway accidents;
- Intersection-no light accidents;
- Pedestrian accidents;
- …and more!
Contact an Experienced New Orleans Accident Lawyer
If you suffered personal injuries or property damage in a New Orleans car accident near you, you may be facing important legal deadlines. Lavis Law Firm – Personal Injury & Accident Attorney will discuss your claim with you immediately. We can also help if you need a rideshare accident lawyer in New Orleans. If we agree to handle your case, we will do so on a contingency fee basis. No fee is owed if there is no recovery. You only pay if we win your case. For a FREE CASE REVIEW, contact a New Orleans & Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer today at 504-834-4000 or email us.
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What Are 10 Key Steps to Take Immediately After a New Orleans Car Accident?
- Photograph the IDs of all parties involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers, and other witnesses.
- Photograph registration and insurance information.
- Take pictures of the overall accident scene if you are able to. Think overview of the intersection, overview of all sides of all cars involved, and also close-ups of damages of all vehicles involved.
- Call the police and do not leave the scene of the accident unless it is due to a medical emergency.
- Make a report to the police of what happened;
- Do not apologize after the accident;
- Do not state how you physically feel as sometimes injures and associated symptoms take time to develop. If you are injured, take an ambulance to the hospital.
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company.
- Do not sign authorizations for medical treatment.
- Contact Lavis Law Firm – New Orleans Car Accident Lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW. We work on a NO RECOVERY-NO FEE Basis. You do not owe us any fee if we do not recover money for you.
How To Get Your New Orleans Accident Report?
After you are involved in a car accident it’s important to get your hands on the accident report that will be filled out by the police officers at the scene of the accident. Here’s how to get a copy of your New Orleans car accident report:
- Get it in person at the New Orleans Police Department,
- Request a copy by mail from the police department, or
- Buy a copy online through https://nola.nextrequest.com/requests/new
What Information is in a New Orleans Accident Report?
The information included in the New Orleans car accident report can significantly impact the amount of money you received for your injuries and property damage. The at-fault insurance company will read through every word and will usually not even consider accepting responsibility for the accident until doing so to determine their driver was at fault for the accident. Don’t let the insurance company use the report against you. Contact us right now and speak with our insurance lawyers.
- Item Number,
- Date of Occurrence and
- Location of Occurrence.
How To Pick Up My Car Accident Report in Person?
A copy may be obtained for a fee, via U.S. mail or from Police Headquarters, First Floor, Records and Identification Division, 715 S. Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119. If you plan on picking the report up from Police Headquarters, the office may have limited hours for pickup service so call them at 504-658-5455 before you go.
How To Order My Car Accident Report Online
Alternatively, if you would like to order the accident online, you may be able to do so at https://nola.nextrequest.com/requests/new
Tips On How To Read Your New Orleans Accident Report
(See FREE Sample Accident Report Below)
You can find a copy of the Louisiana Crash Report here. Insurance companies will try to find reasons to deny and delay paying your claim. Make sure the accident report is correct—details matter. So, check your personal information to make sure your name, address, driver’s license number, exact date and time of your accident, as well as who is at fault for the accident is correct.
Key Sections - New Orleans Accident Report
Understanding the Louisiana Uniform Crash Report (Rev. 2023-2): Liability & Injury Assessment
The Louisiana Uniform Crash Report is a standardized document used by law enforcement to record essential details of motor vehicle crashes. This report plays a critical role in determining liability, processing insurance claims, and evaluating injuries sustained in an accident. Below is an overview of the key sections of the report, including liability factors and injury assessment criteria.
Crash Information & Summary
Case Number & Investigating Agency: Each crash is assigned a unique case number.
Date, Time, and Location: Includes latitude, longitude, city, and parish.
Crash Severity: Documents the total number of fatalities and injuries.
Involvement Details: Records the number of vehicles, motorists, and non-motorists involved.
First Harmful Event: Categorizes the type of impact (e.g., collision with another vehicle, pedestrian, or fixed object).
Traffic Control Devices: Notes the presence of traffic lights, stop signs, and other control measures.
Work Zone Crashes: Indicates if the crash occurred in a work zone and whether workers were present.
Liability Determination
Although the crash report does not explicitly assign fault, it provides crucial information that helps determine liability.
1. Contributing Factors
Officers record factors that contributed to the crash, such as:
Driver Violations: Speeding, running a red light, failure to yield.
Driver Condition: Alcohol or drug influence, fatigue, distractions.
Vehicle Issues: Brake failure, tire blowouts.
Road Conditions: Wet pavement, potholes, debris.
2. Manner of Collision
Rear-End Collisions: The rear driver is typically presumed at fault.
Left-Turn Crashes: The turning driver is often liable unless the other vehicle ran a light or was speeding.
Sideswipe Collisions: Indicates improper lane changes or failure to yield.
Head-On Crashes: Often caused by lane departures or wrong-way driving.
3. Traffic Control Devices
Whether a driver ignored stop signs, red lights, or yield signs.
Presence of school zones or pedestrian crossings.
4. Witness Statements
Independent witnesses can confirm or dispute driver accounts.
5. Photographic & Video Evidence
Officers may take photos/videos at the scene.
Nearby traffic cameras, business surveillance, and dashcams may provide additional evidence.
Injury Documentation
The report provides comprehensive details regarding injuries sustained in the crash.
1. Injury Classification
Officers categorize injuries using the following severity scale:
(K) Fatal Injury – Death at the scene or later due to crash-related injuries.
(A) Suspected Serious Injury – Severe trauma such as broken bones or unconsciousness.
(B) Suspected Minor Injury – Visible but non-life-threatening injuries.
(C) Possible Injury – No visible wounds but complaints of pain.
(O) No Apparent Injury – No reported injuries at the scene.
2. Medical Response & Transport
Whether the injured person was treated on-scene or transported by:
Ground or air EMS.
Law enforcement.
Private transport to a hospital.
3. Seatbelt & Airbag Use
Documentation of seatbelt use and whether airbags deployed.
Improper seatbelt use can affect injury severity and liability claims.
4. Ejection & Extrication
If a driver or passenger was ejected from the vehicle, it suggests high-impact force and possibly lack of seatbelt use.
Extrication details if a victim was trapped and required rescue by emergency personnel.
5. Non-Motorist Injuries (Pedestrians & Cyclists)
Details on pedestrian/bicyclist location at the time of impact.
Notes if they were crossing legally or wearing reflective clothing at night.
Final Takeaways on Liability & Injury Evaluation
Liability is assessed based on contributing factors, traffic violations, and witness statements.
Injury severity is determined by medical response, seatbelt use, ejection, and extrication data.
Photos, videos, and officer narratives play a crucial role in reconstructing events.
Non-motorist (pedestrian/bicycle) involvement requires additional analysis regarding right-of-way and visibility.
The Louisiana Uniform Crash Report serves as a critical tool for law enforcement, insurance adjusters, and personal injury attorneys to establish fault and damages in an accident. If you have been injured in a crash and need legal guidance, contact Lavis Law at 504-834-4000 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to help you navigate your claim and maximize your recovery.
This is now an 18-page report as of 2024. You can download a copy of the Louisiana Uniform Crash Report at the link. You can also download a copy of the 310-page Louisiana Crash Data Element Manual. Additional pages will be needed depending on the accident, including vehicle/pedestrian form for each vehicle and pedestrian involved, as well as forms for additional occupants, railroad or streetcar, supplemental narrative, diagram and/or written statement from a driver or witness if applicable. The included pages are numbered consecutively.
Free New Orleans Accident Report Lookup Tool
Easily locate basic accident details with our Free New Orleans Accident Report Item Number Lookup Tool. https://www.lavislaw.com/new-orleans-accident-report-map-tool.html Enter the Item Number provided at the accident scene to quickly view:
- Accident date
- Map, satellite image, and street-level view of the accident location
This tool works for car, SUV, Uber, Lyft, truck, hit-and-run, and other vehicle accidents in New Orleans—providing instant access to key accident details in just a few clicks.
Auto Accident Statute of Limitations in Louisiana (known as Liberative Prescription)
For Accidents on or after July 1, 2024,
Art. 3493.1. provides: Delictual actions are subject to a liberative prescription of two years. This prescription commences to run from the day that injury or damage is sustained. It does not run against minors or interdicts in actions involving permanent disability and brought pursuant to the Louisiana Products Liability Act or state law governing product liability actions in effect at the time of the injury or damage.
For Accidents before July 1, 2024, C.C. Art. 3492 provided: Delictual actions are subject to a liberative prescription of one year.
La. R.S. 9:5629 provides: Actions for the recovery of damages sustained in motor vehicle accidents brought pursuant to Uninsured Motorist provisions in motor vehicle insurance policies are prescribed by two years reckoning from the date of the accident in which the damage was sustained.
How To File a New Orleans Police Report
- Immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice of the accident to the local police department if the accident occurs within an incorporated city or town or, if the accident occurs outside of an incorporated city or town, to the nearest sheriff’s office or state police station.
- Give his name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle he was driving and, upon request and if available, exhibit his license or permit to drive to any person injured in such accident or to the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle or other property damaged in the accident.
- Give such information and, upon request, exhibit such license or permit to any police officer at the scene of the accident or who is investigating the accident.
Should I File an Insurance Claim After A Car Accident?
- Date and time of the accident along with a description of what happened;
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of all involved drivers;
- Driver’s license and plate numbers of involved drivers.
DON’T WASTE TIME, CONTACT A NEW ORLEANS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Louisiana Insurance Requirements:
- Liability Insurance. Under Louisiana law, drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. This coverage pays for property damages or personal injury for which you may be legally responsible, up to your policy’s dollar limits. In Louisiana, each vehicle is required to have at least 15/30/25 liability limits. Those limits provide payments of $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for bodily injury to more than one person in a single accident, and $25,000 coverage for damage to someone else’s vehicle or other property; There are penalties for noncompliance.
- Uninsured motorist. About 13% (1 in eight) of Louisiana drivers are uninsured. Accordingly, Louisiana has a mandatory uninsured/underinsured motorist law (UM/UIM). UM/UIM coverage can be waived with a properly executed waiver, but this move is typically a bad choice and is not recommended by car accident lawyers. UM/UIM pays benefits to you if your car is hit by a driver who has no insurance or too little insurance to pay for the full amount of your injuries. If you have Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist coverage, any bodily injury you or an occupant of your vehicle suffers due to an accident caused by another driver is covered under this policy. Hit-and-run drivers may be classified as uninsured motorists, but it helps if there is a disinterested witness to the accident.
- Comprehensive and Collison (may be required by your lender). Comprehensive insurance usually covers falling objects, flood, fire, explosion, vandalism, and theft. Collision insurance covers damage to your car that results from an accident regardless of who is at fault and is usually required by banks and lenders if you still owe money on the car.
Contact a Top Rated Local New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer
If you are looking for the best New Orleans car accident lawyer, contact Lavis Law Firm Personal Injury & Accident Attorney at (504) 834-4000 for a Free Consultation.
Charles Lavis has been handling car accident and personal injury lawsuits in the New Orleans area since 1995. Throughout his legal career, Charles has represented workers, consumers, homeowners, and business owners against insurance companies and corporations. He represents clients who have been injured due to the negligence of others.
Contact Lavis Law Firm – Personal Injury and Accident Attorney today for a FREE consultation.
New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer Review
Take a look at what some of our happy New Orleans clients have to say:
“Awesome to work with. Was on top of everything and kept in touch throughout the entire process. I would definitely recommend. Was honest and fair. Worked extra hard and went beyond to get me the best results.”
Lakietha Hooks, July 1, 2020, Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We have a 4.7 average and 126 reviews on Google
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New Orleans Driving Safety Tips
No one wants to get into a car accident. One of the factors that can play a major issue in the occurrence of car accidents is speeding and rushing to get somewhere when you are running late, hit unexpected traffic, or end up detoured around a closed road. The New Orleans government has designed a traffic report website that lists all of the road closures in real time so that you can make informed driving choices and change your route as necessary to avoid them and the need to rush to your destination. Check out Streetwise Traffic Incident reports for yourself.
Popular New Orleans Car Insurance Companies
Finding the right car insurance company that will suit all of your needs and provide you with the best coverage possible at the most affordable pricing can be a challenge. It’s important to do your homework when looking for a car insurance company to help you make an informed decision. WalletHub gives a breakdown of some of the best car insurance companies in New Orleans that they have awarded in 2024 and why they have chosen them. If you are looking for a new car insurance company you recommend you check out their list.
Our insurance dispute lawyers can help you get back on track.
Navigating The New Orleans Court System
When it comes to car accident injury cases although it can be common to settle there are times when the case will need to be taken to trial to make sure you get the compensation you deserve for the injuries you have sustained. It can be helpful to know what to expect if your car accident case does go to trial.
The New Orleans Personal Injury Trial Process
If your case goes to trial there will a number of steps that will be followed:
- The Discovery Process – We gather all relevant documents related to your case, accident reports, medical reports, driving records, etc.
- The Deposition – Where you will share your version of the events that took place related to the accident and answer any questions that the opposing side may have for you. An experienced car accident attorney will prepare you for your deposition and be there to guide you through it. We will also depose the other parties involved in the accident.
- Going to Trial – If negotiations fail to reach the desired outcome during the discovery phase then we will go to trial. During the trial it will roughly follow these steps
- Selection of jury
- Opening statements
- Presenting the case
- Closing arguments
- Deliberation and verdict
In New Orleans, if your case goes to trial it will be held at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court located at 421 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA.
Highly Rated New Orleans Car Repair Shops
1. Fradella’s Collision Centers
4728 Rye St.
Metairie, LA 70006
2. California Customs Collision Center
1424 Manhattan Blvd
Harvey, LA 70058
3. A Vargas-Body Shop
3317 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 70115
4. Automasters Automotive
3801 Paris Rd.
Chalmette, LA 70043
5. Chamblis Body Shop
3141 Tchoupitoulas St.
New Orleans, LA 70115
6. Clean Fleet Auto Body
4432 Hearst St.
Metairie, LA 70001
7. Rusich Detail Auto Body-Paint
2520 Delaware Ave.
Kenner, LA 70062
8. NOLA Collision Center (Formerly Royal Collision Center)
3333 N I-10 Service Rd W.
Metairie, LA 70002
- We have no affiliation with these companies. They happen to be highly rated on Yelp and/or Google.
See What Our Clients Have To Say About Us:
“My experience with Lavis Law was a very nice one! My cases were handled swiftly and no complaints from me. Mr. Lavis was a very pleasant person when we finally got to meet in person due to the pandemic.” ~ Kym J.Communities Served
Not in New Orleans? We also have car accident lawyers in Baton Rouge. We proudly serve all of the communities in Louisiana area including French Quarter, Garden District, Lower 9th Ward, Uptown, the Warehouse District, and more. To see a complete list, go to our Service Areas page.
Types of Car Crash Injuries
Types of injuries from car wrecks in Louisiana include:
- Amputations
- Back Injuries (including spinal cord damage, disc herniations/bulges)
- Broken Bones (including fractures, broken ribs, arms, and legs)
- Chronic Pain
- Cuts / Bruises
- Head Injuries (including concussions)
- Neck Injuries
- Leg / Knee Injuries
- Scarring / Disfigurement
- Shoulder Injuries
- Sprains
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Whiplash
- …and much more.
Damages Recoverable in a Louisiana Car Accident Case
1. Compensatory Damages
A. Economic Damages (Tangible Financial Losses)
- Medical Expenses – Covers hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical treatment.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for income lost due to time away from work.
- Loss of Earning Capacity – If the injury prevents the victim from working in the same capacity or at all.
- Property Damage – Repair or replacement costs for a vehicle or other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Home or Vehicle Modifications – Costs associated with making a home or vehicle wheelchair accessible due to a permanent injury.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses – Includes transportation costs for medical visits, in-home care, or assistive medical devices.
B. Non-Economic Damages (Intangible Losses)
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain and discomfort caused by the accident.
- Emotional Distress – Anxiety, PTSD, depression, or trauma resulting from the crash.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – When injuries prevent the victim from engaging in hobbies, social activities, or daily life as before.
- Loss of Consortium – Compensation awarded to a spouse or family members for loss of companionship, affection, or support.
- Permanent Disability – If the victim suffers a long-term or permanent impairment.
- Disfigurement and Scarring – Compensation for permanent scars or physical deformities caused by the accident.
2. Punitive Damages (Only Available in Specific Cases)
A. When Punitive Damages May Be Awarded in a Car Accident Case
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) – La. Civ. Code Art. 2315.4
- The at-fault driver was intoxicated (alcohol or drugs) at the time of the crash.
- The intoxication was a substantial factor in causing the accident.
- The defendant’s actions showed a reckless disregard for the safety of others.