New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, vulnerable, and uncertain about the future. Whether you’re dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, or the devastating loss of a loved one, you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone.

The New Orleans car accident lawyers of Laborde Earles can help you regain control and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We’ve spent decades standing up for car accident victims, recovering over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, and bringing peace of mind to countless families.

Our New Orleans personal injury lawyers have 350 years of collective experience, we’re ready to put our experience to work for you. As always, there is no fee until your case is won. Let us handle the insurance companies so you can focus on what truly matters.

Our Case Results Show Our Car Accident Lawyers in New Orleans Mean Business

We care about our clients getting the compensation they need to recover from their accident injuries and losses and rebuild their lives. Consider just some of the verdicts and settlements on behalf of people injured while on the road:

• $5,250,000 for an auto accident that left our client with a brain injury
• $2,000,000 for a car accident victim with spinal cord injuries
• $1,000,000 settlement for a car accident victim
• $900,000 for an auto accident victim
• $180,000 for a faulty tire that caused an accident that resulted in a neck injury

While each case’s results are unique, and we cannot guarantee an outcome, we take each client’s case seriously and work to get them fair compensation.

We want to do the same for you. If you have been injured in a New Orleans-area automobile accident, you can contact us to discuss your potential case.

How Our New Orleans Auto Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Recovering from a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, financial stress, and insurance companies that may not have your best interests at heart.

While you’re not required to hire an attorney, having experienced legal counsel can significantly improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. We’re here to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.

What We Can Do for You

Our legal team can assist with two primary courses of action after a car accident:

Filing an Insurance Claim

We can manage your claim and protect you from the tactics insurance companies often use to minimize payouts, such as:

• Offering quick, lowball settlements
• Discouraging you from holding out for fair compensation by claiming the process will be long and complex
• Using your statements against you or disputing your version of the accident

By limiting your direct communication with insurers, we can prevent these unfair practices. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and will work to secure a fair settlement. If negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to escalate your case to a lawsuit.

Pursuing a Lawsuit

When insurance doesn’t provide adequate compensation, we may file a lawsuit on your behalf. In some cases, filing a lawsuit may be the best initial strategy for seeking justice. Our team has extensive knowledge of Louisiana personal injury laws, procedures, and deadlines, ensuring your case is handled efficiently and effectively in court.

How We Build and Manage Your Case

If you choose our car accident attorneys in New Orleans to represent you, we will handle every aspect of your case from start to finish. Our services include:

• Determining the value of your economic and non-economic losses
• Calculating damages related to the wrongful death of a loved one, if applicable
• Collecting, analyzing, and organizing evidence
• Interviewing witnesses to strengthen your case
• Identifying all liable parties to ensure accountability
• Hiring experts to reconstruct the accident or explain the extent of your injuries and losses
• Preparing and filing all necessary legal paperwork
• Documenting your injuries and medical care
• Negotiating with insurers for a fair settlement
• Taking your case to court if a settlement cannot be reached

When you work with our team, you won’t have to worry about handling the legal process alone. We’ll take on the burden of dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and pursuing compensation while you focus on:

• Recovering from your injuries
• Supporting a loved one’s recovery

You can trust that your case is in experienced, compassionate hands. Let us fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

No Fee Until Your Case Is Won

Our car accident attorneys in New Orleans work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid until you do. Your initial consultation with us is free, and you will pay us no money upfront if we decide to work on your case.

We understand that motor vehicle accidents and injuries cause financial strain for the people we help, especially if they have been out of work recovering, so we don’t add to that burden.

We aim to make it easier to secure legal representation so that people can get the legal representation and counsel they seek. We will cover the costs of your case, and if we win a settlement or verdict for you, only then will we receive our payment. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us no money.  It’s that simple.

Can a Lawyer Tell Me What My Car Accident Claim Might Be Worth?

Yes, an experienced car accident lawyer can provide you with an estimate of what your claim might be worth. While no attorney can guarantee a specific amount, they can evaluate your case by analyzing the details of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the financial and emotional impact on your life.

When assessing the value of your claim, a lawyer will consider various factors to ensure you seek the full compensation you deserve. These factors may include:

Medical Expenses

Your current and future medical costs are often a significant part of a car accident claim. This includes:

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgeries and procedures
• Medications
• Ongoing treatments like physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or prosthetics
• Future medical needs related to your injuries

Your lawyer will gather medical records, bills, and expert opinions to calculate the cost of your medical care accurately.

Lost Income and Earning Capacity

If your injuries caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income in the future, your lawyer can seek damages for lost earning potential. This involves analyzing your job, income history, and the long-term impact of your injuries on your ability to work.

Property Damage

Your claim may also cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident. A lawyer will use repair estimates, receipts, and market values to calculate these losses.

Pain and Suffering

Beyond tangible expenses, car accidents often cause physical pain and emotional suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering is meant to address:

• Physical pain from your injuries
• Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• The impact of your injuries on your daily life

Since these damages are more subjective, an experienced lawyer can help assign a monetary value to them based on the specific circumstances of your case.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed—such as hobbies, sports, or spending time with loved ones—your lawyer can include “loss of enjoyment” damages in your claim.

Additional Losses

Other damages may apply depending on the details of your case, including:

• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for how the accident has affected your relationship with a spouse or family members.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior, you may be entitled to additional compensation meant to punish the at-fault party.

How a Lawyer Can Help Evaluate Your Case

An experienced attorney will thoroughly investigate your case by:

• Reviewing accident reports and medical records
• Consulting with expert witnesses, such as doctors or accident reconstruction specialists
• Interviewing witnesses to the accident
• Analyzing financial documents, such as pay stubs and repair estimates
• Identifying all liable parties, including negligent drivers, employers, or vehicle manufacturers

By gathering and organizing this evidence, a lawyer can build a strong case that accurately reflects the full scope of your losses. This helps ensure that you don’t undervalue your claim or accept a low settlement offer from the insurance company.

Protecting You from Low Settlement Offers

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by offering quick, lowball settlements or disputing the extent of your injuries. Without legal representation, you may be at a disadvantage during negotiations. A lawyer knows how to counter these tactics and advocate for a fair settlement.

If the insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation, your auto accident lawyer in New Orleans can take the next step by filing a lawsuit and fighting for your rights in court. A lawyer can help you protect your rights after a car accident.

Why You Should Consult a Lawyer Early

While you may be tempted to handle your claim on your own, consulting with a lawyer early in the process can make a significant difference.

The sooner you involve an attorney, the more time they have to gather evidence, build your case, and meet important deadlines, such as Louisiana’s statute of limitations for car accident claims.

A knowledgeable lawyer can provide you with a clearer understanding of what your claim might be worth, ensure no damages are overlooked, and guide you through the entire legal process so you can focus on your recovery.

Louisiana Injury Cases Are on a Two-Year Timeline

The personal injury statute of limitations in Louisiana is two years from the date of the accident so long as the accident happened on or after July 1, 2024. This deadline applies to most car accident cases, including those involving injuries or wrongful death.

Failing to file your claim within this two-year timeframe could result in losing your right to seek compensation altogether. While this may seem like plenty of time, building a strong case takes effort.

Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and negotiating with insurance companies can be time-consuming. To avoid missing this critical deadline, it’s best to consult with an experienced New Orleans car accident attorney as soon as possible.

You May Be Entitled to Seek Wrongful Death Damages After Losing a Loved One

Losing a loved one in a car accident is an unimaginable tragedy, and we extend our deepest condolences for your loss. While no amount of money can ever replace your loved one, seeking compensation through a wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burdens stemming from their passing and provide some measure of justice.

Under Louisiana law (CC Art. 2315.2), specific family members are eligible to file a wrongful death action. If you qualify, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Any accident-related medical care your loved one received before their passing.
• Final Expenses: Funeral, burial, or cremation costs.
• Loss of Financial Support: The income and services your loved one would have contributed to your household.
• Loss of Companionship and Guidance: The emotional support, care, and guidance your loved one provided.

Our New Orleans wrongful death lawyers will thoroughly review your case to identify all potential losses, including those you may not realize you can claim. Once we evaluate your damages, we’ll determine the full value of your case.

This ensures you have a clear understanding of what you’re entitled to recover and helps protect you from accepting inadequate settlement offers from insurance companies.

Let us handle the legal matters so you can focus on grieving, healing, and honoring your loved one’s memory. We will fight to secure the compensation you need to move forward.

Injuries We Commonly Claim in Car Accident Cases

Motor vehicle accidents, including auto accidents and motorcycle accidents, can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor injuries to life-altering conditions. Our personal injury law firm has decades of experience helping clients seek fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial burdens caused by negligent drivers. 

With our combined experience and commitment to justice, we’re here to guide you through the legal process and help you on your road to recovery.

Below are some of the most common injuries we handle in personal injury claims related to car accidents:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most frequently reported injuries in auto accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. Victims may experience neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. While often dismissed as a minor injury, whiplash can lead to long-term discomfort and require ongoing medical treatments, such as physical therapy, to heal fully.

Head and Brain Injuries

Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are serious and can have lasting effects on a victim’s cognitive and emotional well-being. These injuries may result from striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or window during a motor vehicle accident. 

Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to memory loss, impaired decision-making, and behavioral changes. Our New Orleans car crash attorneys work closely with medical experts to document these injuries and seek maximum compensation for victims.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Back injuries, such as herniated discs or fractures, are common in car and motorcycle accidents. In severe cases, damage to the spinal cord may cause partial or complete paralysis, leaving victims with lifelong medical bills and the need for adaptive equipment. 

Our legal team fights to ensure victims receive compensation for their medical care, lost income, and non-economic damages, such as loss of enjoyment of life.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The impact of a motor vehicle accident often causes broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, or other areas. These injuries can result in significant recovery times, surgeries, and physical therapy. Whether caused by a fault driver or a distracted driver, our auto accident attorneys in New Orleans will work to hold the negligent driver accountable and pursue a favorable outcome for you.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, are life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent at the accident scene. Emergency medical care is often required, followed by surgeries and ongoing treatments. 

Our accident lawyers use police reports, medical records, and accident reconstruction experts to build strong legal claims for victims of these catastrophic injuries.

Psychological Injuries

The emotional toll of a motor vehicle accident can be as devastating as physical injuries. Victims may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders. 

These psychological injuries often require therapy or counseling and should not be overlooked in a personal injury claim. Our experienced New Orleans car accident attorneys ensure these damages are included when seeking compensation.

Burns and Scarring

Fires or explosions in car accidents can cause severe burn injuries, ranging from first-degree to third-degree burns. These injuries often require skin grafts, surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation. 

Even after recovery, victims may live with permanent scarring or disfigurement. Our law firm understands the challenges burn victims face and pursues maximum compensation to help them rebuild their lives.

Fatal Injuries

In the most tragic cases, auto accidents result in fatalities. Families who lose loved ones due to a drunk driver, distracted driver, or other negligent party may file wrongful death claims. 

Our New Orleans car accident lawyers help families seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of consortium. We handle these cases with compassion and dedication to securing a fair settlement.

Contact a New Orleans Car Accident Law Firm Today

The time after a car accident can be stressful, particularly if you have been injured or have lost a loved one as a result. A car accident lawyer from our team can help reduce your stress by taking on the process of pursuing compensation for your auto collision losses in New Orleans.

We can uncover damages you may not know you have and alert you to all laws that apply to your case.

Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and case review. We are a contingency law firm, so we take no money from you upfront to start working on your case. If we recover compensation for you, we will take our payment from your settlement or court award.