Car Accident Attorney in Louisiana

Name: Car Accidents
Brand: Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
Rating: 4.9 (1909 reviews)

Crash Tested. Client-Focused.

Under Louisiana law, those injured by another party’s negligence may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term harm, but strict fault rules, short deadlines, and insurer-friendly practices make early legal guidance critical. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers represents injured drivers and their families across Louisiana, including Lafayette, Alexandria, Marksville, New Iberia, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. Our firm is prepared to handle complex car accident claims with confidence and clarity.

David Laborde & Digger Earles

Founding Partners

$1 Billion+

Recovered for Louisianians

25+ Attorneys

Collaboration on every case

350+ Years

Combined years of experience

1,700+ Reviews

4.9 Google Rating

Car Accident Case Results Proven Results for Injured Louisianians

Our attorneys have secured significant verdicts and settlements for clients injured on highways, rural roads, and city streets throughout the state.

Car Accident $5.25 Million

Auto accident resulting in brain injury

Car Accident $5.1 Million

Verdict for auto accident victim

Car Accident $5 Million

Judgment for paralyzed Driver

Car Accident $3.8 Million

Negligent operation of a medical van

Car Accident $2 Million

Auto accident resulting in spinal cord injuries

Car Accident $1.6 Million

Trial verdict for collision resulting in spinal injuries

Car Accident $1.4 Million

Settlement for Alexandria woman in car accident

Car Accident $1 Million

Settlement for auto accident victim

Car Accident $900,000

Injured in automobile accident

Car Accident $787,000

Client hit vehicle parked on side of road resulting in brain injury

Car Accident $400,000

Client’s vehicle struck by drunk driver causing shoulder injury

Car Accident $375,000

Auto accident at intersection causing back injury

Car Accident $310,000

Elderly passenger who was not fastened, injured in transport van

Car Accident $265,000

Auto accident causing back injury

Car Accident $195,000

Auto accident resulting in back injury without surgery

Car Accident $190,000

Auto accident with hip and back injuries

Car Accident $180,000

Defective tire causes one car accident and neck injury

Car Accident $153,000

Auto accident, low back injury without surgery

Car Accident $150,000

Auto accident with neck and back injuries

Car Accident $125,000

Auto accident resulting in leg and back injury

Thousands of clients have trusted us and won.

See Our Case Results

Finding An Attorney Why Choose Laborde Earles for Your Car Accident Case?

Choosing the right car accident lawyer can shape both the outcome of your claim and your financial recovery. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers brings decades of experience handling Louisiana car accident cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, and aggressive insurance tactics.

With more than 30 attorneys and over 350 years of combined experience, our firm has recovered $1 billion+ in verdicts and settlements for injured Louisianans, including numerous seven-figure results. With seven offices statewide and 24/7 availability, we are always ready to help you move forward after a car crash.

About Us

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Toni is an absolute professional. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision. He...

Mimi

Lake Charles

I highly recommend Derek Hebert to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney. From the very beginning, Derek was professional, honest, and ...

Brylan Cormier

Lafayette

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you fo...

Sandi W.

Courtney Marsh has a positive attitude and great attention to detail in her work!

Rhonda C.

Michelle Brouillette is a wonderful addition to the Laborde Earles team.

Melanie B.

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) whic...

Hannah Johnson

Baton Rouge

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is q...

kelly

Lake Charles

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the...

Jaine Fisher

Lafayette

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go throu...

Hazel G.

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

See What Our Clients Are Saying

Client SuccessStories That Define Laborde Earles

“I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t been for them. I’ve never had that much expertise and professionalism in my life.”

Rick Smith Truck Accident Victim

Client SuccessStories That Define Laborde Earles

“If it wasn’t for that settlement, we wouldn’t have our home, my company or probably even the leg that I have now.”

Jude Herbert Motorcycle Accident Victim

Rick Jude

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

We've seen it all & we're here to help you.

We handle a wide range of car accident claims across Louisiana, including:

Distracted Driving

Crashes caused by phone use, distractions, or driver inattention

Impaired Driving

Alcohol or drug impairment leading to dangerous, preventable collisions

Hit-and-Run

Cases involving drivers fleeing scenes and avoiding legal responsibility

Rear-End Collisions

Sudden impacts frequently causing neck, spine, and soft-tissue injuries

Uninsured Motorist

Accidents involving drivers with no active insurance coverage

Underinsured Motorist

Collisions where available insurance fails to cover full damages

T-Bone Accidents

Side-impact crashes commonly occurring at intersections or traffic crossings

Rollover Accidents

Loss-of-control crashes with heightened risk of catastrophic injuries

Understanding Car Accidents in Louisiana Key Factors Every Injured Driver Should Know

Learn about the causes of car accidents, typical injuries, and high-risk driving areas across Louisiana.

Common Causes Common Injuries High-Risk Areas

Common Causes of Lafayette Car Accidents

Most car accidents occur because a driver failed to act with reasonable care. Louisiana’s mix of busy interstates, rural highways, and urban streets creates conditions where a single mistake can have serious consequences.

Distracted Driving

Phone use and in-vehicle distractions divert driver attention from the road
Impaired Driving

Alcohol or drugs significantly reduce reaction time and driving judgment
Failure to Yield

Ignoring right-of-way rules causes dangerous collisions at busy intersections frequently
Speeding

Excessive speed reduces vehicle control and increases crash severity dramatically
Unsafe Lane Changes

Failure to signal or check blind spots causes serious collisions
Aggressive Driving

Tailgating and reckless maneuvers escalate risk of severe roadway crashes

Were You Injured in a Car Accident?

Common Types of Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accident injuries range from mild to life-altering, and symptoms do not always appear immediately. It’s imperative to see a doctor after an accident to uncover any potential injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Concussions and cognitive impairment affecting memory, focus, and daily functioning
Spinal Cord Injuries

Severe damage causing long-term mobility loss and permanent functional limitations
Fractures

Broken bones often requiring surgery, immobilization, rehabilitation, and extended recovery
Internal Injuries

Hidden organ damage and internal bleeding requiring urgent medical intervention
Soft Tissue Injuries

Muscle and ligament injuries causing pain, instability, and reduced mobility
Emotional Trauma

Psychological injuries including anxiety, PTSD, emotional distress, and lasting harm

Were You Injured in a Car Accident?

Where Car Accidents Commonly Occur in Lafayette

Certain locations see higher crash rates due to traffic volume, design, and driver behavior. Knowing where accidents typically happen can keep you safer on the road.

Interstate Highways

High-speed travel increases severity of multi-vehicle and commercial truck crashes
Busy Intersections

Failure-to-yield and red-light violations commonly cause dangerous side-impact collisions
Urban Corridors

Heavy congestion and distracted driving raise accident frequency and injury risk
Rural Roads

Limited lighting and delayed emergency response increase injury severity
Construction Zones

Lane shifts, reduced visibility, and confusion contribute to preventable crashes
School Zones

Increased pedestrian activity and congestion elevate collision risk during peak hours

Were You Injured in a Car Accident?

Next Steps What to Do After a Car Accident in Louisiana

Taking the right steps after a crash can protect your health & strengthen your claim:

Get Medical Care

Seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms seem minor at first. Prompt evaluation protects your health, creates critical documentation, and helps identify injuries that may worsen over time.

Report the Crash

Contact law enforcement to report the accident and ensure an official crash report is completed. This record plays a key role in establishing fault and supporting your insurance claim.

Document the Scene

Take photos of vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and surrounding details when possible. Preserving visual evidence early can help clarify how the crash occurred.

Collect Witness Information

Obtain names and contact details from anyone who saw the crash. Independent witness statements can strengthen your claim and support disputed versions of events.

Avoid Insurance Statements

Refrain from giving recorded statements or accepting quick offers from insurers. Early statements may be used to limit or deny rightful compensation.

Contact Laborde Earles

Our experienced legal team can protect your rights, manage communication with the insurance company, and guide your case forward while you focus on recovery.

Early legal involvement often leads to stronger outcomes.

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers on the phone at (337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Car Accident Trends Key Figures Louisiana Drivers Should Know

Car accidents remain a leading cause of serious injury and death across Louisiana, particularly on high-speed highways and heavily traveled urban corridors where daily traffic patterns and driver behavior increase the risk of severe collisions and long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences.

1,000+ Fatal Crashes Annually

Louisiana typically records over 1,000 traffic fatalities each year, placing it among the states with the highest per-capita crash death rates nationwide.
Over 45% of Fatal Crashes Involve Speeding or Alcohol

State and federal data show that speeding and impaired driving contribute to nearly half of all fatal crashes in Louisiana, significantly increasing injury severity.
More Than 60% of Fatal Accidents Occur on Highways & Major Roads

The majority of deadly crashes happen on interstates, U.S. highways, and major arterial roads, where higher speeds and merging traffic raise collision risks.

Our Legal Team We fight for our own

Meet Our Team

Digger Earles

Founding Partner

Hunter, fisherman, and aggressive trial attorney, most recently securing a historic $5 million bad faith excess verdict.

Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers
Acadiana Profile Top Lawyer
Top 100 National Trial Lawyers

David Laborde

Founding Partner

In addition to owning a ranch and hunting on the weekends, David is recognized as a top trial lawyer in Louisiana, most recently winning a $7.2 million settlement.

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Acadiana Profile Top Lawyer
Multi–Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Alexis Davis

Attorney

Personal injury attorney at Laborde Earles, Alexis combines award-winning legal writing with diligent advocacy, focusing on protecting clients’ interests throughout Louisiana.

Best Case Note
Law Review award winner

Aaron Bergeron

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Aaron Bergeron brings a client-first approach shaped by courtroom and judicial experience.

Law Clerk, 27th Judicial District Court
Graduated cum laude, Southern University Law Center

Ben Alexander

Attorney

Litigation attorney Ben leverages years of experience defending catastrophic, maritime, and insurance cases, including those involving the Deepwater Horizon incident.

Deepwater Horizon MDL
Rising Star 2013–2018
Top 100 honoree

Cade Melancon

Attorney

Cade brings judicial and court experience, as well as catastrophic injury litigation skills developed from pre-suit preparation through trial support and appeals.

Federal court internship
District staff attorney

Carolina De La Pena Rogers

Attorney

Carolina represents motor-vehicle crash victims, applying nationwide immigration litigation experience with a proactive strategy, clear communication, and client-focused guidance.

Spanish speaker
Immigration courts admitted
Louisiana Association for Justice

Daniel Snellings

Attorney

With more than 30 years in complex litigation, Daniel represents injured victims in auto, maritime, product liability, toxic tort, and class matters.

Martindale-Hubbell rated
Best Maritime Attorneys 2022
NITA skills certificate

David Charles Laborde Jr.

Attorney

DC handles diverse injury matters, using prior insurance-defense and entertainment-law experience to anticipate tactics, strengthen claims, and guide clients through every step.

Former defense attorney
Louisiana Bar admitted
Tulane football letterman

Derek B. Hebert

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Derek Hebert takes a proactive, detail-driven approach, building cases early to apply pressure and pursue strong results.

Full-Tuition Merit Scholarship Recipient
Certificate in Civil Law Studies

Frances Gossen O'Neal

Attorney

Fran is an experienced litigator with strong research roots, clerkship experience, and broad court admissions, providing thoughtful, steady representation for injured clients.

23rd JDC clerkships
LSU Law J.D.

Jeanne Laborde

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Jeanne has spent decades guiding clients through treatment, billing, and insurance issues with diligence, clarity, and compassion.

Bilingual English/Spanish
20+ years serving clients

Jennifer Coussan

Attorney

Lafayette native Jennifer brings sharp judicial perspective from federal and appellate clerkships, strengthening litigation strategy, motion practice, and outcomes for clients.

Federal law clerk
Third Circuit attorney

Jonathan Chatwin

Attorney

Jonathan focuses on workers’ compensation and personal injury, combining accounting training and Army service with practical, disciplined advocacy for Louisiana clients daily.

U.S. Army veteran
Fifth Circuit admitted

Kade Stutes

Attorney

Storm claim attorney Kade serves Acadiana homeowners with local roots, judicial-clerkship experience, and a steady, responsive approach to complex insurance disputes.

27th JDC judicial clerk
Society VP
Louisiana Bar 2023

Kelby Rasmussen

Attorney

Kelby practices personal injury law, drawing on courtroom insight from district-judge clerkships, to provide clear answers and steady guidance to clients following serious accidents.

36th JDC law clerk
LAJ member

Kristen Broussard Guidry

Attorney

Kristen brings more than 25 years of experience and deep insurance-defense insight, now using industry knowledge to zealously advocate for injury clients.

Top 15% LSU
Outstanding Young Lawyer
Past YLA President

Mary Cryar

Attorney

Mary turns two decades of insurance and injury defense experience into advocacy for people facing serious injuries or denied insurance claims today.

NITA instructor
Taught LSU trial advocacy
Multi-state bar admissions

Nicholas R. Rockforte

Attorney

Nicholas represents clients in injury, complex litigation, and class actions, bringing a first-in-class mindset and underdog focus to every case for clients.

Top 40 Under 40
Levee counsel

Paul Laborde

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Paul Laborde brings a thorough, disciplined approach shaped by strong legal training and a deep respect for the profession.

LSU Law Graduate
Judicial & Legislative Experience

Robert (“Rob”) Marionneaux Jr

Attorney

Trial lawyer Rob focuses on catastrophic injury and wrongful death, delivering proven courtroom results while supporting families through life-changing tragedies today.

$20.6M verdict
Million Dollar Advocates
Hall of Fame inductee

Ryan Saunders

Attorney

Ryan brings first-responder experience and trial-driven precision to complex matters, dedicated to helping clients who need a prepared, strategic advocate always today.

First responder 10+ years
Felony defense
Patent bar passed

Scott Higgins

Attorney

Scott is a seasoned injury litigator handling wrongful death, maritime, and complex multi-party cases, valuing client relationships as much as results always.

AV Preeminent rated
Licensed in Louisiana/Texas

Shawn Bordelon

Attorney

Shawn is a personal injury litigator with defense-side insight, representing clients through trial and appeals, including matters that reach the Louisiana Supreme Court level.

Former defense counsel
Louisiana Supreme Court experience

Victor Rushing

Attorney

Victor is a pre-litigation attorney who guides injured clients through early case strategy, providing clear communication and responsive, detail-oriented representation.

Western District admitted
Knights of Columbus

Wesley Elmer

Attorney

Wesley evaluates claims from both sides, helping clients understand strengths and risks while pursuing fair outcomes in personal injury matters statewide fully.

Dual-perspective counsel
Fifth Circuit admitted
Former parish bar president

Will Casanova

Attorney

Will devotes his practice to Louisiana workers’ compensation, providing injured workers with steady, informed guidance to navigate benefits, treatment, and claims.

Past Acadia Bar President
Southern graduate

Amit Gulati

Attorney

Attorney Amit Gulati brings courtroom-tested advocacy and a trial-first mindset to personal injury and criminal defense cases.

Former Orleans Public Defenders Attorney
Extensive Felony Trial Experience

Injury Lawyers Louisiana Trusts When things go wrong, we're Louisiana Strong

Laborde Earles

Car Accident Claim What to Expect After Filing a Claim

Car accident claims unfold in stages, and each decision you make early on can affect the strength and value of your case. Understanding what to expect at every step helps reduce uncertainty, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your right to full compensation.

Claim Initiation & Investigation

We gather crash reports, medical records, witness statements, and other critical evidence to establish fault, preserve key details, and build a strong foundation for your claim from the outset.

Ongoing Medical Documentation

Ongoing treatment is carefully documented to reflect the full scope of your injuries, including future care needs, long-term limitations, and how the accident impacts your daily life and earning ability.

Settlement Negotiation

We pursue compensation that reflects the true value of your case, challenging insurer tactics and negotiating from a position of strength based on comprehensive damages.

Litigation & Trial Preparation

If insurers refuse to accept accountability, we prepare every case for trial, leveraging expert testimony and detailed case strategy to protect your rights and maximize recovery.

Taking these steps early helps preserve evidence, strengthen your claim, and avoid preventable setbacks

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers on the phone at (337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Determining Compensation What is My Car Accident Case Worth?

Every car accident case is different, and its value depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the circumstances of the crash. Understanding what damages may be available helps ensure you pursue compensation that reflects both your immediate losses and long-term needs.

Compensation can include:

Emergency and ongoing medical care
Lost income & reduced earing capacity
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Property damage to your vehicle
Loss of enjoyment of life or wrongful death

Ask One of Our Attorneys

Case Value Factors How Car Accident Case Value Is Evaluated

Car accident case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, future earning capacity, emotional harm, and long-term impact on quality of life.

Evaluation Factor

What It Represents

Injury Severity

Whether injuries are temporary, long-term, or permanent

Medical Expenses

Current care costs and projected future treatment

Lost Income

Wages lost during recovery and missed work time

Reduced Earning Capacity

Impact on your ability to earn in the future

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain and emotional distress

Quality of Life Impact

Limits on daily activities and independence

Property Damage

Repair or replacement of your vehicle

Permanent Impairment

Lasting disability or physical limitations

Aggravating Factors

Reckless or impaired conduct increasing damages

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

(337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Timeline Expectations How Long Does It Take to Receive Compensation After a Car Accident?

The timeline depends on injury severity and insurance cooperation. We move cases forward efficiently without sacrificing long-term financial security.

Shorter Timelines

Cases involving clear fault and relatively minor injuries often move more quickly, as liability is easier to establish and damages are more straightforward to calculate. These claims may resolve through negotiation once medical treatment stabilizes and documentation is complete.

Longer Timelines

Cases involving serious or catastrophic injuries, disputed liability, or complex insurance issues typically take longer to resolve. These claims require extensive investigation, ongoing medical evaluation, expert analysis, and firm negotiation to pursue full and fair compensation.

Our Approach

At Laborde Earles, we balance efficiency with strategy. We push insurers to act promptly while allowing the time necessary to fully understand your injuries, future care needs, and total financial impact, so any compensation pursued reflects the true value of your case.

Early legal involvement often leads to stronger outcomes

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers on the phone at (337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Determining Responsibility Who is Liable for a Car Accident?

Determining liability after a car accident is not always straightforward, especially when multiple parties or contributing factors are involved. Identifying who may be legally responsible is a critical step in protecting your claim and pursuing full compensation.

Liability may include:

Negligent drivers
Commercial drivers or employers
Rideshare drivers or companies
Vehicle or parts manufacturers
Government or public entities

Find Out What Your Case Might Be Worth

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Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

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Car Accident FAQs Clear Answers to Important Questions

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

Louisiana law generally allows one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar recovery, making it important to act promptly.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning you may still recover compensation even if you share some responsibility. Your recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offered a settlement?

Insurance offers often fail to account for future medical care, lost earning capacity, or long-term effects. An attorney can evaluate whether an offer reflects the true value of your claim.

What damages can I recover after a car accident in Louisiana?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in serious cases, long-term disability or wrongful death losses.