Car Accident Lawyer New Orleans, LA

Seek A Full Recovery After A Car Accident

If you aren’t sure if you need help from our New Orleans, LA car accident lawyer, just know that having a lawyer present at this time can make all the difference. Unfortunately, victims’ rights get violated frequently, despite being the ones who suffer the most due to the fault of another. Car drivers may speed, swerve between lanes, tailgate, run stop signs and red lights, fail to yield, and other dangerous behaviors that seriously put others on the road in jeopardy of harm. If you’re considering taking legal action against the driver who hit you, contact our team at Kiefer & Kiefer as soon as you can. Once we understand more about what has happened, we can provide personalized advice on your options for moving forward. Please don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation and get quality legal support today.

Types Of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling various types of car accident cases, including:

• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions can result in whiplash, back injuries, and more. We know how to establish liability and maximize compensation for victims.
• Intersection Accidents: T-Bone accidents at intersections can be complex. Our lawyers can determine fault and pursue compensation for your injuries.
• Distracted Driving Accidents: Distracted driving is a growing concern. We can help hold distracted drivers accountable for their actions.
• Drunk Driving Accidents: If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, we can help you seek justice and compensation.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: Hit-and-run accidents can come with their own set of unique challenges, but our crew can work hard to track down the party that’s responsible.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Louisiana, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. You have a limited amount of time to file a claim and seek compensation. Contact us at Kiefer & Kiefer Group today to schedule a consultation with our experienced New Orleans car accident lawyer who will fight tirelessly for your rights and the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes Of Car Accidents

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern life, affecting millions of people worldwide every year. Staying informed and cautious on the road is the key to preventing accidents. Here are some of the most common collision causes our legal team sees:

• Distracted Driving
• Speeding
• Drunk Driving
• Reckless Driving
• Poor Weather Conditions
• Running Red Lights
• Tailgating
• Inexperienced Drivers
• Limited Visibility Due To Fog Or Darkness
• Vehicle Defects

At Kiefer & Kiefer Group, we understand the trauma that can result from car accidents. If you or someone you know is facing challenges due to a car accident, we invite you to contact us. Together, we can navigate the legal process, hold the negligent driver accountable, and strive for a favorable outcome.

Common Injuries

Crashes are a prevalent occurrence on roads worldwide, and they can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. The severity of these injuries can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, including the speed of the vehicles involved, the use of safety devices like seatbelts and airbags, and the position of the occupants within the vehicle. The following are some of the more common injuries we see in our New Orleans clients:

• Whiplash
• Fractures And Broken Bones
• Head Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Internal Injuries
• Emotional Impact

Pursuing Legal Damages

The road to recovery from car accident injuries can be long and challenging. It often involves medical treatment, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and even surgeries. The financial burden can be significant, including medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care expenses. If you have been injured in a crash, contact our dedicated New Orleans car accident lawyer from Kiefer & Kiefer to find out what legal recourse you may have.

How Our Firm Can Help You

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, we’re here to help you or your family member obtain proper, reliable legal representation. At Kiefer & Kiefer Group, our experienced team of car accident lawyers is here to assist you every step of the way. Here’s what makes our firm stand out from others:

• Experience And Knowledge Of Car Accident Cases

Our injury attorneys possess high-level knowledge in the law, including its many nuances and how cases specifically apply to New Orleans and Louisiana. We have successfully represented countless clients in New Orleans, helping them obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and damages.

• Compassion And Support

We care about our clients – not just their cases. Our firm understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that car accidents can take. Our New Orleans car accident lawyers provide compassionate support, providing you with guidance so that you can better come to terms with such a stressful event. When you partner with us, we’ll give you our cell phone numbers so you can reach us at any time to discuss your case and have us address any problem you may be having. We take the time to get to know you personally so we can fully understand what recovery looks like for you and what you need to get there. And we work together to get you back to 100% after an accident as soon as possible.

• Negotiation Skills

The fact is that insurance companies often go long lengths to undermine or undercut your settlement. Our team of dedicated attorneys have used their hundreds of years of combined experience to recover hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients

• Litigation Experience

If negotiations with insurance companies fail, our seasoned litigators are prepared to take your case to court. While we emphasize the importance of settling outside of court, we know that sometimes insurance companies won’t budge, and we’re not afraid to go to court. With a strong track record in New Orleans, we are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

New Orleans Car Accident Infographic

New Orleans Car Accident Statistics

According to the most recent report from the NHTSA, there were 42,795 car accident fatalities in 2022, a 0.3 percent decrease from 2021.

• Drunk driving: Drunk drivers cause an average of 10,850 fatalities every year. In 2021, there was a 14 percent increase in drunk driving fatalities over 2020, with 13,384 drunk driving-related deaths.
• Lack of seatbelt use: Of those fatally injured in a passenger vehicle, 44 percent of drivers and 41 percent of passengers were wearing their seatbelts.
• Speeding: 29 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths in 2021 involved speeding.

According to GoodCar.com, in Louisiana (2022):

• There were 887 fatal crashes.
• 487 people were killed in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents.
• There were 406 crashes on rural or country roads and 564 crashes in urban areas.

 

If you have been injured in a crash, make sure you have a skilled car accident lawyer advocating for you.

Car Accident FAQs

At Kiefer & Kiefer, our firm understands the uncertainties that follow a car accident, and we’re here to provide clarity and guidance tailored to your specific situation. Below, we’ve addressed common questions individuals may have about car accidents in Louisiana.

How do I know if I need a lawyer?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, especially one resulting in injuries or significant damages, seeking legal advice is crucial. Our experienced team at Kiefer & Kiefer can assess your case, help determine liability, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

Following a car accident, prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. Seek medical attention for any injuries, document the scene, exchange information with the other party, and contact law enforcement. It’s also essential to notify your insurance company promptly. Once these immediate steps are taken, consulting with our New Orleans attorney team can help you make sure you’re on the right path to addressing legal matters.

How is fault determined in a car accident?

Fault in a car accident is determined by evaluating evidence and applying traffic laws to establish who acted negligently or violated their duty of care. The process typically involves:

1. Police Reports: Officers at the scene document their observations, statements from drivers and witnesses, and any traffic violations, which can provide an initial assessment of fault.
2. Eyewitness Testimony: Statements from bystanders, passengers, or other drivers can help clarify what happened before, during, and after the accident.
3. Traffic Laws And Violations: Evidence of violations, such as running a red light or speeding, can indicate fault. Citations issued at the scene are often a key factor.
4. Accident Scene Evidence: Skid marks, vehicle damage, road conditions, and debris placement are analyzed to reconstruct the accident.
5. Surveillance Or Dashcam Footage: Video evidence can provide an unbiased view of the events leading to the collision.
6. Expert Analysis: Accident reconstruction experts may be consulted to analyze the mechanics of the crash and determine contributing factors.
7. Insurance Investigations: Insurance companies conduct their own investigations, reviewing all available evidence to assign fault and determine liability.

In some cases, fault may be shared between parties, depending on the circumstances. Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to each party. Consulting our experienced personal injury claim lawyers can help protect your rights.

What compensation can I recover after a car accident?

The compensation you may recover after a car accident can include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team at Kiefer & Kiefer will meticulously evaluate your case to make sure all applicable damages are considered, aiming for a comprehensive settlement that addresses your specific needs.

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

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally two years from the date of your accident or injury, but please note that this reflects a recent law update (La. Civ. Code Art. 3493.1 (2025)). For injuries that occurred on or before July 1, 2024, victims only have one year to take legal action. No matter what, it’s crucial to act promptly to preserve your right to compensation. Contacting our team at Kiefer & Kiefer as soon as possible allows us to initiate the legal process, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case within the required timeframe.

Is Louisiana a no-fault state?

No. Louisiana is a fault-based insurance state. This means that you’re required to prove that another driver was at fault before you can recover damages for any injuries you suffered in an accident.

New Orleans Car Accident Glossary

At Kiefer & Kiefer, we understand how challenging life can become after a car accident. Our New Orleans, LA car accident lawyers have been helping clients recover for over 60 years, providing personalized attention and fierce advocacy for victims of accidents caused by careless driving. Below, we explain key legal terms to help you better understand the process.

Comparative Fault In Louisiana

Louisiana uses a comparative fault system to determine liability in car accidents. This legal principle allows for fault to be divided among multiple parties based on their contributions to the accident. For example, if you were involved in a T-bone collision at an intersection and found to be 30% at fault for failing to yield, you could still recover 70% of the damages you suffered.

The comparative fault system ensures that victims can pursue compensation even when they bear partial responsibility for an accident. It’s especially significant in cases where fault isn’t straightforward, such as accidents involving sudden lane changes or disputes about traffic violations. Our team at Kiefer & Kiefer is experienced in arguing for fair fault assessments, helping clients maximize their compensation under this system.

Policy Limits

In a car accident case, policy limits refer to the maximum amount of compensation an insurance company will pay under a policy. In Louisiana, the minimum coverage required by law includes $15,000 for bodily injury per person and $25,000 per accident. These limits can create challenges for victims of serious accidents, as the at-fault party’s insurance may not fully cover medical expenses, lost wages, or long-term care needs.

For example, if a drunk driving accident results in $100,000 in damages but the at-fault driver has only the minimum required coverage, you may face a significant gap in compensation. In these situations, victims may need to turn to their own insurance policies or pursue the responsible party’s personal assets to cover the shortfall. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we work to uncover all available avenues for recovery, ensuring no potential source of compensation is overlooked.

Accident Reconstruction

Accident reconstruction is a critical process in many car accident cases, particularly when there are disputes about how the crash occurred or who is at fault. This process involves analyzing physical evidence from the scene, such as skid marks, vehicle damage, debris placement, and road conditions. It may also include reviewing surveillance or dashcam footage, weather reports, and eyewitness accounts.

Reconstruction specialists use this data to create detailed simulations or reports that help clarify the sequence of events leading to the accident. For example, in a rear-end collision involving claims of sudden braking, accident reconstruction can provide valuable insights into stopping distances, driver reactions, and road friction. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we frequently collaborate with trusted professionals in accident reconstruction to strengthen our clients’ cases and present compelling evidence during negotiations or in court.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) is an essential feature of many Louisiana insurance policies that protects drivers when the at-fault party has insufficient or no insurance. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of drivers in Louisiana either don’t carry insurance or only meet the minimum legal requirements, which often aren’t enough to cover severe injuries and damages.

For instance, if you’re injured in a hit-and-run accident or struck by a driver with minimal coverage, your UM/UIM policy can step in to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. This type of coverage often involves complex claims processes, including proving the other party’s lack of sufficient insurance and documenting your own losses. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we have extensive experience handling UM/UIM claims, helping clients recover compensation that would otherwise be out of reach.

Litigation Vs. Settlement

After a car accident, resolving your case typically involves either litigation or settlement. Settlement occurs when the involved parties—often through their insurance companies—agree on compensation without taking the case to court. This process can involve negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. Settlements are often preferred because they are quicker and less costly than going to trial, but they require skilled negotiation to prevent lowball offers from insurance adjusters.

Litigation becomes necessary when the parties cannot agree on a settlement amount or when the at-fault party disputes liability. This process involves filing a lawsuit, gathering evidence, and presenting the case before a judge or jury. While litigation can take longer, it sometimes results in significantly higher compensation for victims. At Kiefer & Kiefer, our attorneys excel in both settlement negotiations and litigation, ensuring our clients are well-represented no matter the direction their case takes. With over 60 years of experience, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for car accident victims, whether through direct negotiations or courtroom advocacy.

Kiefer & Kiefer, New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer

1100 Poydras Street., Suite 1300 New Orleans, LA 70163

Contact Our Team Today

At Kiefer & Kiefer, we are dedicated to providing personalized and effective representation for our clients throughout Louisiana. If you have further questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your peace of mind is our priority. Contact us today for a confidential consultation, and let Kiefer & Kiefer be your trusted advocates. A New Orleans car accident attorney from our firm is standing by and ready to help you with all of your post-car accident legal matters.