Car Accident Lawyer New Orleans, LA

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in New Orleans, you’re probably juggling medical appointments, missed work, and insurance adjusters who seem more interested in paperwork than your recovery. 

At Kiefer & Kiefer, we’ve spent over 40 years representing injured drivers and passengers across the Greater New Orleans area. Our attorneys—including Megan Kiefer, Nat Kiefer Jr., Chris Short, Megan Richardson, and Danielle Smith Heath—have recovered millions in car accident settlements for clients with injuries ranging from soft tissue damage to spinal cord injuries requiring multiple surgeries.

In 2025 alone, we secured $2.2 million for a client struck by a company vehicle causing neck injuries, $1.2 million for a car crash requiring neck surgery, and $775,000 for a rear-end collision that happened while our client was working. These aren’t just numbers on our results page—they represent real compensation that helped real families move forward after devastating accidents.

We work on contingency—meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. No hourly fees. No retainers. If you need a New Orleans personal injury lawyer who answers calls, explains your options clearly, and fights for real results, contact us for a free consultation.

Why Choose Kiefer & Kiefer for Car Accident Cases in New Orleans, LA?

Four Decades of Louisiana Trial Experience

Our founding attorneys bring credentials that matter in Louisiana courtrooms. Nat Kiefer Jr. graduated from Tulane University Law School with honors and was inducted into the Order of the Coif—an honor reserved for the top 10% of law school graduates. He’s been an adjunct instructor at Loyola University Law School and has spent decades coaching youth basketball in local playgrounds when he’s not in the courtroom.

Megan Kiefer has been recognized by Super Lawyers from 2022 through 2024, was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2017 to 2020, and is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. She’s been featured on Fox, WWLTV, WDSU, CBS, and other news outlets, and currently serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Tulane University Law School teaching Trial Advocacy. New Orleans Magazine has twice named her a Leadership in Law recipient and recognized her as a Top Personal Injury Lawyer.

This institutional knowledge matters when adjusters try to lowball your claim. We understand how Orleans Parish courts operate, which judges handle which types of cases, and how local juries respond to different arguments. We’ve negotiated with every major insurance carrier and know their tactics inside and out.

Proven Results in Motor Vehicle Cases

Our track record in car accident cases speaks for itself. Recent recoveries include $1.5 million for a car accident requiring neck surgery, $1.25 million after a rear-end collision requiring cervical fusion, $1.1 million for an injured rideshare driver, and $875,000 in a car accident settlement last year. When liability is disputed, we don’t back down—we obtained $795,000 for a client in a disputed-liability crash that went to litigation.

We’ve also secured $673,000 for a car accident with neck and back injuries treated with nerve burn procedures, $620,000 for a rear-end accident requiring shoulder surgery and pain management, and $500,000 for a rear-end collision resulting in lumbar laminectomy. Even in cases involving primarily interventional pain treatment rather than surgery, we’ve recovered $440,000, $400,000, and $390,000 for our clients.

No Upfront Costs—We Only Get Paid If You Get Paid

We handle car accident cases on contingency. You owe us nothing unless we win. This fee structure means we’re invested in your success—our payment depends on getting you results. Your free consultation carries no obligation, and you can ask any questions about your case without worrying about a bill.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This law firm is EXCEPTIONAL! If you need some one who will truly fight for you, look no further. This is the Law Firm to hire! Knowledgeable, compassionate, and incredibly skilled. I’m beyond satisfied with the results of my son’s case! Thanks Megan Kiefer, and the entire team at Kiefer & Kiefer who assisted with my case!!” — Anunka L.

Read more reviews on Google. 

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in New Orleans

Our auto accident attorneys handle the full spectrum of motor vehicle claims throughout Orleans Parish and surrounding communities including Metairie, Kenner, Slidell, and the West Bank. Each type of crash presents unique challenges, and our team has the experience to navigate all of them.

• Rear-End Collisions. Rear-end crashes are the most common collision type in New Orleans. While they may seem straightforward, insurance companies often argue that injuries are pre-existing or that the impact wasn’t severe enough to cause real damage. We’ve recovered hundreds of thousands for victims with neck injuries from these impacts, including $690,000 for a rear-end accident requiring radiofrequency ablation and $650,000 for another rear-end car accident in 2024.

• Intersection and T-Bone Accidents. Over 55% of Orleans Parish crashes occur at intersections—well above the statewide average of one-third. T-bone collisions at intersections often result in serious injuries because the side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or rear. We understand the comparative fault rules that affect recovery in these disputed-liability situations and have secured $1 million for an intersection accident causing back and shoulder surgery.

• Rideshare Accidents. Uber and Lyft crashes involve complex insurance layers that can confuse accident victims. The coverage available depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone. We’ve handled rideshare accident claims throughout New Orleans and secured $1.1 million for an injured rideshare driver in 2024.

• Truck and 18-Wheeler Crashes. Commercial vehicle cases require different strategies than standard car accidents. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators on call 24/7, and they often arrive at crash scenes before victims even leave the hospital. Here’s something most firms won’t tell you: several of our attorneys used to work for insurance companies defending their commercial truck and 18-wheeler accident cases. We know the defense playbook better than the defense attorneys, which helps us anticipate their moves and protect our clients. Through this approach, we’ve obtained multiple seven-figure results following 18-wheeler accidents.

• Hit-and-Run Crashes. When drivers flee the scene, victims often believe they have no recourse. That’s not true. We pursue claims through your uninsured motorist coverage, which can provide substantial compensation even when the at-fault driver is never identified. Learn more about how hit-and-run claims work in Louisiana.

• Motorcycle Accidents. Many lawyers think bike accidents are the same as car accidents, but they’re not. Special rules of the road apply to motorcyclists, and in almost every case, truck drivers, car drivers, and even police officers don’t know those rules. In a recent case, we represented a cyclist who was killed when a motorist tried to pass him on the street. The police officer found the cyclist at fault, but we were able to challenge that report by showing the motorist didn’t maintain the legally required distance when passing. We resolved the case for all available insurance.

• Bicycle Accidents. Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in New Orleans. Drivers often fail to see bicyclists, pass too closely, or open car doors into bike lanes. Louisiana law requires motorists to maintain a safe distance when passing cyclists, but many drivers are unaware of these requirements. We’ve successfully represented cyclists who were initially blamed for accidents, overturning police findings through careful investigation and knowledge of Louisiana’s bicycle laws.

New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

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

For accidents occurring on or after July 1, 2024, Louisiana law gives you two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. This was a significant change—accidents before that date still follow the previous one-year deadline under Louisiana Civil Code. The new two-year window gives victims more time to understand their injuries, gather evidence for their claim, and make informed decisions. But don’t wait too long—evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies become less cooperative as time passes.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Louisiana follows a comparative fault system. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault—if you’re found 20% responsible, you receive 80% of your damages. You can still recover as long as you’re less than 51% responsible. We’ve won cases where police initially blamed our clients, so don’t assume a police report determines the outcome. Fault can be challenged and reassessed through investigation and litigation.

How much does a car accident attorney cost?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—we only get paid if you get paid. There are no hourly rates, no retainers, and no bills while your case is pending. Our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery, which means we have every incentive to maximize your compensation. Your free consultation is truly free, with no obligation to hire us.

Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?

Be very careful. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and they’re skilled at getting accident victims to say things that hurt their cases. They may ask leading questions, request recorded statements, or pressure you to accept a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Many clients come to us after giving statements they later regret. Let us handle insurance negotiations for you—it’s one of the most valuable things we do.

What should I do if my car is totaled?

When your vehicle is declared a total loss, the insurance company will offer you what they consider the car’s fair market value. These initial offers are often lower than what you deserve. We help clients navigate vehicle damage claims and, in some cases, pursue diminution of value claims for vehicles that weren’t totaled but lost value due to accident history.

Can I still file a claim if I have a pre-existing condition?

Yes. Louisiana law recognizes that you take accident victims as you find them—the “eggshell plaintiff” doctrine. If a car accident aggravates a pre-existing condition, the at-fault driver is responsible for that aggravation. Insurance companies often try to blame all your symptoms on prior problems, but we know how to document aggravation and prove the accident made your condition worse.

Louisiana Legal Requirements for Car Accident Claims

Understanding Louisiana’s legal framework can significantly affect your case strategy and potential recovery.

Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, Louisiana currently applies pure comparative fault to personal injury claims. If you’re found 30% responsible for a crash, your recovery is reduced by 30%—you would receive $70,000 of a $100,000 verdict. However, significant changes take effect in January 2026: if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you will recover nothing. This makes early investigation and fault allocation more critical than ever.

Louisiana also offers a procedural advantage most states don’t: direct action against insurers. Under Louisiana insurance law, you can sue the at-fault driver’s insurance company directly without naming the driver as a defendant. This can simplify litigation and, in some cases, lead to faster resolutions. The Insurance Information Institute provides additional resources on understanding auto insurance coverage.

Louisiana requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. These minimums are often inadequate for serious accidents, which is why uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is so important for Louisiana drivers.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a New Orleans Car Accident?

Louisiana law permits recovery of both economic and non-economic damages in personal injury cases. Understanding these categories helps you appreciate the full value of your claim.

Economic Damages

These are quantifiable losses with documentation: medical bills (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses like transportation to medical appointments. According to the CDC injury data, motor vehicle crashes cost Americans billions annually in medical care and lost productivity. For cases with serious injuries, we work with life care planners and forensic economists to calculate future medical needs and lost earning capacity.

Medical expenses can extend far beyond the initial emergency room visit. Many car accident victims require ongoing treatment including physical therapy, pain management injections, chiropractic care, and in serious cases, surgery. We ensure that all current and anticipated future medical costs are included in your claim.

Non-Economic Damages

These cover intangible losses: pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of consortium (the impact on your relationship with your spouse). Louisiana does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, though medical malpractice has separate rules.

Calculating non-economic damages requires experience and skill. Insurance companies often try to minimize these damages or argue they don’t exist. Our attorneys know how to document and present evidence of pain and suffering in ways that resonate with insurance adjusters, mediators, and juries.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases involving extreme recklessness—like drunk driving or intentional misconduct—Louisiana courts may award punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. According to NHTSA crash data, alcohol-impaired driving remains a significant factor in Louisiana fatal crashes. If a crash results in death, our wrongful death lawyers pursue every available dollar for surviving family members.

Car Accident Statistics in New Orleans

New Orleans consistently ranks among Louisiana’s most dangerous areas for motor vehicle crashes. Understanding local crash patterns can help you stay safer on the road—and appreciate why experienced legal representation matters if you’re injured.

According to data compiled from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and NHTSA data systems, Orleans Parish recorded approximately 4,850 suspected injury crashes in 2024—averaging more than 13 per day. That’s nearly one injury crash every two hours around the clock. The parish reported 58 fatal crashes, placing it second statewide behind only East Baton Rouge Parish.

In total, over 17,000 crashes of all types occurred in Orleans Parish in 2024, representing more than 10% of all crashes reported statewide. More than 8,100 people suffered injuries in New Orleans motor vehicle accidents that year—the majority being drivers (over 5,300), with passengers accounting for more than 2,200 additional injuries.

Distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding remain the leading causes of serious crashes. Louisiana now ranks third in the nation for distracted driving rates according to recent cell phone usage analyses. In New Orleans specifically, distracted or inattentive drivers caused crashes resulting in five fatal injuries, 46 suspected serious injuries, and more than 700 suspected minor injuries in 2024.

Alcohol-related crashes continue to be a significant problem. More than 500 accidents in New Orleans were attributed to alcohol in 2024, with 14 of those being fatal. The city’s vibrant nightlife and tourism industry, particularly around Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, contribute to elevated rates of impaired driving.

October is statistically the most dangerous month for Louisiana drivers, with over 3,400 injury crashes statewide during that month in 2024. Experts point to reduced daylight, increased travel for fall activities, and the start of holiday celebrations as contributing factors.

Data from NHTSA state programs shows Louisiana’s fatality rate exceeds the national average. The National Safety Council reports motor vehicle crashes as a leading cause of preventable death nationwide. These aren’t just abstract numbers—they represent families in our community dealing with injuries, medical bills, and loss. If you’ve been in a New Orleans car accident or crash elsewhere in the Greater New Orleans area, we can help.

Steps To Take After a Car Accident in New Orleans

What you do in the hours and days following a crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s a practical guide.

• Immediately After the Crash

Call 911. Even if the accident seems minor, having a police report documenting the scene is valuable. Louisiana law requires you to report any accident resulting in injury or property damage exceeding $500. Get medical attention even if you feel fine—adrenaline and shock can mask injuries that become apparent hours or days later. Soft tissue injuries, in particular, often don’t cause significant pain until the next day.

Exchange insurance information with the other driver, but don’t admit fault or apologize, as these statements can be used against you. Get contact information for any witnesses. Photograph vehicle damage, the accident scene, traffic signals, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries.

• Within 24–48 Hours

See a doctor for a full examination, even if you went to the emergency room. Some injuries—particularly soft tissue damage, herniated discs, and concussions—don’t show up immediately. Tell your doctor about all symptoms, even minor ones. Request a copy of the police report.

Proper medical documentation is critical for your claim—gaps in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue your injuries aren’t serious. If you wait weeks to see a doctor, the insurance company will claim you must not have been badly hurt. Notify your own insurance company, but keep the conversation factual and brief. Don’t provide recorded statements without legal advice.

• Before Speaking with the Other Driver’s Insurance

Consult with a car accident attorney in New Orleans, LA. Insurance companies start building their defense immediately—their adjusters are trained professionals who handle claims every day. You shouldn’t have to go up against them alone. Avoid common claim mistakes by getting legal advice early.

Don’t sign anything or accept any settlement offer without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies often make quick, lowball offers hoping victims will accept before understanding the true value of their claims. Once you sign a release, you can’t go back and ask for more—even if your injuries turn out to be worse than initially thought.

• Throughout Your Recovery

Keep a journal documenting your pain levels, limitations, and how the injury affects your daily life. Save all medical bills, receipts, and correspondence. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan—missing appointments or ignoring medical advice gives insurance companies ammunition to minimize your claim.

Most Dangerous Locations for Car Accidents in New Orleans

New Orleans presents unique driving challenges. The city’s historic layout means narrow streets, confusing one-way patterns, and intersections that weren’t designed for modern traffic volumes. Add in seasonal flooding, tourists unfamiliar with local roads, and a vibrant nightlife scene, and you have conditions ripe for accidents.

According to city crash data, the most dangerous intersections include:

• Gravier Street at South Claiborne Avenue — Located under I-10 with poor visibility and lighting. This intersection features a single-lane street crossing a split six-lane avenue, meaning drivers must cross heavy highway traffic twice to pass through.
• Canal Street at Magazine Street — High traffic volume where two major thoroughfares intersect, often leading to congestion and impulsive lane changes.
• Bourbon at Canal Street — Frequently cited as one of the most dangerous intersections in America due to heavy pedestrian activity, impaired drivers, and the confusion created by the light rail station that splits Canal Street.
• Chef Menteur Highway at Downman Road — High speeds and frequent red-light violations make this eastern New Orleans intersection particularly hazardous.
• Earhart Expressway at South Carrollton Avenue — High-speed expressway traffic merging with surface streets catches many drivers off guard, leading to rear-end collisions.
• St. Charles Avenue at Napoleon Avenue — Streetcar tracks add complexity for drivers, and turning across the tracks requires careful maneuvering.

Over 55% of Orleans Parish crashes occur at intersections—significantly above the statewide average of one-third. Young drivers between 15 and 24 are disproportionately represented in intersection crashes, accounting for over 25% of injury-causing accidents despite representing only about 11% of licensed drivers.

Important Local Resources for New Orleans Car Accident Victims

After a crash, you may need to contact local agencies or access medical care quickly. Here are key resources for accident victims in the Greater New Orleans area:

• New Orleans Police Department: For accident reports and emergencies. nola.gov/police | (504) 821-2222
• Louisiana State Police Troop B (New Orleans): For accidents on state highways and interstates. lsp.org | (504) 471-2775
• University Medical Center New Orleans: Level 1 trauma center for serious injuries. 2000 Canal Street | (504) 702-3000
• Ochsner Medical Center: Major regional hospital with emergency services. 1514 Jefferson Highway | (504) 842-3000
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles: For title, registration, and license issues after an accident. expresslane.org
• Orleans Parish Civil District Court: Where personal injury lawsuits are filed. orleanscdc.com
• Louisiana Department of Insurance: For questions about insurance coverage and complaints against insurers. ldi.la.gov | (800) 259-5300

*DISCLAIMER. Kiefer & Kiefer does not endorse these businesses; this list is purely for informational purposes. 

Kiefer & Kiefer, New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer

1100 Poydras St Ste 1300, New Orleans, LA 70163

Contact Kiefer & Kiefer

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New Orleans, LA, our attorneys are ready to review your case at no cost. We understand what you’re going through—the pain, the uncertainty, the frustration of dealing with insurance companies who seem more interested in their bottom line than your recovery.

We handle car accident claims on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. No hourly fees. No retainers. No surprise bills. Our fee comes from a percentage of what we recover, so we only succeed when you do.

When you call our office, you’ll speak with someone who listens. We’ll explain your options in plain English, answer your questions honestly, and give you our assessment of your case. If we take your case, you’ll have direct access to your attorney—not just a paralegal or case manager.

Call our office or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. We respond promptly and treat every case with the attention it deserves. Let us handle the insurance companies while you focus on healing.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My experience with Keifer firm, and particularly Chris Short, is never less than the best. Every time I call with a quick question, Chris slows me down to warmly ask how I’m doing before we get down to answering the urgent question I’m asking with sage advice. I’m happy to have attorneys like those at Keifer in New Orleans.” — John R