Reviewed and Verified by Attorney Allan Berger — Licensed in Louisiana since 1974.
If you were injured in a motor vehicle collision in New Orleans, you have the right to seek full and fair compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and the physical and emotional toll of your injuries. Securing that recovery requires experienced counsel who can effectively confront insurance companies and advocate for your best interests at every stage.
For nearly 50 years, Allan Berger & Associates, P.L.C. has represented injured individuals throughout Louisiana with a relentless commitment to accountability and results. Our firm pursues negligent drivers and their insurers through strategic negotiation and, when necessary, aggressive litigation. We handle every aspect of your claim—from initial investigation and evidence development to insurance negotiations, filings, and trial preparation—so you can focus on healing while we move your case forward with precision and urgency.
If you need immediate guidance, contact a New Orleans car accident attorney at Allan Berger & Associates, P.L.C. to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Put proven, results-driven representation to work for you.
If you need immediate help with a claim, contact Allan Berger & Associates, P.L.C. at 504-526-2222 for a free case review.
Quick Case Summary: Auto Accident Laws in Louisiana
| Legal Factor | Current Rule & Deadlines |
| Statute of Limitations | 2 Years for accidents on or after July 1, 2024. (Older cases remain 1 year). |
| No Pay, No Play | Uninsured drivers cannot collect the first $100,000 of bodily injury damages. |
| Fault System | Pure Comparative Negligence (You cannot recover if found to be 51% at fault.). |
What should you do immediately after a New Orleans car wreck?
Taking the right steps at the scene can significantly impact the strength of your future claim. Essentially, the more evidence you gather early on, the harder it is for insurance companies to deny your version of events.
- Stay at the Scene: Leaving the scene of an accident can lead to criminal charges and may void your insurance coverage.
- Call the Police: A police report is an unbiased record of the facts. In New Orleans, this is often handled by the NOPD or the Louisiana State Police.
- Capture Visual Evidence: Take photos of vehicle positions, skid marks, traffic signs, and your injuries.
- Identify Witnesses: Collect names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the crash occur.
- Seek Medical Care: Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, do not show symptoms immediately. A medical record created shortly after the crash is vital for your case.
Why is the 2-year filing deadline important?
To summarize, Louisiana recently doubled the time victims have to file a lawsuit. Under the new law enacted on July 1, 2024, most personal injury claims now have a two-year statute of limitations.
What types of auto accident cases do we handle?
Our firm represents clients in a wide variety of motor vehicle incidents across the Greater New Orleans area. We understand the specific traffic patterns and hazardous intersections that often lead to these crashes.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Put simply, any activity that takes a driver’s focus off the road is negligence. This includes texting, using a GPS, or eating. In New Orleans, heavy pedestrian traffic in the French Quarter and Garden District makes distracted driving especially dangerous.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes are the most common accident type. Under Louisiana Revised Statute 32:81, there is a legal presumption that the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is at fault. However, we also investigate cases where the lead driver may share fault due to broken brake lights or sudden, unnecessary stops.
T-Bone and Intersection Crashes
Side-impact or “T-bone” collisions often occur when a driver runs a red light or fails to yield. These are high-impact events that frequently result in catastrophic injuries because the side of a car offers less protection than the front or rear.
18-Wheeler and Commercial Trucking
Accidents involving large trucks are legally complex. We examine federal safety logs and black box data to determine if the trucking company or driver violated safety hours or maintenance requirements.
Rideshare Accidents (Uber & Lyft)
If you were hurt as a passenger or hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, a tiered insurance system applies. We help you identify which policy—the driver’s personal insurance or the company’s corporate policy—is responsible for your damages.
How does Louisiana’s “No Pay, No Play” law affect you?
Put simply, Louisiana law penalizes drivers who do not carry the state-mandated minimum insurance. Under La. R.S. 32:866, uninsured motorists are barred from collecting the first $100,000 of bodily injury damages, regardless of who caused the accident. We can help you determine how these rules apply if an uninsured driver hit you or if you were uninsured yourself at the time.
What types of auto accident cases do we handle?
Our firm represents clients in a wide variety of motor vehicle incidents across the Greater New Orleans area, including:
- Distracted Driving: Crashes caused by texting or phone use.
- Drunk Driving (DUI/DWI): Cases where we may seek punitive damages to punish extreme recklessness.
- Commercial Trucking: Complex accidents involving 18-wheelers and federal safety violations.
- Rideshare Accidents: Claims involving Uber or Lyft drivers and their specialized insurance tiers.
- Motorcycle & Pedestrian: Protecting the most vulnerable road users who often suffer catastrophic injuries.
How much is your car accident claim worth?
Every case is different, but a fair settlement should cover both your current needs and your future losses. We work with experts to calculate:
- Immediate Medical Debt: ER visits, X-rays, and surgeries.
- Ongoing Rehabilitation: Long-term physical therapy and at-home care.
- Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
- Non-Economic Loss: Physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of companionship.
Why choose Allan Berger & Associates, P.L.C.?
For over four decades, our New Orleans firm has stood up to major insurance corporations. We don’t just settle; we prepare every case for trial. Our team has recovered millions for our neighbors, including a $3.25 million car accident settlement for a victim suffering severe leg injuries.
We operate on a contingency fee basis — you pay no legal fees unless we win money for you.
Talk to a New Orleans personal injury lawyer today at 504-526-2222 or send us a message online to schedule your free consultation.