
A car crash can upend your life in seconds. One moment you’re commuting through the French Quarter or crossing the Crescent City Connection, and the next you’re facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about what to do next. You deserve answers—and justice. That’s where Daly & Black P.C. , your trusted New Orleans car accident lawyer , comes in.
We represent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who have been injured by negligence, recklessness, or bad faith insurance practices. When insurers delay or deny valid claims, Daly & Black goes to war for our clients. We’re ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. for you and your family.
Get in contact with Daly & Black today and secure a free consultation
What to Do After a Car Accident in New Orleans
The moments after a crash are chaotic — but what you do next can determine the strength of your case. Follow these steps to protect your health and your right to compensation:
- Get to safety and call 911. Ensure everyone receives medical attention and request police assistance. A police report provides critical documentation of the crash.
- Exchange information. Collect names, phone numbers, insurance details, and vehicle information from everyone involved.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, roadway, skid marks, and visible injuries. Write down witness names and statements.
- Seek medical care immediately. Even minor pain can signal a more serious injury. Prompt treatment creates a clear medical record.
- Contact Daly & Black P.C. before speaking with insurance companies. We’ll handle the calls, protect your claim, and prevent adjusters from undervaluing your losses.
Understanding Louisiana Car Accident Laws
Louisiana follows a fault-based system , meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for resulting damages. That includes medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Comparative Fault
Under Louisiana’s pure comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% responsible, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Louisiana drivers are required to carry at least:
- $15,000 for bodily injury per person
- $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
However, many drivers are underinsured or uninsured. Daly & Black has decades of experience forcing insurance companies to pay the coverage they owe.
Louisiana’s Two-Year Prescriptive Period
For all accidents occurring on or after July 1, 2024 , Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.1 extends the prescriptive period, or statute of limitations, to two years .
Why Choose Daly & Black as Your Car Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right car accident lawyer can make or break your case. Daly & Black combines the resources of a national firm with the tenacity of local trial lawyers who know New Orleans inside and out.
Proven Trial Experience
We approach every case as if it will go to trial. That preparation signals to insurance companies that we won’t settle for less than you deserve, often leading to stronger settlements.
Insurance Litigation Expertise
Unlike most firms, Daly & Black built its reputation fighting insurance bad faith. When carriers drag their feet or deny valid claims, we have the experience to take them to court and win.
Clear, Consistent Communication
We believe clients should never feel left in the dark. Our attorneys provide updates, answer questions promptly, and ensure you understand your options at every step.
Recognized Results
Our firm has earned national recognition, including Super Lawyers honors and selection as Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year . These accolades reflect our relentless pursuit of justice for every client.
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Common Causes of Car Accidents in New Orleans
Every year, thousands of collisions occur across the Crescent City — from the crowded streets of the French Quarter to the I-10 corridor. Understanding the causes helps establish liability and strengthen your claim.
- Distracted driving — texting , eating, or adjusting GPS while behind the wheel
- Speeding and aggressive driving — tailgating, weaving through traffic, and road rage
- Drunk or impaired driving — one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in Louisiana
- Fatigued driving — long commutes and shift work contribute to delayed reaction times
- Bad weather and road conditions — slippery streets, potholes, and poor visibility
Each case is unique. Our team investigates accident reports, dashcam footage, and traffic camera data to determine exactly what caused your crash and who’s responsible.
What Compensation You Can Recover
A serious car accident doesn’t just leave physical scars—it can disrupt every part of your life. Daly & Black helps clients pursue the full compensation they may be entitled to , including:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful death damages: For families who lose a loved one in a fatal crash , compensation may include funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support
Punitive Damages: In rare cases involving egregious negligence—like drunk or reckless driving—courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
We build every case with one goal: helping you rebuild your life with confidence and dignity.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to catastrophic, life-altering trauma. Recognizing the types of injuries often sustained can help you understand the value and complexity of your claim.
Head and Brain Injuries
Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures are among the most serious consequences of high-speed collisions. Victims may face lasting memory issues, headaches, dizziness, or cognitive changes requiring long-term care.
Neck and Back Injuries
Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord trauma are common after rear-end and side-impact crashes. These injuries often lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and permanent impairment.
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries
Fractured ribs, legs, arms, and pelvis are frequent results of high-impact crashes. Recovery can take months and may require surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
Seat belts and airbags save lives, but the force of impact can still cause internal bleeding or organ damage. Immediate medical attention is essential, even if you feel fine initially.
Soft Tissue and Psychological Injuries
Sprains, muscle tears, and deep bruising are common yet debilitating. Many victims also experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a serious accident.
Burn Injuries
In severe collisions—particularly those involving fuel leaks or vehicle fires—victims may suffer first-, second-, or third-degree burns. These injuries often require skin grafts, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation. Burn injuries can also lead to permanent scarring and emotional trauma, making them some of the most devastating outcomes of a car accident.
These injuries highlight why you need an experienced New Orleans personal injury lawyer who can negotiate with insurers and pursue claims that account for both visible and hidden damage.
Daly & Black connects clients with medical experts and specialists to ensure every aspect of your recovery is documented and valued properly. experienced in negotiating with insurers and pursuing claims that account for both visible and hidden damage.
Statute of Limitations for Louisiana Car Accidents
Louisiana law sets strict deadlines for filing car accident claims. For crashes that occurred after July 1, 2024 , victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If your crash happened before that date, the previous one-year rule may apply.
Failing to file on time can bar your right to recovery. Evidence also fades with time—witnesses move, memories fade, and video footage disappears. Acting quickly gives your lawyer the best chance to secure the evidence that proves your claim.
Don’t wait— contact Daly & Black today to protect your rights.
FAQ
What should I do immediately after a car accident in New Orleans?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, and contact an attorney before speaking with insurers.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Louisiana?
Two years for accidents after July 1, 2024 (Article 3493.1), and one year for prior cases.
What compensation can I recover after a car crash?
You may recover economic and non-economic damages — including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You can still recover damages under Louisiana’s comparative fault law, reduced by your percentage of fault.
Should I talk to the insurance company before hiring a lawyer?
No. Insurers often use statements to minimize payouts. Let Daly & Black handle communications from day one.
Ready to Talk? Contact Daly & Black Now
You’ve been through enough. Let a New Orleans car accident lawyer from Daly & Black P.C. handle the fight for your recovery. We’ll stand by your side from investigation to settlement — or trial if necessary.
Call Daly & Black today to set up your FREE consultation.
Practice Areas
- Offshore Injury Lawyer
- Houston Car Accident Lawyer
- New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer
- New Orleans Oil Rig Injury Lawyer
- New Orleans Wrongful Death Lawyer
- New Orleans Disability Lawyer
- Houston Disability Lawyer
- Houston Wrongful Death Lawyer
- New Orleans Negligent Security Lawyer
- Houston Negligent Security Lawyer
- New Orleans Dog Bite Lawyer
- New Orleans Birth Injury Lawyer
- Houston Dog Bite Lawyer
- Houston Oil Rig Injury Lawyer
- Houston Personal Injury Attorney
- New Orleans Offshore Accident Attorney
- Houston Offshore Accident Attorney
- Houston Slip and Fall Lawyer
- New Orleans Slip and Fall Lawyer
- New Orleans Personal Injury Lawyer
- First-Party Insurance Attorney
- Personal Injury Lawyers
- Medical Malpractice
- Mass Tort Lawyers
- Necrotizing Enterocolitis Attorney
- Truck Accidents
- Ski and Snowboard Accidents Lawyer
- Defective Products Attorney
- Aviation Accidents
- Railroad Accidents
- Medical Device & Drug Injuries
- Plant & Refinery Injury Lawyers
- Offshore Injuries and Maritime Claims Attorney
- Wrongful Death Law Firm Fighting for Families
- Property Contamination Lawyers
- Health Insurance Claims
- Commercial Litigation Attorney
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- Life Insurance Claims
- Business Interruption Claims Attorney
- Tornado Insurance Claims Attorney
- Hail Damage Claims Attorney
- Nursing Home Abuse
Daly & Black is an amazing law firm. They handled clients’ hail damage claims. Maria Gerguis, a partner and trial lawyer, is the absolute best. Will be referring clients to them in the future. They’re very responsive, professional, care about the little people, and WIN cases.
