Who Pays After a Car Accident in Louisiana?
What happens if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant — one moment you’re driving home from work , and the next, you’re dealing with medical bills, vehicle damage, and endless calls from insurance companies. One of the first questions most people ask after a crash is simple but crucial: Who pays for all this?
The answer depends on Louisiana’s unique insurance laws and the circumstances of your accident. Understanding your rights can mean the difference between getting the compensation you deserve and being left with unexpected costs.
At Bloom Legal Network, we help drivers across Southeast Louisiana, including Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and St. Charles Parish, navigate the aftermath of accidents. Whether we handle your case directly or work with a trusted partner in our network, you’ll always have a dedicated legal team managing your claim and protecting your interests from start to finish.
Louisiana Is a “Fault” State — What That Means for You
Unlike “no-fault” states, Louisiana follows a fault-based system. That means the driver who caused the accident (and their insurance company) is generally responsible for paying damages.
If you were hit by another driver in New Orleans, you have the right to file a claim against:
- The at-fault driver’s insurance (a third-party claim)
- Your own insurance (if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured)
- Or, in some cases, directly against the at-fault driver
But determining who’s truly at fault isn’t always straightforward. Police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage all play a role — and insurance companies often fight to reduce how much they pay.
👉 If you’ve been in a car accident in Louisiana, contact Bloom Legal Network now. Our team helps you navigate insurance claims, determine fault, and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
Understanding Louisiana’s “Comparative Fault” Rule
Even if the other driver caused the crash, you might still share some responsibility. Louisiana uses a comparative fault system, which means your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example:
If you were 20% at fault in an accident that caused $50,000 in damages, you could still recover $40,000.
This rule applies to all types of crashes — from rear-end collisions in Metairie to intersection accidents in St. Charles Parish. That’s why having a strong legal team matters. Insurance adjusters often try to overstate your fault to lower your payout. A Louisiana car accident attorney can review the evidence and push back against unfair blame.
💡 Bloom Legal Network connects clients with attorneys who understand local laws, traffic patterns, and parish court systems — ensuring your case is built on solid ground.
Insurance Requirements in Louisiana
Louisiana law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage:
- $15,000 for bodily injury per person
- $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Unfortunately, many drivers on Louisiana roads don’t carry enough insurance — or any at all. If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own policy’s UM/UIM coverage (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.
If your policy doesn’t include this coverage, or your insurance company refuses to pay, you may have to pursue a claim directly against the at-fault driver.
📞 Bloom Legal Network helps clients across Jefferson Parish and Southeast Louisiana identify every available coverage option and handle communications with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery.
When Insurance Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t come close to covering your losses — especially if you suffered serious injuries or long-term effects like back pain or PTSD. In these cases, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Compensation in Louisiana car accident cases may include:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
While some cases settle through insurance, others require filing suit to ensure full and fair compensation. Louisiana’s one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims means it’s important to act quickly.
💼 At Bloom Legal Network, we evaluate every car accident case individually and guide clients through settlement negotiations or litigation — whichever path leads to the best possible outcome.
What If Both Drivers Are Uninsured?
If neither driver has insurance, recovering compensation becomes more complicated. In that situation, the injured driver may need to:
- Pursue damages directly from the at-fault driver’s assets
- Explore other possible insurance coverage (for example, through a family member’s policy)
- Seek legal action to enforce payment
Even if it seems hopeless, there are often legal and strategic options available. Having a Louisiana car accident lawyer review your situation can reveal solutions you might not have considered.
📧 Connect with Bloom Legal Network — our team will stay by your side from start to finish, ensuring every option is explored.
Why Fault Determination Matters
After a car accident, every insurance adjuster, attorney, and court decision revolves around one key question: Who was at fault?
That determination decides:
- Which insurance company pays for damages
- How much compensation you receive
- Whether you’re eligible to recover at all
Evidence such as traffic camera footage, eyewitness accounts, police reports, and vehicle damage assessments can all influence the outcome. In complex cases — like multi-car collisions on I-10 near New Orleans — a professional legal review is essential to ensure accuracy and fairness.
👉 Bloom Legal Network works with trusted legal professionals across Louisiana to ensure your side of the story is fully represented.
Protecting Yourself After an Accident
To strengthen your claim after a crash in Louisiana:
- Call 911 immediately and report the accident.
- Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the scene.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance and license details.
- Get medical attention — even for minor pain. Documentation is key.
- Avoid talking to the other driver’s insurance company before consulting a lawyer.
At Bloom Legal Network, we know how quickly things move after an accident — and how easily victims can be taken advantage of. Our network of attorneys helps protect you from insurance tactics designed to minimize payouts or shift blame.
📞 Contact us today to get connected with a Louisiana attorney who can handle your car accident claim with care, clarity, and determination.
Who Pays After a Car Accident in Louisiana? The Bottom Line
Responsibility after a crash depends on fault, insurance coverage, and evidence — but one thing is certain: you don’t have to figure it out alone.
From New Orleans to St. Tammany Parish, Bloom Legal Network connects drivers with experienced attorneys who understand Louisiana’s laws, its parishes, and its insurance system. Whether your case involves minor injuries or major losses, your legal team will manage the process and protect your best interests every step of the way.
⚖️ Bloom Legal Network — your dedicated Louisiana legal team for car accident claims.
📧 info@bloomlegal.com | 📞 504-599-9997
FAQs About Car Accident Liability in Louisiana
1. What if both drivers share fault in a Louisiana car accident?
Under Louisiana’s comparative fault system, both drivers can share responsibility. If you’re partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re 30% responsible for a $100,000 accident, you can still recover $70,000. A Louisiana car accident attorney can help ensure your fault is assessed fairly.
2. How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Louisiana?
Louisiana law gives you one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or property damage claim. This short deadline makes it crucial to act quickly. Waiting too long can prevent you from recovering any compensation, so consulting with a Louisiana attorney early is essential.
3. What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or leaves the scene?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees the scene, you may still recover through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage — if you have it. If not, your attorney may help identify other avenues for compensation, including direct claims against the driver. Bloom Legal Network helps clients across Southeast Louisiana explore every possible recovery option after an accident.
