New Orleans, October 3, 2025
Navigating the aftermath of a severe car accident in New Orleans can be overwhelming and chaotic. This guide offers practical steps for locals and visitors on what to do immediately after a crash, including securing medical assistance, documenting the scene, and finding the right legal representation. Given Louisiana’s strict deadlines for personal injury claims, acting quickly is essential. This article covers vital tips on selecting an attorney, understanding the legal process, and highlights local attorneys specializing in car accident claims.
Crash in the Crescent City? A New Orleans Local’s Straight-Talking Guide to Severe Car Accident Claims
If you or someone you love is hurt in a bad car wreck in New Orleans, the scene can feel chaotic — and the legal side can feel even worse. As someone who knows this city’s streets, intersections and traffic headaches, here’s a clear, no-nonsense breakdown to help locals and visitors understand what to do next and how to find the right help.
The first 48 hours: what to do on the ground
After safety and medical care, the moments and days after a serious crash matter. Take these practical steps to protect your health and any future claim:
- Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay. Some injuries show up later.
- Document everything — photos of damage, the scene, road signs, skid marks, and injuries.
- Gather names and contacts of witnesses and other drivers.
- Get the police report number. In New Orleans the report will be helpful with insurers and any lawyer you speak with.
- Preserve receipts and records for doctor visits, rental cars, towing and lost wages.
Why acting fast matters in Louisiana
Louisiana has tight deadlines on injury claims. Generally, time limits can be short, so a quick call to a lawyer can keep your options open. Even if you’re visiting New Orleans, the clock can start ticking the day of the crash. Speaking with a lawyer early helps protect evidence and makes it easier to get medical records, surveillance video and witness statements before they disappear.
How to choose a lawyer — the practical checklist
Finding the right attorney is about fit, not flash. Here are factors to weigh, with a reporter’s eye for the facts you actually need:
- Experience with severe injury cases — serious injuries often mean complex medical and financial issues.
- Local knowledge — familiarity with New Orleans courts, judges and local crash patterns helps.
- Client communication — you want straightforward updates, not radio silence.
- Fee structure — many personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you recover money. Confirm details up front.
- Free consultations — use them to compare lawyers and ask how they’d handle your claim.
Local attorneys who handle severe car accident injuries (informational list)
Below is a list of New Orleans-area attorneys and firms that handle serious car accident injury claims. This is a neutral listing for informational use only — it is not an endorsement. If you’re comparing representation, consider contacting several to discuss your case and fee arrangements.
- T. Carey Wicker, III
- Blake G. Arata, Jr.
- Jeanne Demarest
- Tamara Kluger Jacobson
- Rachel Naquin
- Eric Nowak
- Eve S. Reardon
- Kara Hadican Samuels
- Kristi Schubert
- Scott E. Silbert
- Jack E. (Bobby) Truitt
- Leo J. Palazzo
- Adrian A. Colon, Jr.
- Jeremy J. Pichon
- Darleen M. Jacobs
- Mitchell D. Monsour, Jr.
- Rachel M. Yazbeck
- Carl A. (Trey) Woods
- Gregory P. DiLeo
- Zara Zeringue
- James Courtenay
- Vincent P. Scallan
- Richard P. Voorhies, III
- Stephen S. Kreller
- Justin Glenn
- Eric A. Wright
- Stephen P. Bruno
- Peirce A. Hammond, II
- David P. Vicknair
- Arthur J. Brewster
- Giacomo Castrogiovanni
- Louis L. Gertler
- Meyer H. Gertler
- Ross F. Lagarde
- Keith L. Magness
- Allan Berger & Associates
- Cliff Cardone
- Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys
- John Robin Law
Special New Orleans notes — tourists and local quirks
Visitors should know that New Orleans traffic has its own rhythms — narrow streets in the French Quarter, heavy event traffic during festivals, and lots of rideshares on Canal Street and around the Convention Center. If you’re a visitor injured in a rental car or rideshare, make sure to note the company and vehicle details, and tell your lawyer if your trip plans will take you away from the city for medical care.
Negotiations, settlement, and when to go to trial
Most claims settle without a courtroom showdown, but severe injury cases sometimes require tougher tactics. Ask any attorney you talk to about their approach to negotiation and trial. Timing matters: insurers often move quickly, so having strong documentation and a lawyer who understands the real cost of long-term injuries will strengthen your position.
Final local tip
Don’t let stress or confusing insurance calls make you sign things or agree to a fast settlement before you understand the full scope of your injuries. Reach out to at least two or three attorneys for free consultations so you can compare how they would handle the claim.
FAQ
What should I do immediately after a severe car accident in New Orleans?
Seek medical care, call the police, document the scene, collect witness info, and preserve records and receipts.
Can a visitor file a claim if they were injured while visiting New Orleans?
Yes. Visitors can file claims in Louisiana. It’s important to contact a lawyer quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
How soon should I talk to an attorney?
Talk to an attorney as soon as possible. Early contact helps gather evidence and prevents missed deadlines.
Will I pay upfront to consult a personal injury lawyer?
Many personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning fees are taken from recovery. Confirm fee details during your initial meeting.
How do I pick the best lawyer for a severe injury case?
Look for experience with severe injuries, local knowledge, clear communication, and transparent fees. Meet a few attorneys to compare approaches.
Quick visual chart — Key features to look for in a severe car accident attorney
| Feature | Why it matters | What to look for | Relative importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience with severe injuries | Serious cases need medical and financial expertise | Track record handling long-term injury claims |
|
| Local knowledge | Knowing local courts and traffic patterns helps case prep | Practice in New Orleans, familiarity with local judges |
|
| Communication | You need clear updates and realistic expectations | Responsiveness during the consultation |
|
| Fee structure | Affects whether you can afford representation | Contingency terms and hidden costs |
|
Bottom line: When New Orleans life throws you a serious crash, move fast, document thoroughly, and talk to multiple lawyers. Knowledge is power — and in a city that moves as fast as ours, that can make all the difference.
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Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
