Were you injured in a car accident in New Orleans, LA? Contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at (504) 294-3804. Our New Orleans car accident attorneys will fight for full compensation for your damages.
We have 50 years of combined experience, and we’ve won substantial awards for our clients. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
Why Choose Mansfield Melancon for Help After a Car Accident in New Orleans?
At Mansfield Melancon, we provide high-quality representation so that injured people can access the resources they need to heal after personal injury accidents. Our attorneys always put clients first, and our 300+ five-star client testimonials are evidence of our exceptional results and dedication.
Hiring a New Orleans personal injury lawyer from our firm is the best way to hold the at-fault driver accountable and get the money you deserve after a car crash. Let us protect your rights and skillfully handle your case from start to finish.
Our legal team can help you gather essential medical reports that detail the extent of your injuries to evaluate the losses suffered. We’ll also examine your insurance policy to determine what benefits you’re entitled to and ensure you receive fair insurance coverage. This thorough approach increases the chances of securing the compensation you deserve while easing the stress of dealing with insurance companies on your own.
Call our office to learn more about how we can help.
Our Case Results Speak for Themselves
The team at Mansfield Melancon has achieved significant financial recoveries for auto accident victims in Louisiana, including the following:
- $700,000 for a client injured in a commercial vehicle collision
- $540,000 for a client injured in a commercial motor vehicle collision
- $450,000 for neck and back injuries sustained in a truck accident
- $400,000 for a family who lost a loved one in a fatal motor vehicle accident
- $400,000 for a client who was seriously injured in an auto accident
These examples represent just a portion of the results we’ve obtained. When you choose us to be your trusted advocates, you can expect the same dedication, skill, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a car accident lawyer in New Orleans will likely result in a higher payout when you resolve your case.
Here’s why:
- You level the playing field. Most auto accident claims involve large insurance providers that are more interested in their profits than in fairness. They have teams working for them to undervalue and deny damages. With a top-rated law firm, you also have the right legal team advocating for you.
- You gain access to resources. You may have to launch a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your wreck. You may also need to consult experts in accident reconstruction and medicine. You probably don’t have these types of resources readily available – but an experienced attorney does.
- You get help from start to finish. Dealing with a personal injury claim is challenging enough; doing so while you’re injured is even more taxing. Let a New Orleans auto accident attorney do the heavy lifting while you rest and heal.
Learn more about these and other benefits of legal representation by calling our office for a no-obligation consultation.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case?
Every car accident case is worth a different amount.
Some factors that may influence your case value include:
- Permanent or severe injuries
- Expensive medical bills
- The need for ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation
- Inability to work or earn income
- Significant impact on enjoyment or quality of life
- Property damage
- Whether you are partially at fault for the crash
You should be prepared to discuss these factors with your lawyer during an initial visit. Your attorney can calculate your case value so that you have an idea of what to expect.
What Types of Compensation Are Available After a Car Accident?
Under Louisiana’s law, car accident victims can recover compensatory damages. This includes both economic and non-economic damages. The aim is to compensate an injured person for their losses, whether financial or emotional.
In an automobile accident case, damages may include:
- Cost of emergency medical care services
- Ongoing medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Medicine or therapeutic devices
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional destress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
You can also seek compensation for out-of-pocket expenses. Examples include transportation to and from a doctor’s visit if your car is wrecked or if you need to hire a housekeeper because you are unable to clean due to your injury.
Our car accident attorneys will help you calculate your damages and pursue every dollar you deserve.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
You typically have two years to file a lawsuit after a collision in Louisiana.
If you fail to file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, you may lose your right to secure fair compensation.
Contact a New Orleans personal injury attorney immediately following a collision to avoid missing critical deadlines in your case.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in New Orleans?
Most car accident lawyers charge a contingency fee. This means that payment is contingent upon winning your case. If the lawyer loses, you don’t have to pay them anything.
Once your lawyer wins your case, they will take a percentage of your settlement or court award. The percentage may vary depending on the type of work involved in the case.
For example, a lawyer may charge a higher percentage if the case goes to a jury trial versus settling outside of court. That’s because a trial is more labor-intensive.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident?
Negligence is the legal theory that applies in most car accident cases.
A driver is negligent when they fail to use reasonable care and, as a result, cause an accident. Reasonable care means acting as carefully or cautiously as an ordinary person would act in a similar circumstance.
There are four elements in a negligence claim, including:
- Duty: the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care
- Breach: the defendant breached that duty
- Causation: the breach caused the accident
- Damages: the plaintiff experienced damages
You must prove each element by a preponderance of the evidence. If you fail to meet this burden of proof, you will lose your case.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting from a Car Accident?
Anyone who contributed to the cause of your collision could share liability for your injuries.
That could include a/an:
- Driver of another vehicle
- Pedestrian
- Motorcyclist
- Bicyclist
- Trucking company
- Drunk drivers
- Employer of an employee driver
- Government agency
- Manufacturer of a defective part
It will be essential to determine what led to your accident to prove liability. That could involve a thorough investigation, where we evaluate different types of evidence. Our personal injury attorneys are ready to start the legal process once you give us a call.
Can I Get Money If I Was Partly At Fault for a Car Accident?
Louisiana follows pure comparative negligence rules. As long as you are not 100% responsible for the car collision, you can recover compensation. The amount that you receive is proportionate to the defendant’s share of responsibility. For example, if the defendant is 80% responsible, you can recover 80% of your damages.
Insurance companies may try to blame you as a way to pay less than you deserve. By speaking with a lawyer early on in your case, you can protect yourself from unfair blame.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
No one expects to get into an auto accident. Many people aren’t sure what they should do after a crash.
It’s best to take the following steps after a car accident:
- Stop at the scene of the accident
- Seek medical attention (either emergency medical help or a doctor’s visit)
- Gather evidence, take photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Take photographs of your physical injuries
- Exchange contact and insurance information
You should also consider speaking with a local car accident attorney before contacting the insurance company. You don’t want to risk making any statements that could be construed as you accepting responsibility. A lawyer can communicate on your behalf and help you file an insurance claim.
How to File a New Orleans Police Report
The best way to obtain an accident report is by contacting the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) at the crash scene by calling 911. If your crash happened outside city limits, call the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office or the local police department where the accident occurred.
When officers arrive, they will complete an official report based on the scene, driver and witness statements, and any available evidence.
Once the report has been filed, you can request a copy in person, by mail, or online. A small fee may apply.
If you hire Mansfield Melancon, we’ll handle the process of obtaining your police report so you can focus on your recovery.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
Our car accident attorneys help injured people after various types of collisions, including the following:
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end collisions are often believed to be minor. However, they can be severe and deadly under many circumstances. Our rear-end crash attorneys can file your insurance claim and handle all aspects of it while you recover.
Head-On Collisions
A head-on crash can be one of the most frightening experiences you endure. It may have also caused serious injuries that substantially impact your life. Let our head-on crash lawyers take on your legal battle so that you can focus on getting better.
Rollovers
While SUVs and other larger vehicles are more prone to rollovers, anyone can be involved in this type of accident. Whether the incident resulted from a defective tire, dangerous road, or negligent acts, our rollover accident attorneys can assist you.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
If you were injured in an accident caused by a hit-and-run driver, don’t give up hope on recovering maximum compensation. There may be different options available, from an uninsured motorist claim to a third-party lawsuit. Our hit-and-run accident lawyers will uncover all avenues for financial recovery.
Our team can also handle cases involving:
- Intersection crashes
- Left-turn accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
New Orleans Car Accident Statistics
In Orleans Parish, there were 8,198 injuries resulting from traffic crashes in 2024. This accounts for almost 14% of all car crashes that caused injuries in Louisiana. There were also 61 fatalities in Orleans Parish and 765 statewide. That means 8% of traffic deaths happened in the area. Read more about these statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
When you hire an auto accident lawyer after a car crash, they will:
- Explain your legal rights
- Calculate your damages
- Investigate the accident and identify everyone responsible
- Protect you from unfair blame
- File insurance claims
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Consult with expert witnesses
- File a personal injury lawsuit
- Prepare for trial and represent you in court if necessary
Reach out to us today to learn more about our legal services.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
It’s unlikely. Most personal injury cases are settled amongst the parties during negotiations. However, you may be in the 5% of people who end up going to trial.
Reasons you might need to litigate and take your lawsuit to court include:
- The parties cannot agree on liability
- Negotiations have stalled
- The opposing side refuses to cooperate or communicate
- The parties disagree on the value of your losses
- You share fault for the crash, but the parties can’t agree on how much
These and many other factors can lead to litigation. Our New Orleans trial attorneys will be your strongest advocates, whether during negotiations or in the courtroom.
Insurance Companies and Car Accident Settlement Offers
In most cases, you should not accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer. Claims adjusters are trained to protect their employer’s profits by paying out as little as possible. They may act friendly and supportive, but their goal is to settle your claim quickly and for less than it’s truly worth.
Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more money, even if your medical costs, lost income, or future expenses turn out to be higher than expected. That’s why it’s critical to understand the full value of your claim before agreeing to anything.
An experienced car accident lawyer can evaluate your case, calculate your losses, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. With Mansfield Melancon on your side, you won’t have to worry about being pressured into an unfair settlement.
What Causes Most Auto Accidents in New Orleans, Louisiana?
Most motor vehicle accidents are caused by:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failure to yield
- Unsafe lane changes
- Aggressive driving
- Tailgating
- Improper turns
- Unsafe road conditions
- Poor visibility
- Potholes or obstructions in the road
- Improper or lacking signage
- Driving the wrong way on the street
If you aren’t sure what caused the accident, our auto accident lawyers can investigate and determine who is responsible for paying for your damages.
Common Car Accident Injuries
You need a lawyer who can represent you regardless of the type of injury you have experienced.
Our car accident lawyers have represented people suffering from:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Chest injuries
- Amputations
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Burns
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of eyesight
- Facial injuries
- Or any other severe injuries
We can help you recover money for any catastrophic, severe, or seemingly minor injuries. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car crash, we can also help you navigate a wrongful death suit.
Contact an Experienced New Orleans Car Accident Attorney at Mansfield Melancon for a Free Consultation
If you’re ready to get legal advice, call Mansfield Melancon to speak with our attorney.
During your initial consultation, we will discuss your case and determine a path to maximize your recovery and obtain a fair settlement. We’ll identify the at-fault party and build a strategy to hold them accountable. Don’t risk settling for less than you deserve after a car crash.
We’re standing by to provide you with top-rated legal services. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our car accident lawyers in New Orleans. Our firm is located near you. Visit our office at 365 Canal Street, Suite 415, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130, United States.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Honestly can’t thank them enough. They explained everything clearly, kept me in the loop, and really cared about getting the best outcome for me.
Everyone at Mansfield Melancon was kind, patient, and really took the time to make sure I felt supported. I never felt like just another case. Truly grateful for their help! – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sarah Rains
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qNr9HcqhSTZ6MQQx9
Read more of our client reviews.
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