Hurt in a Car Accident? Know Your Rights.
What to do after a crash, how insurance claims work, and the deadlines that matter, explained in plain English. When you're ready, you can talk it through with Kenny Habetz Injury Law for free.
- Helping injured people since 2010
- Offices in Lafayette, Crowley and Metairie
- Available 24/7 for a free consultation
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General information about car accidents, not legal advice.
After a car accident
What to do first.
The first few days after a crash shape the whole insurance claim. These steps help protect your health and your options.
- Get safe and call 911Report injuries and ask for police to come to the scene.
- Get checked outSome injuries, like whiplash or a concussion, show up hours or days later.
- Take photosThe vehicles, the scene, road conditions and any visible injuries.
- Exchange informationNames, insurance, plates, and contact info for any witnesses.
- Tell your own insurerReport the crash promptly and stick to the facts.
- Be careful with the other insurerYou don't have to give the other driver's insurance a recorded statement right away.
- Keep every recordMedical bills, repair estimates, missed-work notes and every letter you receive.
- Watch the clockIn Louisiana, most car accident injury claims must be filed within 2 years of the crash.
Common situations
Car accident questions people ask us about.
Every crash is different. Whether it happened yesterday or months ago, a free case review can help you understand where you stand.
A recent crash
You were just in an accident and aren't sure who to call, what to say, or which insurance pays for what.
Rear-end and intersection crashes
Someone ran a light, turned in front of you, or hit you from behind. These are among the most common crashes on the road.
Truck or commercial vehicle crashes
A delivery van, work truck or tractor-trailer was involved. These claims can involve more than one insurance company.
Rideshare crashes
You were a passenger, a driver, or hit by an Uber or Lyft. Coverage can depend on whether the app was on.
Pedestrian and bicycle crashes
You were walking or riding when a driver hit you. Injuries in these crashes are often more serious.
Trouble with the insurance company
The claim is delayed, denied, or the offer doesn't seem to cover your bills. You may have more options than you think.
How car accident claims work
The basics, in plain English.
Who pays in Louisiana. Louisiana is an at-fault state. The driver who caused the crash, through their liability insurance, is generally responsible for your injuries, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Under a 2025 change in Louisiana law, you can no longer rely on a presumption that the crash caused your injury just because you were healthy before, so prompt, documented medical care matters.
How fault works. For accidents on or after January 1, 2026, Louisiana uses a 51% rule. If you were 51% or more at fault, you can't recover. If you were less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies handle claims every day. Knowing the basic rules before you talk to them can help you avoid mistakes that are hard to undo.
Ask About Your SituationLouisiana rules that can affect your claim
Kenny Habetz Injury Law can explain how these rules apply to your situation.
About the firm
Kenny Habetz Injury Law
Kenny Habetz Injury Law is a personal injury firm serving accident victims throughout Louisiana, with offices in Lafayette, Crowley and Metairie. Since the firm was founded in 2010, it has helped people hurt in car accidents, workplace accidents and other serious injuries, and helped families pursue wrongful death claims. Founding attorney Kenny Habetz knows the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying injured people what they need, and the team is available 24/7 to give honest advice and explain your options.
What happens next
Three simple steps. No pressure.
A case review is a conversation, not a commitment.
Send a short form
It takes about a minute. Just tell us how to reach you and when the accident happened.
Talk with our team
Someone from Kenny Habetz Injury Law calls you back to hear what happened and answer your questions.
Know your options
You'll learn whether and how the firm can help. Then you decide what to do.
Kenny Habetz Injury Law handles cases on contingency: you only pay attorney fees if we recover compensation for you. You may be responsible for case costs and expenses, as explained in your fee agreement.
Common questions
Straight answers about car accidents.
Don't see your question? Ask it during your free case review, with no obligation.
Request a Free Case ReviewRight after the crash
Do I have to report the accident to the police?
Yes. If anyone is hurt or property damage is over $500, Louisiana law requires you to notify the police immediately: city police inside a town, otherwise the sheriff or State Police.
Should I see a doctor if I feel fine?
It's a good idea. Adrenaline can hide pain, and injuries like whiplash, back injuries and concussions often show up hours or days later. Getting checked soon also creates a record that links your injuries to the crash.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
You can, but you don't have to give them a recorded statement right away. Their adjuster works for their company. It's reasonable to stick to basic facts and get your questions answered before you say more or sign anything.
Insurance and medical bills
Who pays my medical bills?
In Louisiana, the at-fault driver's liability insurance is generally responsible for your medical bills, but that usually comes through the claim or a settlement, not right away. In the meantime, your own health insurance or optional MedPay coverage may help. Keep every bill and record.
The insurance company made an offer. Should I take it?
Take your time. Accepting an offer usually means signing a release that ends the claim for good, even if you later need more treatment. It helps to know the full extent of your injuries and costs before you decide.
Fault and deadlines
What if I was partly at fault?
You may still have a claim. For crashes on or after January 1, 2026, Louisiana uses a 51% rule: if you were less than 51% at fault, you can recover, reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 51% or more at fault, you can't recover.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Louisiana, most car accident injury claims must be filed within 2 years of the crash. Some claims have different deadlines, so it's better not to wait.
Working with a lawyer
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
Kenny Habetz Injury Law handles cases on contingency: you only pay attorney fees if we recover compensation for you. You may be responsible for case costs and expenses, as explained in your fee agreement.
What is my case worth?
Every case is different. It depends on your injuries, your treatment, lost income, the insurance involved and how the crash happened. A free case review is a way to find out what may apply to your situation.
I already have a lawyer. Can I still talk to you?
You're always free to get a second opinion. If you reach out, we'll listen and be straightforward about whether there's anything we can do.
Ready when you are
Have a question about your accident?
Tell us how to reach you. Someone from our team will call to hear what happened. It's free, private and there's no obligation.
- Free, confidential case review
- Plain-English answers
- Serving accident victims across Louisiana