What to Do If Someone Sues You for a Car Accident in Louisiana

Being in a car accident can be a frightening situation, especially if it results in life-altering injuries that may require ongoing medical care for years to come. On top of dealing with medical issues, you may be frustrated if you learn that the other driver is taking legal action against you. At that point, you may want to reach out to an experienced Louisiana car accident attorney. You may be wondering what to do if someone sues you for a car accident in Louisiana. We can help.

Whenever someone is planning to take legal action against you, the smartest move you can make is to contact a lawyer who has worked on car accident cases like yours in the past. You will want someone in your corner who understands the state’s car accident laws as they apply to your case. You may have to prepare to fight the other driver in court if you cannot reach a settlement through mediation or arbitration. A good lawyer can push back against their accusations and advocate for your interests.

Why Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

There are many reasons why you should hire a car accident lawyer. You don’t want to end up defending yourself alone, as the other party will likely hire a lawyer to represent them. At The Roach Law Firm, we can provide you with strong representation in a legal situation. Our accomplished legal team has a combined 60 years of experience in car accident cases. We can resolve your situation with as little cost or stress to you as possible.

Car accidents are not rare in Louisiana, and they often result in fatalities. According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the state saw nearly 750 fatalities in car accidents throughout 2024 alone. The NHTSA also estimated around 40,000 car accident fatalities nationwide that same year. Car accidents can result in shattered lives and broken families. When you survive them, you should take steps to protect yourself.

Dealing with legal action against you can be frustrating and mentally draining. It’s okay to ask for help when you are dealing with something that’s out of your control. To assist you with the mental strain that legal action can take on you, you should consider reaching out to a local mental health support group, like NAMI Louisiana or the Center for Emotional Healing. Having someone to talk to can make your situation easier to deal with.

What to Do If Someone Takes Legal Action Against You for a Car Accident in Louisiana

Finding out that someone is pursuing legal action against you can be difficult to accept. Your immediate reaction may be anger, fear, or even confusion. Regardless, it’s important that you act quickly and do what you can to get ahead of the case. Here are some important steps you can take when someone pursues legal action against you after a car accident:

• Contact your insurance. The first thing you should do when you find out someone is filing a case against you is contact your insurance company. They need to know as soon as you are served with the legal documents. Your insurance company has a responsibility to defend your position under your insurance policy.
• Contact a lawyer. Once you’ve notified your insurance company, you need to contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can defend you against the other driver’s allegations of wrongdoing. A good lawyer is indispensable in a car accident case, especially one where you have been accused of causing it.
• Gather evidence. You and your lawyer need to start gathering as much evidence as you can that defends your position and backs up your claim. This evidence can take the form of police reports, witness statements, photos and videos of the accident scene, and your own medical records.
• Negotiations. Before your case goes to court, your lawyer and the other driver’s lawyer can attempt to reach a settlement. If the other side refuses to compromise, it’s possible that negotiations will be short, and your case will end up going to trial.

FAQs

Q: How Hard Is It to Win a Car Accident Case?

A: It can be difficult to win a car accident case, especially if you don’t have a strong argument with plenty of evidence that backs up your claims. The more evidence you have, the easier it can be to succeed in your case. Your case will have many contributing factors that will influence the outcome, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• The evidence for and against you
• Your lawyer’s own experience in handling similar cases

Q: How Can You Get the Most Out of a Car Accident Case?

A: To get the most out of your car accident case, you need to document everything, get official medical records from your doctor, and say nothing to insurance adjusters without your lawyer present. By building a strong case, using evidence, and hiring an experienced lawyer, you can get the most out of your car accident claim.

Q: How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take?

A: There is no way to determine how long your car accident case will take before it starts. Every car accident case is different, with each one having its own factors that will influence its timeline. These often include the severity of your injuries, the willingness of both parties to reach a compromise, and other unique elements.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer to Help My Case?

A: If legal action is being taken against you, you should hire a lawyer to help you. If you move forward without a lawyer, there’s a strong chance you’ll lose your case and be forced to reimburse the other driver for their damages. A good lawyer can build and compellingly present a strong defense against their claims.

Reach Out to a Lawyer Today

At The Roach Law Firm, we know what kind of legal advocacy you’ll need to see this through. Contact us to speak to a valued member of our legal team to discuss your options and see what we can do for you.