Louisiana Now Has a Two-Year Deadline for Injury Claims in Most Cases
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Louisiana?
For years, Louisiana had one of the shortest deadlines in the country for filing a personal injury lawsuit: just one year from the date of the accident. But that changed recently—and it’s important to understand what the new law means for your case.
Louisiana Now Has a Two-Year Deadline for Injury Claims (In Most Cases)
Under Louisiana’s revised law, you now have two years from the date of a car wreck to file a lawsuit for your personal injury claim. This includes claims for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses after a car wreck.
But this only applies to wrecks that happened on or after July 1, 2024. If your accident happened before that date, the old one-year deadline still applies.
But Don’t Let the Extra Time Fool You
While two years might sound like plenty of time, waiting too long can still hurt your case.
- Evidence can disappear
- Witnesses may forget key details
- Insurance companies may drag their feet, knowing they have more time to delay
That’s why it’s still important to act early—even if you don’t plan on filing a lawsuit. Getting legal guidance soon after a wreck can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
You Don’t Have to File a Lawsuit Just Because You Talk to a Lawyer
Hiring a personal injury lawyer doesn’t mean you’re going to court. In fact, at Flattmann Law, most of our cases are resolved without ever filing a lawsuit. We work to settle your claim fairly with the insurance company first—but we’re always ready to go further if that’s what it takes.
Have You Been In A Car Wreck And Have Questions About Your Deadline?
If you’ve been in a wreck and have questions about your deadline or your rights, contact us online or call our Covington office directly at 985.590.6182 to schedule your free consultation today.
Flattmann Law serves clients on the Northshore, including Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Bogalusa, Franklinton, Folsom, Madisonville, Goodbee, Hammond, Lacombe, Pearl River, and Slidell.