Thibodaux Car Accident Lawyer
Do you need a Thibodaux car accident lawyer? Kopfler & Hermann has represented injured people across Thibodaux and the Houma region since 1977. Our attorneys handle car and truck collision claims on a contingency fee — you pay no attorney fee unless we recover for you — and consultations are free. Louisiana sets firm deadlines to file an injury claim, so it is important to act promptly after a crash.
Last updated: September 13, 2026
See our Houma car accident lawyer page for more on how we help after a crash.
No matter how careful the driver is, car accidents can happen. When traveling on public roads every driver is at the mercy of one another, therefore drivers must trust one another to drive safely and make reasonable choices. When this social contract fails, and a car accident occurs, those at-fault may be held liable.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, a lawyer can help. A Thibodaux car accident lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve. When a car accident occurs, it is usually someone’s fault. Sometimes it is the result of the government not maintaining the roadways other times it is a failure of the manufacturer. However, as a
credible personal injury attorney knows, one of the most common contributing factors is driver negligence.
How Do Car Crashes Occur?
On the road every driver owes others a duty to act in a safe and reasonable manner. When they fail to fulfill this duty and, as a result, an accident occurs, that person may be held liable for the injuries and damages they caused through the legal theory of negligence.
If an accident occurs because a driver fails to operate their vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner – failing to obey the speed limit, road signs, traffic lights – and an accident occurs, that driver may be held liable for negligence. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs as well as driving while tired or otherwise distracted can also constitute negligence.
Manufacturer Liability vs. Road Conditions
If a defect in a vehicle caused an accident, the manufacturer may be liable for the reasonably foreseeable damages stemming from the accident. A plaintiff must prove that the vehicle was “unreasonably dangerous,” the vehicle was being operated “as intended,” and the vehicle had not been modified since its initial purchase. Vehicle defects which could lead to a claim for damages may include defects in seatbelts, airbags, powertrain systems, brakes, and motors.
State and federal governments are responsible for providing roadways that are safe to travel upon. When a roadway is improperly designed, constructed, or maintained and that improper design, construction, or maintenance can be proven to have caused an accident the government may be held liable for resulting injuries.
How is an Auto Accident Claim Filed in Thibodaux?
Cases arising from car accidents are often quite complex. There are many parties involved including the other driver and their lawyers, insurance companies, the police, and the courts.
In addition to managing the actual claims involved, a car accident case hinges on working effectively with all parties involved with the singular goal of maximizing compensation. An experienced Thibodaux car accident lawyer can do just that, working tirelessly to seek the best possible outcome based on the facts of the case.
Moreover, the deadline in Louisiana to file a personal injury claim is one year from the time the injury occurred; this, of course, means that time is of the essence when filing a claim.
How a Thibodaux Car Accident Lawyer Can be an Ally
If you are involved in a car accident and are injured, an attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Let an adept Thibodaux car accident lawyer handle your case so you can focus on getting back on your feet – call today.
An attorney can work to thoroughly investigate your case so that you can create a complete claim. They can also work to guide you through the process so that you can avoid the many pitfalls that can compromise your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Louisiana's "No Pay, No Play" law and how could it affect my claim?
Under Louisiana's "No Pay, No Play" law (La. R.S. 32:866), a driver who did not carry the required liability insurance at the time of the crash cannot recover the first $15,000 of bodily injury damages or the first $25,000 of property damage, even if the other driver was at fault. If you were insured, this does not limit you. An attorney can confirm how the rule applies to your situation.
What are Louisiana's minimum car insurance requirements?
Louisiana requires minimum liability coverage of $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (La. R.S. 32:900). These minimums are often too low to cover serious injuries from a highway or agricultural-vehicle crash on routes like LA-1 or LA-20, which is why uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and identifying all responsible parties can matter in Lafourche Parish cases.
What should I do right after a car accident in Thibodaux?
Call 911 so the crash is documented, get medical attention promptly even for injuries that seem minor, and photograph the vehicles, the roadway, and any sugarcane, oilfield, or commercial vehicles involved. Collect the names and insurance details of everyone involved, and avoid giving a recorded statement to the other side's insurer until you have spoken with an attorney.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Lafourche Parish?
For crashes on or after July 1, 2024, Louisiana generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit; a two-year deadline applies to earlier crashes (La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1). Different deadlines can apply to claims against government entities. Because the clock starts at the crash, it is wise to confirm your deadline early.
Reviewed by Kopfler & Hermann, Attorneys at Law — serving Houma and South Louisiana since 1977.
Last updated: September 7, 2026
See our Thibodaux personal injury practice or contact our team to discuss your case.
