St. Mary Parish Car Accident Lawyer
Do you need a St. Mary Parish car accident lawyer? Kopfler & Hermann has represented injured people across St. Mary Parish 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.
Two of the most important objectives following a motor vehicle collision are determining how the accident occurred and pursuing compensation for medical bills, car repair costs, and other expenses. However, determining liability and obtaining damages following a serious car wreck can be a daunting undertaking.
Therefore, you should speak with a St. Mary Parish car accident lawyer if you want to take legal action against the negligent driver that caused you to suffer losses. A
personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claim process and pursue any forms of compensation that you may be entitled to under state law.
What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?
While some who are involved in a motor vehicle collision are fortunate enough to walk away relatively unscathed, others may sustain serious,
life-threatening injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and after-care. Of course, not all auto wreck injuries are physical.
Being seriously hurt in a crash may have long-term psychological consequences as well, including depression, mental anguish, irritability, and hopelessness. An experienced St. Mary Parish motor vehicle accident attorney can help a claimant bring a lawsuit for damages based on their injuries.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a painful type of neck injury that is often linked to rear-end collisions. Symptoms may include neck pain, headaches, fatigue, and loss of range of motion. Although a mild case of whiplash can heal quickly, a serious case may cause years of debilitating pain or discomfort.
Burns
Car wreck burn injuries can be especially severe
if not fatal. These burns can happen because of ignited gasoline or oil, spilled antifreeze, or coming in contact with hot metal.
Bone Fractures
Depending on the force of the impact, someone injured in an auto wreck may experience one or more painful bone fractures that require surgery and, subsequently, an extended period of immobilization.
Traumatic Brain Injury
One of the most challenging cases that an attorney may handle is one involving someone with a
traumatic brain injury (TBI). A moderate-to-severe TBI may result in debilitating physical symptoms as well as serious cognitive or mental problems.
Spinal Cord Injury
Any damage that someone suffers to their
spinal cord and is a result of a car crash may lead to muscle weakness, loss of bowel or bladder function, or
paraplegia or quadriplegia.
What Is the Role of the Statute of Limitations in Car Crash Cases?
It is important for one to consult a St. Mary Parish attorney promptly after a car wreck because of the statute of limitations applicable to all personal injury cases. The statute of limitations is a state law that prohibits filing a lawsuit after a certain amount of time has passed.
The statutory deadline for most personal injury lawsuits, including motor vehicle accident claims, is two years from the date of the incident. A failure to meet the statute of limitations may result in a claimant losing their opportunity to pursue compensation.
Discuss Your Claim With a St. Mary Parish Car Accident Attorney
If you have sustained serious injuries or other losses in a car accident caused by a reckless driver, then you may have a viable claim for damages. A St. Mary Parish car accident lawyer could offer you legal support while filing a claim and negotiating with the opposing party.
Contact our firm today to begin exploring how to obtain compensation from the responsible party.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in St. Mary Parish?
For crashes on or after July 1, 2024, Louisiana generally gives you 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). Claims against a government entity can carry shorter notice requirements. Because your exact deadline depends on the accident date and the parties involved, it is best to confirm it with an attorney soon after a Morgan City or Franklin crash.
What if I was partly at fault for the wreck?
Louisiana follows pure comparative fault (La. Civ. Code art. 2323). You can still recover damages even if you were partly to blame, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 20% at fault, for example, a $100,000 award is reduced to $80,000. Insurers often argue for a higher fault share, which is one reason to document the scene and get legal advice.
What should I do after a car accident on US-90 in St. Mary Parish?
If it is safe, call 911 so law enforcement documents the crash, seek medical care even if you feel fine, and photograph the vehicles, the road, and any commercial or oilfield trucks involved. US-90 through Morgan City carries heavy industrial traffic, so identifying every vehicle and employer matters. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before speaking with an attorney.
Can I deal directly with the at-fault driver's insurance company?
Louisiana's direct action law (La. R.S. 22:1269) allows an injured person to pursue the at-fault driver's liability insurer, in many cases directly. That does not mean the insurer is on your side; its goal is to limit what it pays. Having counsel handle communications helps protect the value of your claim.
Reviewed by Kopfler & Hermann, Attorneys at Law — serving Houma and South Louisiana since 1977.
Last updated: September 7, 2026
See our St. Mary Parish personal injury practice or contact our team to discuss your case.
