Louisiana Injury Lawyers Blog
Being involved in a car accident can be traumatic, even if you didn’t walk away with broken bones or visible injuries. But just because you weren’t physically hurt doesn’t mean you can’t take legal action. Emotional distress, delayed symptoms, or financial setbacks like vehicle damage and lost wages may still qualify you to file a claim.
In this article, we’ll answer the most important question: “Can you sue someone for car accidents without injury?” We’ll also cover how long you have to file a claim and how a New Orleans injury attorney can help protect your rights.
Key Takeaways
- You can sue after a car accident happens, even without visible injuries.
- Louisiana’s law covers mental trauma, delayed pain, and property damage.
- You have two years to file a claim, so act fast.
- Recent law changes may affect your case, so speak to an experienced New Orleans injury attorney to know your rights.
Can You Sue Someone for a Car Accident Without Injuries?
Yes, you can sue for a car accident even if you weren’t physically injured. A minor accident can still leave you with out-of-pocket expenses and other losses that deserve compensation. In cases without injuries, you may still be entitled to damages such as:
- Property Damage – This refers to vehicle repair or replacement of any personal belongings affected by the crash.
- Lost Wages – This is settled if the accident caused you to miss work, even for a short period.
- Towing and Rental Car Costs – This includes any expenses you paid out-of-pocket due to a damaged vehicle.
- Emotional Distress – This is settled if the accident caused mental anguish, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), even in the absence of physical harm.
- Loss of Use – This is to compensate vehicle owners for the loss of use of their vehicle.
When Should You Sue for a Car Accident Without Injuries?
Not every car accident leads to physical injuries or damaged property, but that doesn’t mean you should skip legal action. Sometimes, the financial, legal, and logistical aftermath of a crash can be just as damaging as physical injuries.
If any of the situations below apply to your case, it may be time to talk to a personal injury attorney, like the ones at Cardone Law Firm, and also consider filing a lawsuit:
- The Accident Involved a Commercial Truck or Company Vehicle –These cases often involve multiple liable parties, higher insurance claim coverage, and stricter regulations.
- There Are Multiple At-Fault Parties – When fault is shared or unclear, having legal representation can protect your interests.
- Your Insurance Claim Was Denied or Undervalued – If the settlement offer doesn’t reflect your actual emotional and financial losses, a personal injury lawsuit may help you recover compensation.
- The Other Party Is Denying Responsibility – If a fault is being disputed by the other driver, you’ll need strong evidence and legal support to prove your personal injury case.
- Poor Road Conditions Contributed to the Crash – Issues like potholes, faulty traffic signals, or unmaintained roads on the accident scene could make a city, county, or maintenance agency liable.
- There Was Insufficient or Confusing Road Signage – Government agencies can also be held accountable if missing or unclear signs led to the accident.
- You’re Blamed for an Accident You Didn’t Cause – When someone shifts fault onto you, an attorney can help protect your rights and uncover the truth.
Do You Need an Attorney to Sue for an Accident Without Injuries?
You need a lawyer if you’re planning to sue after a car or truck accident, even if you weren’t physically injured. This is because legal claims are never simple. Whether it’s navigating complicated paperwork, negotiating with insurance adjusters, or proving non-physical damages, a skilled car accident lawyer like the ones at Cardone Law Firm can ensure you don’t get shortchanged.
What a Car Accident Attorney Can Do for You
- Investigate the Accident Thoroughly — Your lawyer will collect evidence, review police reports, speak with witnesses, and assess what caused the crash and who’s at fault.
- Build a Strong Legal Case — From organizing your documentation to developing a legal strategy, they’ll handle everything needed to present a solid claim.
- Handle All Paperwork and Filings— Legal procedures come with strict deadlines and requirements, and your attorney will ensure nothing is missed.
- Negotiate With the Insurance Company — Insurers often offer low settlements. Your lawyer will push for a payout that fairly reflects your losses.
- Estimate the Real Value of Your Claim — Even without injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for vehicle damage, emotional distress, or missed work. Your lawyer will see to it that you’re fairly compensated.
- Represent You in Court — If your case goes to trial, your personal injury lawyer will argue on your behalf and protect your interests every step of the way.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit for an Accident Without Injuries?
Even without physical injuries, you still have a legal lawsuit deadline. In Louisiana, the statute of limitations was updated on July 1, 2024—you now have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim.
Some cases, like wrongful death, malpractice, or those involving minors, may follow different timelines. If the at-fault party leaves the state or your injury is discovered later, exceptions like the discovery rule may extend the deadline. To learn how long you have to file a car accident lawsuit, your best option is to talk with an experienced attorney.
Protect Your Rights with Legal Help From Cardone Law Firm
Even if you didn’t suffer visible injuries, an accident can still leave a lasting impact—physically, emotionally, or financially. You can speak with a New Orleans lawyer for car accidents to help clarify your legal rights and to support you in making informed decisions about your next steps.
At Cardone Law Firm, we’re here to guide you through the legal process, answer your questions, and help you protect your rights. Don’t wait until time runs out—reach out to Cardone Law Firm, your New Orleans injury attorney, to provide proper advice and dedicated representation.