Kenny Habetz Injury Law | May 23, 2025 | Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident is difficult enough, but the situation becomes even worse when a driver flees the scene. Trying to recover compensation when you aren’t sure who is responsible can leave you with injuries and medical bills you shouldn’t be responsible for. While the situation may present challenges, Louisiana laws can impact the way you handle the situation.
Louisiana Hit-and-Run Statutes
Committing a hit-and-run in Louisiana may result in civil and criminal penalties. A hit-and-run is defined as a driver’s intentional failure to stop at the scene of an accident, give their identity, and render reasonable aid. This applies whether you were simply involved in the accident or caused it.
Drivers must report accidents resulting in property damage exceeding $500, bodily injury, or death to the police. Anyone involved in the accident must provide their:
- Full name
- Phone number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
Additionally, regardless of whether you feel you are at fault, you should share your insurance information to ensure that any damages are covered.
Penalties for a Hit-and-Run in Louisiana
Charges related to a hit-and-run can be quite severe, but penalties vary depending on the severity of the accident.
Accident with No Injuries
Fleeing the scene of an accident with no injury can result in a fine of up to $500 and imprisonment for up to six months. However, if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and their impairment contributed to the accident, and they fled to avoid legal consequences, both the fine and jail time become mandatory.
Accident with Injuries Including Fatalities
If the driver flees the scene of an accident that causes serious bodily injury or death, and there is reason for the driver to know this, they may be sentenced to up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of no more than $5,000. Under certain aggravating circumstances, a judge may sentence a driver to up to 20 years of imprisonment.
Insurance Penalties
Louisiana operates under an at-fault insurance model, meaning the responsible party is liable to cover the damages of an accident they caused. If the responsible driver remains unidentified, it may be difficult to file a claim with your Louisiana insurance provider. You may have options through uninsured motorist coverage if you have it, but this may require the victim to pay a deductible and face potential premium increases.
Gathering Evidence in a Hit-and-Run
When it comes to insurance claims and the possibility of compensation after a hit-and-run, gathering evidence to find the fleeing driver is critical. Some of the evidence an attorney may want to obtain includes:
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Pictures or photos of the accident scene, damage, and injuries
- Medical records
Evidence from witnesses may lead police to the responsible party, allowing you to claim damages supported by the additional evidence. Identifying the person responsible and pursuing a claim in a timely fashion is crucial to recovering compensation. Following an accident, you have up to two years to file a car accident lawsuit.
You Have Options After a Louisiana Hit-and-Run
Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run can feel like a losing battle. While it can often be more challenging to navigate, you may still have options to recover some of your losses with the help of an experienced attorney.
Contact the Louisiana Car Accident Law Firm Of Kenny Habetz Injury Law for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana car accident lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 399-9000
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883
