Louisiana · Deadline to sue · Updated Oct 2026

Deadline to sue after a car accident in Louisiana

Time limits, government claims and a calculator.

Short answer

In Louisiana, you generally have 2 years from the crash to sue, for car damage and for an injury.

Property damage (your car)
2 years
Injury
2 years
Law
La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 (Acts 2024, No. 423, eff. July 1, 2024)
Small claims limit
$5,000

Other notes on the Louisiana deadlines

  • Louisiana calls this 'prescription.' The 2-year period applies to claims arising after July 1, 2024 (Acts 2024, No. 423 is prospective only); older crashes had 1 year.

Recent changes in Louisiana

  • Acts 2024, No. 423: deadline to sue for injury and property damage went from 1 year to 2 years for claims arising after July 1, 2024 (Civ. Code art. 3493.1).

Deadline to sue in Louisiana

Louisiana: 2 years for property damageEnter the date of the crash to see the last day to file a lawsuit.

Protecting your deadline in Louisiana

  1. Deadline for both kinds of claim in Louisiana: 2 years.
  2. If a city, county or state agency was involved, ask it right away how to file a claim; such claims often need an early written notice.
  3. Small claims, for car damage up to $5,000: Louisiana small claims guide on Small Claims Map
  4. Don't wait for the insurer: talks with an adjuster don't stop the clock.

Free help in Louisiana

Questions about deadlines to sue in Louisiana

How long do you have to sue after a car accident in Louisiana?

2 years from the crash, for car damage and for an injury (La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 (Acts 2024, No. 423, eff. July 1, 2024)).

What is the small claims limit in Louisiana?

$5,000 in city court small claims divisions and Justice of the Peace courts, not counting interest, costs and attorney fees.

More for Louisiana drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.