Best Transportation Lawyers in Lafayette

About Transportation Law in Lafayette, United States

This guide focuses on Lafayette, Louisiana, a regional hub along the I-10 and US-90 corridors with heavy passenger and commercial traffic, a public bus network, rail lines, and Lafayette Regional Airport. Transportation law here blends local ordinances, Louisiana state statutes, and federal regulations that govern how people and goods move by road, air, and rail. It covers issues like traffic and DWI enforcement, motor carrier compliance, oversize load permitting, insurance and accident claims, rideshare operations, public transit safety, and airport consumer protections. Understanding where local rules end and state or federal rules begin is critical to protecting your rights and staying compliant.

Nothing in this guide is legal advice. Transportation matters are very fact specific, and deadlines are short. Speak with a licensed Louisiana attorney for advice about your situation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

- You were injured in a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, bus, or rideshare crash in Lafayette and need help proving fault, dealing with insurers, and pursuing compensation.

- You hold a commercial driver license and received a citation, inspection violation, out-of-service order, or are facing a CDL disqualification that could jeopardize your livelihood.

- Your company needs help with motor carrier compliance, including driver qualification files, hours-of-service, ELDs, vehicle maintenance, oversize-overweight permits, intrastate authority, and safety audits.

- You were arrested or cited for DWI, reckless operation, hit-and-run, or distracted driving and must navigate criminal court, administrative license actions, and possible SR-22 requirements.

- You were involved in a crash with a government vehicle, a road construction zone, or alleged roadway defect and need guidance on special procedures for claims against public entities.

- You were hurt on Lafayette Transit System or at a bus stop and need to pursue a claim while meeting notice and documentation requirements.

- You were in an accident involving a rideshare driver and need to identify which insurance applies depending on whether the app was on and whether a trip was in progress.

- Your freight was lost or damaged in transit and you need help with bills of lading, the Carmack Amendment, and claim timing.

- You have airport or airline issues such as baggage damage, flight disruptions, or ADA-related mobility concerns and need help understanding federal consumer protections and carrier contracts.

- Your vehicle was towed or impounded in Lafayette and you want to challenge the tow, fees, or storage charges.

Local Laws Overview

- Fault and injury claims. Louisiana is a pure comparative fault state. Your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Most injury and property damage claims from vehicle crashes in Louisiana have a one-year prescriptive period from the date of the accident. Some claims have even shorter contractual or administrative deadlines.

- Insurance minimums. Louisiana requires auto liability insurance. The minimum limits are generally 15,000 per person for bodily injury, 30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and 25,000 for property damage. Higher limits are common, and commercial carriers usually carry more by law or contract.

- DWI and impairment. The per se blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08 for most drivers, 0.04 for commercial drivers operating a commercial vehicle, and 0.02 for drivers under 21. Consequences can include fines, jail, ignition interlock, license suspension, and CDL disqualification.

- Distracted driving. Louisiana prohibits texting while driving statewide. A broader hands-free law restricts holding a phone while driving, with limited exceptions for hands-free use and emergencies. Local enforcement in Lafayette is active, especially near schools and work zones.

- Seat belts and helmets. Seat belts are required for most occupants. Motorcycle operators and passengers must wear helmets. Child passenger safety seats are required based on age, weight, and height.

- Crash reporting and duties. Drivers must stop and exchange information after a collision and render aid when required. Crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to law enforcement. Insurers often require prompt notice regardless of fault.

- Commercial motor carriers. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations apply to interstate carriers and are largely adopted for intrastate operations. Weight limits, axle groupings, hazardous materials rules, and hours-of-service are strictly enforced on the I-10 and US-90 corridors. Oversize-overweight travel requires permits from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, and separate permission may be needed to use certain Lafayette city streets.

- Rideshare vehicles. Transportation network company drivers operate under Louisiana statewide TNC law. Insurance requirements change by period, including when the app is off, on without a passenger, and during a prearranged ride.

- Public transit. Lafayette Transit System must comply with ADA accessibility requirements, including paratransit. Claims for injuries on buses or on LTS property involve public entity procedures.

- Rail crossings. Do not stop on tracks and obey all warning devices. Collisions at crossings can involve complex liability issues among drivers, railroads, signal maintainers, and public entities.

- Local forums and enforcement. Traffic citations within the city often proceed in Lafayette City Court. Other matters may be handled in the 15th Judicial District Court for Lafayette Parish. Lafayette Consolidated Government agencies oversee local roads, signage, parking, and towing regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do right after a crash in Lafayette

Move to safety if you can, call 911, and request police and medical help. Exchange information, take photos and video, identify witnesses, and avoid admitting fault. Seek medical care even if you feel okay. Notify your insurer promptly. Ask how to obtain the crash report. Speak with a lawyer before giving recorded statements to insurers other than your own notice of loss.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a vehicle crash

Many Louisiana injury and property damage claims must be filed within one year of the accident. Some claims have different or shorter deadlines, and claims against public entities can involve special procedures. Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid losing your rights.

How is fault determined in Louisiana

Fault is apportioned among everyone who contributed to a crash, including drivers, employers, vehicle owners, road contractors, and others. Police reports, videos, black box data, ELD logs, skid marks, and expert analysis can all matter. Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault under pure comparative fault.

What if the other driver has no insurance

Your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply. UM or UIM coverage can pay for bodily injury and sometimes property damage depending on your policy. Louisiana law governs how UM claims are presented and how your insurer can reduce payments. A lawyer can help you navigate coverage and deadlines.

I drive for a rideshare app. Whose insurance applies in a collision

If the app is off, your personal policy applies. If the app is on and you are waiting for a ride, a lower level of TNC coverage usually applies. Once you accept a ride and while transporting a passenger, higher TNC coverage is typically in place. Coverage coordination and exclusions can be complex, so preserve all evidence from the app and contact counsel.

What are the consequences of a DWI in Lafayette

Penalties can include fines, jail, license suspension, ignition interlock, and increased insurance costs. CDL holders face stricter rules and disqualifications even for first offenses. There are short deadlines to request an administrative hearing to challenge a license suspension. Legal counsel can assess defenses, negotiate, and manage both the criminal and administrative sides.

I am a trucker who received an out-of-service order. What should I do

Do not operate until you correct the issue and are cleared. Preserve the inspection report and ELD or paper logs. Address mechanical defects immediately. Depending on the violation, you may contest it through DataQs or other procedures. An attorney or compliance specialist can help mitigate CSA impacts and protect your CDL.

Do I need a permit for an oversize or overweight load through Lafayette

Yes, oversize-overweight travel on state highways requires a permit from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. If your route uses Lafayette city streets or parish roads, additional local permission and route review may be required. Escorts, travel time restrictions, and signage requirements often apply.

How do I handle a traffic ticket issued in Lafayette

Check the ticket for your court date and location. Many city citations go to Lafayette City Court, while others go to district court. You may be able to pay, request a court date, or seek a reduction. Some offenses require a mandatory appearance. A lawyer can evaluate defenses, protect your record, and prevent CDL consequences.

Can I sue for injuries caused by a dangerous construction zone or road defect

Possibly. Claims may be brought against contractors, state or local agencies, or others responsible for the work zone or roadway. These cases require quick investigation, notice, and expert analysis. Special procedures and defenses can apply when suing public entities, so contact counsel immediately.

Additional Resources

- Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

- Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles

- Louisiana State Police and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement

- Lafayette Consolidated Government Traffic, Roads and Bridges

- Lafayette Transit System

- Lafayette City Court

- 15th Judicial District Court for Lafayette Parish

- Lafayette Regional Airport and the Lafayette Airport Commission

- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

- Federal Railroad Administration

- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

- United States Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection

Next Steps

- Prioritize safety and medical care. Follow your treatment plan and keep all bills and records.

- Preserve evidence. Save photos, videos, dashcam footage, ELD logs, tow receipts, body shop estimates, and damaged parts. Do not repair or discard critical items without documentation.

- Notify insurers promptly but be cautious. Provide basic facts to your insurer. Consider consulting a lawyer before detailed or recorded statements to the other side.

- Track deadlines. Louisiana transportation claims often have short prescription or administrative deadlines. Government claims can involve additional procedural steps.

- Consult a local attorney. Look for a lawyer with experience in Louisiana transportation law. Ask about fees, expected timelines, and what evidence will help your case.

- Bring key documents to your consultation. This includes the crash report number, photos, medical records, insurance policies, declarations pages, repair estimates, wage loss documentation, and for commercial cases, driver qualification files, ELD data, permits, and inspection reports.

- Follow through. Keep your contact information updated with your lawyer, attend all appointments and court dates, and avoid social media posts about the incident.

This guide is informational and based on Louisiana practice in and around Lafayette. For personalized advice, speak with a licensed Louisiana attorney as soon as possible.