Louisiana has recently enacted new laws that impact compensation in car accident injury cases. This new law will significantly impact how medical expenses are calculated and the amount that injury victims can recover.
If you are injured in a car accident in Louisiana, the new law could substantially reduce the amount of compensation you receive. You need the assistance of an experienced Baton Rouge car accident attorney to protect your rights and help you secure maximum compensation for your damages.
What the New Louisiana Law Says About Car Crash Medical Bills
Louisiana Senate Bill 231 changes the way an injury victim’s medical expenses are handled in personal injury cases. When the new law goes into effect on January 1, 2026, courts will consider only the amount the insurance companies paid for medical expenses, not the amount the healthcare provider billed initially.
The new law does not apply to any case filed before January 1, 2026, or to medical malpractice claims or to car insurance policies that include “med pay” coverage.
How Medical Bill Payments Worked Before the Law
When an injury victim receives medical care, healthcare providers bill for their services. Insurance companies often pay far less than the full amount billed by healthcare providers because they have contracts that give them substantial discounts.
In the past, and until January 1, 2026, juries and courts would be presented with the amounts charged by hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare providers, rather than only the amounts the insurance company was able to negotiate and pay. Injury victims recovered the full amount billed for services, not the discounted amount insurers paid.
What Changes Under the New Law in 2026
Under the new law, an injury victim’s total medical expenses will be calculated only by the amount the insurance company actually paid, not the amount the medical provider charged.
This means injury victims will typically receive much less for their medical expenses than they have been recovering.
How the Law Could Affect Louisiana Car Accident Victims
The new law could reduce the amount of compensation an injury victim can recover for their medical expenses. You need an experienced, savvy car accident lawyer to help you recover every available type of damages to maximize your total compensation.
At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, our Baton Rouge car accident attorneys will continue to work tirelessly to protect our clients and help them secure the full compensation they are entitled to.
“Our mission is simple: protect injured people and tell their full story. SB 231 changes how medical expenses are presented in court, but it doesn’t change our commitment. We’ll keep fighting to make sure our clients recover what the law allows—and that insurers don’t use this reform to shortchange families.”
– Chris Corzo, Managing Partner
Why You Should Talk to a Baton Rouge Car Accident Lawyer
Our team of Baton Rouge car accident lawyers stays informed and engaged with all updates to Louisiana car accident injury laws.
We know how insurance companies will try to use the new law to delay and devalue your claim. We’re committed to building your strongest case, customizing a legal strategy for your specific case, and helping you recover the full value of your claim.
At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, our car accident attorneys have the skills, knowledge, and resources to protect your rights and help secure maximum compensation for your damages. Call a car accident lawyer in Baton Rouge today at (225) 999-1111 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation and discuss your claim.