New Louisiana Laws Took Effect January 1, 2026: What They Mean for You, and How Anderson Traylor Edwards Can Help

The new year has brought important legal changes statewide, which lawmakers believe will improve public safety, modernize state regulations, and address rising insurance and litigation costs. Several new laws impacting Louisiana drivers, homeowners, businesses, and anyone involved in civil litigation were passed during last year’s legislative sessions and took effect on January 1 of this year.

While many of these changes may sound technical, most people don’t need to know every single legal detail involved—they just need to understand how those laws could affect their day-to-day lives, as well as their overall legal rights. If you or someone you know has been in a wreck, has suffered property damage, or is dealing with a complex insurance claim, Anderson Traylor Edwards has the right blend of wisdom, experience, and compassion to help you find the best path forward. 

Let’s go through these key changes to the law and what they mean for you. 

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Hands-Free Driving Law: Full Enforcement Begins

Louisiana’s expanded hands-free driving law was fully enforced starting January 1, 2026, ending the prior grace period focused on education and warnings.

Drivers will no longer be allowed to hold a mobile phone to text, scroll, browse, or otherwise interact with while driving. Limited exceptions remain for emergency calls and approved hands-free navigation systems. Penalties will increase in school zones and construction zones, and repeat violations may result in steeper fines.

Why this matters:

Distracted driving remains a leading cause of serious car accidents. If you’re injured by a distracted driver, the new enforcement standards may play a key role in proving negligence and liability in a personal injury claim.

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Personal Injury Laws: Modified Comparative Fault

One of the most significant legal shifts coming in 2026 affects how fault is determined in personal injury cases.

Louisiana is moving from a pure comparative fault system to a modified comparative fault standard.

• If you are found 50% or less at fault, you may still recover damages, although the amount would be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
• If you are found 51% or more at fault, you will be barred from recovering any damages.

Why this matters:

This change makes early investigation and strong legal strategy more critical than ever for personal injury claims. How fault is assigned can now determine whether you recover compensation at all, meaning it’s even more essential to have skilled experts like the team at Anderson Traylor Edwards on your side.

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Limits on Recoverable Medical Expenses

Another tort reform measure will change how medical damages are calculated in injury lawsuits.

As in the past, injured plaintiffs may only recover the amount actually paid for medical care, not the higher amounts originally billed by providers. However, now any premiums that the plaintiff paid for private health insurance will not be considered for reimbursement.  Only the “Cost Sharing” copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and other amounts which have been paid or owed to the medical provider are considered recoverable past medical expenses.  

Why this matters:

Insurance companies may use this rule to limit payouts. If you’ve suffered serious injuries or face long-term treatment, strong legal advocacy is a must to ensure all allowable damages are fully documented and pursued.

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Expanded Tax Incentives for Home Fortification

Homeowners will see expanded incentives aimed at strengthening homes against severe weather.

Starting in 2026, new and expanded tax deductions and credits will be available for qualifying home fortification projects, including wind-resistant and structural upgrades. One measure allows homeowners to receive up to a $10,000 tax credit for qualifying roof fortification improvements.

Why this matters:

These incentives are designed to reduce storm damage and insurance claims, but insurers may still dispute coverage after a loss. Anderson Traylor Edwards helps homeowners navigate insurance claims and challenge unfair denials or underpayments.

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New Roofing Contractor Licensing Requirements

To protect homeowners, especially after major storms, Louisiana is implementing new licensing rules for residential roofing contractors.

For roofing projects exceeding $7,500, contractors must hold either:

• A residential roofing license, or
• A residential construction license with a roofing designation.

The law includes enforcement tools such as fines and cease-and-desist orders for anyone who violates these requirements.

Why this matters:

Unlicensed or fraudulent contractors often leave homeowners with defective work and denied insurance claims. Knowing your rights, and who can be held responsible, is key if problems arise.

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Insurance Transparency and Court Procedure Changes

Additional changes taking effect in 2026 include:

• Insurance companies must disclose whether credit scores are used to determine premiums, increasing transparency for policyholders.
• Court filings by attorneys will move toward mandatory electronic or in-person submissions, modernizing court operations statewide.

These changes may not affect daily life immediately, but they influence how insurance disputes and legal cases move through the system.

How Anderson Traylor Edwards Can Help

With these new laws taking effect, preparation and legal guidance matter more than ever. Anderson Traylor Edwards is here to help in these situations and more:

• You were injured in a car wreck involving distracted driving.
• You were involved in a crash and are facing a fault dispute under the new liability rules.
• You’re dealing with an insurance claim after storm damage.
• You have questions about whether a contractor or insurer followed the law.

Our firm focuses on personal injury, homeowners insurance claims, and advocating for our community, to make sure the law works for the people it’s meant to protect.

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If you have questions about how these new laws affect your circumstances, or if you need help protecting your rights in 2026 and beyond, contact Anderson Traylor Edwards in Hammond today.