What To Do After a Car Accident in Louisiana? Step by Step Guide

Knowing what to do after a car accident in Louisiana can make a significant difference in understanding your rights and recovering compensation. Accidents occur in the blink of an eye, and the moments after can be stressful, chaotic, and even perilous. Taking the right steps will help ensure that you protect your safety, follow Louisiana car accident laws, and preserve important evidence for a potential Louisiana car accident claim.

About Us

I represent clients who have been injured in car accidents in and around the Lafayette area at the law office of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer. I am a trial lawyer with decades of experience, and I personally handle every aspect of your case. I prepare every case as if it’s going to trial and work hard every step of the way to protect your rights and the full amount of compensation to which you are entitled. I frequently represent clients at the Lafayette Parish Courthouse and can confidently take your case to trial if necessary.

Secure Your Safety

Safety is the most important thing in a car accident. While some accidents result in only property damage, others result in serious, even fatal, injuries. In 2023, Louisiana experienced 811 deaths on the road, with 239 being car occupants. Fatal crashes increased by 5.7% in 2023 from those in 2022.

Check for injuries to yourself, the other passengers, and anybody else involved. Call 911 right away if someone is seriously injured. To avoid more collisions, try to move to a safe spot, like the road’s shoulder. Hazard lights can be turned on to warn other drivers. Since some symptoms might not show up right away, even minor injuries should be reported and require medical attention.

Contact Law Enforcement

Reporting the accident to the police is a crucial step in Louisiana. Law enforcement needs to be informed when accidents result in injuries, deaths, or substantial property damage. Police reports provide an official account of the accident, which can be vital in insurance claims and legal actions.

Cooperate with officers, give accurate details, and refrain from placing blame. Your car accident attorney in Louisiana can obtain the police report later, which can be instrumental in building a strong case for your Louisiana car accident claim.

Gather Evidence and Contact Information

Photographing the accident scene is one of the most crucial actions that you can take. Make sure to take pictures or videos of vehicle damage, the road surface, any skid marks, traffic lights, and any road hazards that may have played a role in the crash. Obtain contact information from witnesses, and note details about the other driver, such as their license plate number and insurance policy number. These details can help you later if liability is contested.

Seek Medical Attention

Although you may feel okay after an accident, it is important that you go to the hospital right away. Less evident injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not have obvious symptoms right away, but they can be extremely harmful in the future.

Also, you will need to have a medical professional record your injuries so that you have proof of them for your Louisiana car accident claim. Finally, by keeping track of treatments, medications, and follow-up appointments, you will be able to recover compensation for your future medical expenses.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. However, be cautious as to what you say. Do not admit fault or make statements that could potentially harm your claim. Only provide the basic facts about what happened, and do not speculate or guess as to who might have been at fault. Talk to your car accident attorney about how much information to give and when to talk to the insurance company.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

One of the wisest actions you can take following an accident is to hire a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can give you legal advice and help you understand car accident laws, assess your damages, and negotiate fair compensation. A lawyer can communicate with insurers on your behalf, gather evidence, and represent you in court if necessary. Engaging legal counsel early increases your chances of a successful Louisiana car accident claim.

FAQs

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Louisiana?

After a car accident in Louisiana, prioritize safety and health. Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Contact emergency services by calling 911 and collect statements from drivers and witnesses while documenting the scene with photos before reporting to the police.

Get immediate medical attention following an accident and inform your insurance provider, but refrain from providing detailed statements until you receive legal advice from your car accident attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You File a Claim in Louisiana?

The amount of time you have to file a claim in Louisiana depends on when the car accident occurred. If your accident occurred after July 1, 2024, you have two years to file a claim. You want to make sure that you file the claim as soon as possible. Even if you are within the legal time limits, waiting can result in decreased evidence reliability or inaccurate injury documentation.

What If You Don’t Report a Crash?

The failure to report an automobile accident in Louisiana, especially when there are injuries or significant property damage, can lead to several legal and insurance complications. If a car accident is not reported, you may face fines, problems when filing an insurance claim, or even denial of compensation. It is always better to report the accident to law enforcement and your insurance company as soon as possible.

Contact Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer

If you were injured in a car accident in Louisiana, Chris Villemarette can help you fight for compensation. Chris is dedicated to helping residents in our community when they need it most and will tirelessly pursue maximum compensation for you after an accident due to negligence. Contact us today to get started.