What To Do After a Louisiana Car Accident

While the old saying, “The best medicine is prevention,” is true most of the time, that’s not really possible when it comes to car accidents. No one plans to be involved in a car accident, and yet over 3 million accidents happen every year across the country.

If a car accident happens to you, keep calm and remember the following Louisiana car accident steps. You will get through this, and with the help of a competent car accident injury lawyer, you can get the compensation you need to move on with your life.

Get Out of Danger

Before anything else, after a car accident, you need to make sure that you, your passengers, and anyone else involved in the car accident are okay. If you can, move your car away from traffic lanes or move away from immediate danger. If anyone seems to be badly hurt, don’t move them or else you risk injuring them further.

Call First Responders

No matter how minor the accident may seem, always call 911 for help from first responders. Taking this step ensures both your safety and the documentation necessary for your case.

• Emergency medical personnel will assess your personal injuries and determine whether you need immediate or ongoing care.
• Police officers at the scene will complete a detailed crash report.

This police report will serve as vital evidence in your Louisiana accident claim process. It serves as the definitive crash reporting document of what happened in your accident, so make sure you get a copy of the report.

If the medical personnel write a report of your injuries, make sure to ask them for that as well—it will serve as evidence of the bodily damages you suffered in the accident. This is one of the most critical accident injury steps that Louisiana drivers must take to support their claim.

Document the Damages

After confirming everyone is safe and calling the police and other first responders, it’s time to document the damage to your vehicle and any others involved. This step is essential in building a strong case.

What to Avoid

• Do not provide a statement to the other party’s insurance, verbal or written. If they ask, politely refuse.
• Do not admit fault or responsibility for the accident, even if you believe you may have contributed.
• Speak to the other party only to exchange driver and insurance information.

The only people you should discuss the accident with are:

• Medical professionals
• Police officers
• Your personal insurance representative (after you’ve left the scene)

Before calling your insurance company, consult with a lawyer. The experienced attorneys at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys offer free and confidential consultations so you can confidently report your accident and protect your claim.

Begin Collecting Evidence

After your car wreck, begin gathering as much information as possible, without interfering with emergency personnel or investigators. This is where a personal injury lawyer can help by taking over evidence collection and ensuring all documentation is preserved.

What You’ll Need to Document:

General Information

• What happened (a brief description)
• Your personal version of events
• Visible damage to all vehicles involved
• Injuries sustained by you or your passengers
• Any scene evidence that helps clarify what occurred

Information About the Other Driver’s Vehicle

• Make, model, color, and license plate number
• Vehicle registration number

Information About the Other Driver

• Driver’s license number
• Name and phone number

Insurance Information

• Proof of insurance
• Insurance company name and contact number
• Insurance policy number

If you don’t have a pen and paper, use your phone — take photos, record audio, or text yourself the info.

Scene and Environmental Details

Also, document the following for your claim:

• Date and time of the accident
• Exact address or location, including:
  • Nearest mile markers (if on highways or rural roads)
  • Direction of travel (yours and the other driver’s)
  • Visible landmarks
• Photos of the crash scene from multiple angles
• Driving conditions (weather, road surface, lighting)
• Witness contact information
• Police and responder details:
  • Officer names and badge numbers
  • Department contact info

Record a detailed description of the crash or use your phone to dictate a statement while the details are fresh. This can serve as powerful evidence later.

This forms a comprehensive post-accident checklist that Louisiana drivers can rely on to improve their legal outcome and strengthen their injury claim.

Report the Incident to Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and start the claims process.

Important Reminders:

• Do not discuss the accident with the other party or their insurance company, they are not working in your best interest.
• Politely decline to provide a statement to anyone other than your own insurer and attorney.

If your insurance company offers a quick settlement, don’t accept it right away. First, consult with an experienced car wreck injury lawyer.

Insurance companies aim to settle cases quickly and for as little as possible, but you’ll likely need more than the minimum to properly recover from your injuries.

This is one of the most overlooked yet critical car accident legal tips Louisiana drivers should remember when protecting their rights and getting fair compensation.

Personal Injury Claims in Louisiana

For the best chance of success, you should contact a knowledgeable Louisiana car wreck attorney at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys as soon as possible. Delays can result in lost evidence or unreachable witnesses, weakening your claim.

As of July 1, 2024, Louisiana extended its statute of limitations for personal injury claims:

• 1 year for injuries before July 1, 2024
• 2 years for injuries on or after July 1, 2024

Understanding these timelines is a piece of Louisiana accident advice that can make or break your case.

Call an Experienced Attorney in Louisiana Today

An experienced lawyer can also efficiently handle all communications with insurance and other parties for you, leaving you the space you need to recuperate. 

If you’ve sustained a personal injury due to a car wreck, truck wreck, or other traffic accident, or if you’re dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one in a wrongful death case, make sure to get the quality Louisiana accident help you deserve.

Call Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys at 888.271.3687 or click the button below for a free consultation about your legal options. We’ll make sure you get the right legal representation to maximize your claim. And with the G Guarantee, we won’t charge you a dime until we win or settle your case.