A car accident can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Especially if you are facing the agonizing circumstances of a catastrophic injury. Whether it is a fender bender in Lafayette or a serious collision on I-10, the steps you take after a wreck can make all the difference for your safety, your health, and your legal rights.
At Chaz Roberts Law, our Louisiana car accident lawyers have helped countless victims recover the compensation they deserve after serious crashes. After a wreck, there are a number of things you will need to do, from ensuring your own medical health to finding the right legal team.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Move to Safety
Your first priority after any wreck should be safety. First, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance and law enforcement. Even minor-seeming injuries may be more serious than they appear, so it is best to have paramedics on scene.
If the vehicles can move, pull them out of the flow of traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Louisiana law requires that you report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Failing to report could lead to fines or other penalties.
Step 2: Call the Police and First Responders
Even for seemingly minor fender benders, always call the police. A police report provides an official record of what happened and is critical evidence for insurance and potential legal claims.
Stay at the scene until officers arrive. Leaving before law enforcement arrives can be considered a hit-and-run offense under Louisiana law, even if you were not at fault.
When speaking to the police, describe what happened factually and clearly. Do not speculate or assign blame. Before you leave the scene, ask the responding officer how to obtain a copy of the official crash report once it is filed. You will need this, and any other records relating to your crash, for your personal injury claim.
Step 3: Exchange Information the Right Way
After ensuring everyone’s safety and calling the police, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Make sure you collect:
- The driver’s full name and phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
- Insurance company name and policy number
While it is natural to be polite, avoid saying anything that could sound like admitting fault. Even simple phrases like “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt and later used against you. Keep the exchange brief and factual.
Step 4: Document the Scene Thoroughly
The evidence you collect immediately after a wreck can play a major role in your claim. Try to document everything you can before vehicles are moved or debris is cleared.
Take Photos and Videos
Use your phone to capture wide and close-up shots of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, road conditions, weather, and any visible injuries. Include photos from multiple angles and note any traffic signals or signs near the scene.
Gather Witness Statements
If anyone saw the crash, ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements often provide valuable third-party accounts that can help establish fault when stories differ.
Record Immediate Details
While the incident is fresh in your mind, write down the time, location, and sequence of events. Include details like the direction each vehicle was traveling and any sudden movements or hazards you noticed before the collision.
Step 5: Get Medical Attention — Even if You Feel Fine
After leaving the scene, get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time.
Always follow through with any recommended treatment and keep all medical records, prescriptions, and bills. These documents will be crucial evidence if you file a personal injury claim later.
If you delay treatment, insurers may argue that your injuries were minor or unrelated to the crash. Seeking immediate care helps protect both your health and your legal rights.
Step 6: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Louisiana requires drivers to report accidents to their insurance company within a reasonable time frame. Call your insurer promptly to start the claims process.
When speaking to an adjuster, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault or injuries. Never give a recorded statement without first consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and anything you say could be used against you.
Keep copies of all claim forms, correspondence, and emails for your records.
Step 7: Follow Up and Protect Your Claim
In the days and weeks after a crash, keep detailed records of all expenses, missed work, and communications related to your claim.
Track your medical appointments, car repair estimates, and any time you miss from work due to your injuries. These records will help your attorney calculate the full value of your claim.
Avoid posting about your accident or injuries on social media. Insurance companies often monitor posts and photos to find evidence that could be used to downplay your injuries or discredit your claim.
Let your attorney handle communication with insurers or opposing counsel so you can focus on your recovery.
Step 8: Contact a Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer
Filing insurance claims and exploring what you need to know about Louisiana personal injury laws can be complicated, especially when you are dealing with medical recovery and vehicle repairs. Having an experienced Lafayette car accident attorney can make all the difference in your outcome.
A lawyer can help you:
- Investigate the cause of the crash and collect evidence
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Calculate your full damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Negotiate for a fair settlement or take your case to court if necessary
At Chaz Roberts Law, we represent victims of car, truck, and motorcycle accidents throughout Louisiana. We understand how local insurance and fault laws work, and we fight to make sure our clients receive full compensation for their injuries, economic losses, and even wrongful death.
Our attorneys are well versed in what damages that need to be accounted for in your claim. In the event the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement amount, we are prepared to take them to court to pursue the compensation.
If you have been in a car wreck, you do not need to face the insurance process alone. They have their lawyers, and you need one too. Contact us today at (337) 504-3202 for a free, confidential consultation to learn how we can help. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Let us help you recover compensation to rebuild what you have lost.
