What To Do After A Car Accident in Baton Rouge Louisiana

At Pierce & Shows, we know that the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming. 

While we hope you never need to put them into practice, it is a good idea to remind yourself once in a while of what you need to do following a car accident. 

In the event of a car accident, stay composed and bear in mind the following immediate steps. Rest assured, you’ll navigate through this, and with the aid of a skilled car accident injury attorney in Baton Rouge, you can secure the compensation necessary to move forward with your life.

According to the most recent statistics, during the initial quarter of 2023, approximately 286 million vehicles were operating on roads across the United States. 

In 2020, the NHTSA reported 5,250,873 police-documented car accidents. This equates to an average of 14,386 accidents daily, or one collision occurring every six minutes.

If this happens to you, here are the first steps you must take while at the accident scene.

When involved in an accident, it is your legal responsibility to stop the vehicle. First, assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. If your car remains drivable but obstructs traffic, safely maneuver it to the roadside. If unable to move the vehicle, position yourself aside from traffic before proceeding with the following steps.

One of the most important steps is to call 911. If there are serious injuries, the dispatcher can send an ambulance. Even if injuries are minor or absent, it’s essential to request law enforcement for an accident report, as Louisiana law mandates.

Ensure you obtain the police officer’s name, badge number, and station details to obtain your copy of the accident report later. Note down the report number if accessible, as it serves as vital documentation for potential accident lawsuits or insurance claims.

If you or any of your passengers sustained visible injuries in the crash, you should take pictures of them for potential insurance documentation later. Use your cell phone to capture the accident scene, vehicle damage, and surroundings. These digital photos are vital for documenting property damage, injuries, and scene depiction.

Compile key accident details, such as: 

These will assist you and your car accident attorney in building a strong defense.

As soon as possible, exchange information with the other driver, including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance providers, and policy numbers. 

If you can, take pictures of the other car’s license plate, but be cautious of identity theft concerns. The other driver doesn’t require your driver’s license photo. Also, gather the names and phone numbers of accident witnesses and attending officers.

Next Steps to Take After an Accident

Once you’ve had some time to recover from the accident and the police report has been made, there are some other things you should do.

If you have any injuries, promptly seek medical care at a hospital, doctor’s office, or urgent care center. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, so getting checked out is vital. Inform your doctor about the accident, attend all follow-up appointments, or get recommended tests.

Inform your insurance company about the accident promptly, regardless of fault. A delay in reporting could jeopardize your coverage. You should check your policy as soon as possible to know how long you have to report the accident.

Ignore calls from the other driver’s insurance company. Refrain from providing a recorded statement or accepting any cash offers, as they may be attempts to shift blame or downplay injuries, which could harm your case in the long term.

This step will come in handy down the road when you’re trying to receive compensation with the help of a seasoned lawyer in this case. Keep records of lost income, including tax returns, W-2s, and any relevant documents showing income loss, along with medical and car repair bills.

Filing a claim with the other driver’s insurer is not a walk in the park. They will vigorously defend their insured (the other driver) and aim to avoid paying claimants (you). To secure a fair settlement, your car accident attorney must establish the following:

An experienced car accident attorney will protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve, building a solid defense against law enforcement and insurance companies.

Losses, or damages, typically fall into two categories:

An attorney with an established reputation will help investigate and determine these damages, keeping track of your medical treatment and health updates.

Lawyers will do their best to ensure you receive a fair settlement without needing to go to court, but if necessary, they’ll advocate for you in court for your compensation.

To maximize the chances of a favorable outcome for you or a loved one involved in a car accident, contact a knowledgeable car wreck attorney from Pierce & Shows as soon as possible.

In addition, Louisiana imposes a one-year statute of limitations for all personal injury cases. Delaying beyond this timeframe could result in your case not being heard at all. An experienced attorney based in Louisiana will answer your concerns and can adeptly manage communications with insurance companies and other involved parties on your behalf, allowing you the necessary time to recover.

Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation so that we can get started on your case.