What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident in New Orleans, LA?

Car collisions are stressful, whether they are fender benders or severe crashes. Many people are unprepared for the next steps following a car accident, even in busy and crowded locations like New Orleans. What you do following a car accident can impact your health and your ability to recover compensation. What should you do immediately after a car accident in New Orleans, LA? Some important steps include:

1. Review Injuries and Call 911

The safety of yourself and others in the accident should be your first priority. If anyone is injured, even a minor injury, you have to report the accident. Not only is it the law, but it’s also crucial to get you or them the medical treatment they need as quickly as possible. Call 911, and give them information about the injuries you are aware of. This ensures you and others get the medical care needed. Even if no one appears injured, it is important to call and report the accident. Reporting the accident also ensures there is a police report of the incident. This provides crucial information for a claim and ensures there is an official record of the accident occurring. You will need a copy of the police report later, so get the officer’s name, badge number, and agency.

2. Get Somewhere Safe

If you are able to, get out of your vehicle and to a safe spot. If vehicles can be moved, move them out of the road and turn hazard lights on. If anyone is seriously injured or cannot move themselves out of a vehicle because of the effects of the crash, do not try to move them. It could worsen injuries. Only move them if there is immediate danger.

3. Get Emergency Medical Care

When emergency responders arrive, let them take a look at you. You may be in shock and not notice certain injuries, especially those that are internal. Other injuries may take time to develop, and professional monitoring can help catch these changes. Getting medical treatment also ensures a record of your injuries and ties them to the accident.

4. Exchange Information

When you are able to, exchange information with the other driver or drivers who were in the accident. This includes:

• Names
• Phone numbers
• Insurance information
• Vehicle information and registration

5. Collect Evidence and Documentation

Documenting the accident is an essential step if you are able to. You should:

• Note the time and location of the crash
• Note the contact information of any witnesses
• Take photos and video of the crash, damage, injuries, road and weather conditions, and anything else significant
• Note any CCTV that may have recorded the crash

6. Report to Your Insurer

Your car insurance company probably requires that you report an accident as soon as you are able, regardless of who was at fault. Report the crash and share the needed information without admitting fault. If another driver’s insurance company tries to contact you, avoid talking with them. If you do, do not give a statement or agree to anything.

7. Go to a Hospital

Once you are able to leave the scene of the accident, get additional medical care. Hospitals in New Orleans include:

• University Medical Center New Orleans on 2000 Canal Street
• Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans on 1514 Jefferson Highway in Jefferson
• East Jefferson General Hospital on 4200 Houma Boulevard in Metairie

A medical facility has more resources than emergency responders to check for certain injuries.

8. Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

It’s important to get legal help after a car accident in New Orleans. That way, you can protect your rights and obtain the financial compensation you are entitled to. In New Orleans and Orleans Parish, there were 58 fatal crashes in 2024, and 4,851 suspected injury crashes, leading to nearly 8,200 suspected injuries. In total, there were 17,266 vehicle crashes in the city, including over 12,000 property damage-only accidents.