New Orleans Collision: What to Do After a Car Accident in the Big Easy

Don’t Get Blindsided After a New Orleans Car Crash: Here’s What You Need To Do

The vibrant streets of New Orleans can turn chaotic in an instant when a car accident happens. The aftermath of a collision can leave individuals overwhelmed and unsure of their next steps. Seeking guidance from New Orleans motor vehicle accident lawyers is crucial in navigating the legal complexities that often arise after such incidents.

This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive guide on what to do after a car accident in New Orleans, from ensuring safety to understanding legal rights and seeking compensation for damages and injuries.

Quick Summary

Below is an overview of the key points of this blog article.

• After a car accident in New Orleans, staying calm is essential. First, move to a safe place and check for injuries, calling 911 if necessary. Next, gather information and take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage and witness details. It’s important to visit a doctor for hidden injuries and keep all medical records for insurance claims while informing your insurance company about the accident. Consider contacting a New Orleans car accident lawyer if injuries or significant property damage arise to ensure your rights are protected.
• Filing a police report following an accident in New Orleans, even for minor car accidents, helps protect your rights and provides crucial evidence for future claims.
• A police report provides crucial documentation after a car accident, offering an official record that protects your rights and aids in insurance claims. It includes essential details such as the date, time, location, and involved parties, which can clarify the incident and support your case. Additionally, the report often contains witness information and an officer’s opinion on liability, helping streamline the claims process and providing peace of mind during recovery.
• If the police do not arrive at the scene of a car accident, you should gather essential information, such as witness contact details and photos. It’s important to visit the police station soon after the incident to file a report, as delays can complicate proving fault in insurance claims.
• If you cannot take photographs at the car accident scene, it’s important to capture images of your vehicle as soon as possible, ideally before any repairs. If your car is towed, visit the tow yard to photograph the damage. Additionally, keep detailed records of repairs and estimates, as this information can significantly impact your compensation claim.
• If you can’t obtain information from the other driver after an accident, ask the police or emergency workers for their insurance and contact details. They typically collect this information and can provide it or guide you on requesting it later.

What to Do After a Car Accident in New Orleans?

A car crash can be confusing and stressful. If this happens to you in New Orleans, Louisiana, staying calm is crucial. Follow these important steps to keep everyone safe and protect your legal rights.

1. Move to a Safe Place

Right after an accident, the first worry is if anyone might get hurt again. Vehicles stopped on the road could be hit by other cars. If a vehicle can’t be moved safely, passengers should leave the vehicle and move far away from the road. Use hazard lights, flares, and cones to warn others. Call 911.

2. Look for Injuries

Is anyone hurt? Do they need emergency medical help? If someone needs immediate medical treatment, call 911. When calling from a cell phone, it’s important to give your exact location. The cell signal only gives general information based on the nearest cell tower.

If you can’t give the exact location, try to provide the name of the road, the nearest mile marker, and any other details that can help the 911 operator find you. Being prepared can save lives in an emergency.

3. Gather Information and Take Photos

Collecting information at the scene of even a minor crash is important. If you can, take photos of the damage to your car and any other vehicles involved. Capture the whole car from different angles, especially the parts damaged by the crash. If possible, take pictures of the scene around the accident.

Photograph any marks or debris on the road, such as skid marks or car parts. Also, take photos of any injuries you have. Gather information about the cars and people involved. Note the type of vehicle, including the make, model, and color. Write down the license plate numbers.

Ask for the name, address, and phone number of everyone involved. Get the auto insurance details, including the insurance company name and policy number. If the vehicle that hit you is a commercial truck, write down the truck’s company name and phone number. If police are at the scene, ensure the insurance information is included in the report.

Answer all police questions with detail. Let the officer know you were not at fault and describe any traffic laws the other driver may have broken. If there are witnesses, get their name, phone number, and address. Ask if they saw the accident and get their story. If they leave before the police arrive, tell the police about the witnesses and provide their information.

4. Visit a Doctor

Some injuries might not appear right after a car accident, and a person may not immediately realize they are hurt. A doctor knows how to check for injuries common in car accidents and can tell you what symptoms to look for. Insurance usually covers the cost of a medical exam after an accident. Seeing a doctor right away helps link the accident to any injuries claimed.

5. Keep All Medical Records

If you have injuries after a car accident, medical bills can add up fast. From initial tests and X-rays to hospital stays and follow-up visits, it’s important to keep detailed records of every medical appointment. Ask your doctor, the hospital, and your health insurance company for copies of all records.

Create a file and store it safely. You might also want to scan these documents to keep them on your computer for easy access and emailing. This will be very important if you go through the personal injury claims process.

6. Inform Your Car Insurance Company

Auto insurance policies usually don’t require accidents to be reported within a specific time frame. However, checking the policy to understand what is needed is important. Following the policy rules is often necessary for the insurance company to provide coverage. Remember, insurance is a business.

Companies aim to close claims quickly and with low payments. Avoid giving them reasons to deny claims. Only provide the information they ask for. Be honest but brief. Stick to the facts about what happened. Don’t guess or give opinions. Don’t agree to anything without enough time to think about the consequences.

No one plans to be in a car accident, but accidents are an unfortunate part of driving. Knowing what to do after a car accident in New Orleans can help everyone involved handle the situation with less stress.

7. Proceed With Caution

In the days after an accident, be careful of unexpected phone calls from the other party’s insurance company or attorney. Stay polite and professional, but tell them you will communicate through your New Orleans motor vehicle accident lawyer. Sometimes, they may try to offer you a quick settlement.

If you were injured, this could stop you from getting the money you need later. It’s important to fully understand your condition and future issues before accepting any settlement. Also, property damage estimates take time. What seems like minor car repairs could end up being more serious.

Most early settlements only cover basic repairs. Don’t let the other party or their insurance company rush you into a decision.

8. Reach Out to a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer

New Orleans motor vehicle accident lawyers can handle complicated legal issues while considering your best interests. The stress of a car accident can be high, especially if you have injuries or severe vehicle damage that leaves you without reliable transportation.