No one expects to be involved in a car accident when they get behind the wheel of their car. However, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and sometimes turn your world upside down. Since you may be disoriented and upset after an accident, it is good to know in advance what you should and should not do after a car wreck.
What To Do At The Accident Scene
If you are involved in a car accident, stop and remain at the scene. Check yourself and other parties involved and call 911 if anyone is injured.
Louisiana law requires you to report any car accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $500. This means you must report almost all car accidents. To do so, call the local police, sheriff’s office, or state police.
You should also exchange contact information, driver’s license, car registration, and proof of insurance to all parties involved in the accident. You should provide this information to the law enforcement agent investigating the accident as well.
Cooperate with the police investigating your accident. However, do not admit fault or apologize for the accident. Your words can be used against you, and you do not yet know of all potential causes and liable parties.
If possible, photograph and videotape the accident scene, including the position of the vehicles, road signs, traffic signals, visible injuries, and any other notable features.
As soon as possible, write down all the details you can remember about the accident while it is still fresh in your mind.
Get a medical evaluation right away, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe. Many types of injuries are not immediately apparent but can cause lifelong mobility problems and chronic pain.
What To Do After the Accident
Discuss all your injuries with your doctor, follow any recovery plan provided, and keep all medical and therapy appointments.
Contact your insurance company and the at-fault party’s insurance company right away. However, do not provide a recorded statement to the at-fault party’s insurance company representative. Remember that insurance companies are in business to make a profit and will do anything to try to deny or devalue your claim.Â
Do not sign any papers or take any payments from anyone until you have consulted an attorney and completed your medical treatment.
Consult an experienced Baton Rouge car accident attorney with a proven record of success. Be honest with your attorney, and do not withhold any information that may be relevant to your accident and claim.Â
It is wise to stay off social media and ask your family and friends to refrain from posting pictures or comments about you. Insurance adjusters frequently search social media accounts, looking to find evidence they can use to deny your claim or limit the value of your damages.
Once you have retained an attorney, let them handle all communications with insurance companies and follow their instructions on what you should and should not do while your claim is pending.
What If I Am Partially At Fault?
First, do not admit your fault or take responsibility for the accident. You do not yet have all the facts immediately after an accident.
An experienced car accident injury attorney will carefully investigate your accident to identify all possible causes and potentially liable parties.
Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault rule set forth in Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323. This means that fault may be apportioned among multiple parties.
Even if you are partially at fault in the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation for your damages from other at-fault parties. However, your total compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Don’t assume you are at fault or the only at-fault party, and do not admit fault. Consult an experienced Baton Rouge car accident injury attorney and follow their advice. You may still have a valid claim for compensation.
Why Do I Need A Lawyer For a Car Accident Injury Claim?
- Insurance companies are not your friends and will work hard to deny or devalue your claim.
- An experienced injury attorney knows how to negotiate a fair settlement for you as quickly as possible.Â
- You will almost always have a better result when you are represented by an experienced car accident injury attorney.
Contact Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys Today
It is helpful to know what to do if you are involved in a Baton Rouge car accident. If you have been injured in a car accident that was not entirely your fault, you should consult an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your case.
At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, we have decades of experience recovering maximum compensation for car accident injury victims, and we want to do the same for you.
Schedule a free consultation by calling (225) 999-1111 or visit our contact page. We look forward to meeting you, answering your questions, and helping you get the compensation you deserve.