What To Do After a Car Accident in Lake Charles, LA?

Experiencing a car accident can be difficult, especially when trying to work through the immediate aftermath. Those asking what to do after a car accident in Lake Charles, LA, should consider working with a personal injury attorney. Don’t let confusion or mistakes compromise your case and your future.

Make Sure You’re Safe

Safety comes first after a car accident. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries before moving. If the vehicles involved can still be driven, move them to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. Alert other drivers by turning on your hazard lights. If you can’t move the vehicles, stay inside until help arrives. If anyone is injured or if there is serious damage, call 911.

Gather Evidence

Documentation strengthens your position in legal and insurance matters. Take photos of all involved vehicles, any visible damage, and the accident scene. Include street signs, weather conditions, and road hazards. If possible, photograph injuries to show their severity and when they happened.

You can also write down details as soon as possible after the accident. Note the date, time, and any other relevant factors, like speeding or someone failing to use their turn signal. Witnesses can also provide testimony, so gather their contact information as well.

While it is important to record all the details of the case, do not admit fault for the accident. Even casual apologies can be used against you, so only mention the facts.

Contact Emergency Services

Once the police are on the scene, they will work on composing a police report. They record details like the position of the vehicles, where the accident happened, and any potential issues that might have caused the accident. Filing this report is usually necessary, but it is also a useful piece of evidence. Request a copy of the report or the report number for the future.

Another service that should be consulted is a healthcare provider. Getting a medical evaluation quickly is important. Some injuries like whiplash or concussions might not show symptoms right away. A doctor can identify issues and start treatment early to prevent complications. Without proper treatment, insurers or other parties involved in the accident can argue that your injuries are not related to the collision.

Speak to Insurers

Insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose goal is to reduce the company’s financial obligations to you. This means you need to be prepared before communicating with them. Some common tactics they can use include:

• Requesting recorded statements early. Insurance adjusters often push for recorded statements within days or even hours of an accident, claiming they need to document your perspective while memories are fresh. However, this rush can work against you, as you might not understand the full scope of your injuries yet or have time to process the event. This could undermine the credibility of your claim.
• Offering quick settlements. Insurance companies often present quick settlement offers that might seem generous at first glance, especially when you’re dealing with medical bills and lost wages. These early offers usually don’t account for long-term medical issues or future expenses. Many accident victims discover weeks or months later that their injuries require more money than they thought.
• Challenging the scope of injuries: When there’s a gap between the accident and your first medical visit, adjusters can try to argue that the injuries existed before the crash or occurred after the accident. Documentation from medical professionals becomes important when trying to establish the direct link between the accident and your injuries.
• Shifting fault. Insurance adjusters are experienced at finding ways to blame the victim for the accident, even if the case seems cut and dry. They might question your speed, reaction time, or attention to road conditions. In Louisiana, even a small percentage of assigned blame can reduce the amount of compensation you are entitled to.

While insurance adjusters might seem friendly and concerned about your well-being, their goal is to benefit their employer, not you. Consider working with an experienced car accident attorney before making statements or accepting offers.

FAQs

What Steps Should Be Taken Immediately After a Car Accident in Louisiana?

The steps that should be taken immediately after a car accident in Louisiana are meant to protect your safety. Move vehicles out of traffic, if possible, to prevent further collisions. Check yourself and others for injuries and call emergency services. When speaking to first responders, give accurate details about the incident. Keeping calm helps everyone involved stay safe and keeps the authorities updated.

How Should Evidence Be Documented at the Scene of a Car Accident?

Evidence to be documented at the scene of a car accident includes visual and written evidence. Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, the damage, license plates, and the surrounding area. Capture skid marks, traffic signs, or road hazards. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information and a brief statement. Write down the events as you remember them to preserve details for later.

Do I Have to File a Police Report After a Car Accident in Louisiana?

You have to file a police report after a car accident in Louisiana if there are any injuries or property damages over a certain amount. Filing a police report provides an official record of the accident, which could be required for insurance or legal claims. Even if the accident seems small, having a report helps outline who is at fault and prevents disputes. Always ask for the report information and save a copy if possible.

How Soon Should I See a Doctor After an Accident?

How soon you should see a doctor after an accident depends on the injuries you sustained, but generally, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. A medical evaluation creates documentation of injuries and links them to the accident. This can be important for insurance claims or legal cases. Delays in treatment might raise doubts about how severe your injuries are.

Every Decision Counts

Recovering from a car accident is a process, but with the right guidance, you don’t have to do it alone. Mistakes can cost you time and money. Take control of your situation by scheduling a consultation with Sanchez Burke, LLC, to strengthen your claim.