Hills Daniels & Associates
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Louisiana
A car accident can happen in an instant — and the moments immediately after are often chaotic, frightening, and confusing. Most people have no idea what to do. But the steps you take (and the mistakes you avoid) in the first 24 to 48 hours after a crash can have a major impact on your health, your safety, and your ability to recover fair compensation.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a car accident in Louisiana — step by step.
The Most Important Rule
No matter how minor the accident seems, never leave the scene and never admit fault — even if you think you may have caused the crash. Louisiana law and adrenaline both work against you in those first moments. Let the investigation determine fault.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Right After a Car Accident
Check for Injuries — Call 911 Immediately
Your first priority is safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt — or even if you're unsure — call 911 right away. Do not attempt to move anyone who may have a neck or spine injury. Even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask pain. Always get medical attention.
Move to Safety If Possible
If the vehicles are drivable and it is safe to do so, move them out of traffic and onto the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights. If the vehicles cannot be moved, stay inside with your seatbelt on and wait for help — do not stand on the roadway.
Call the Police — Get a Police Report
In Louisiana, you are required to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $500. Even in minor crashes, having an official police report is critical for your insurance claim and any potential lawsuit. Ask the responding officer for the report number before they leave the scene.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Get the following from every driver involved: full name and contact information, driver's license number, license plate number, insurance company name and policy number, and vehicle make, model, and year. Do this calmly and without arguing about who was at fault.
Document Everything at the Scene
Use your phone to photograph and video everything: all vehicles involved and their positions, damage to every vehicle, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs and signals, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Take more photos than you think you need — you cannot go back later.
Collect Witness Information
If anyone witnessed the accident, get their name and phone number before they leave. Witness testimony can be extremely valuable in disputed liability cases. Don't rely on the police report to capture witnesses — get the information yourself.
Seek Medical Attention — Even If You Feel Fine
This is one of the most important steps and the one most people skip. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage often don't show symptoms for hours or even days. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company will argue your injuries weren't caused by the crash. See a doctor the same day if at all possible.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your own insurance company promptly. Stick to the basic facts — where, when, and what happened. Do not speculate about fault and do not give a recorded statement without first consulting an attorney.
Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver's Insurance
The other driver's insurance company may call you quickly and ask for a recorded statement. You are not legally required to give one. Politely decline and contact a personal injury attorney first. Anything you say can and will be used to reduce or deny your claim.
Contact a Louisiana Personal Injury Attorney
Before accepting any settlement offer or signing anything from an insurance company, speak with an attorney. Most personal injury attorneys — including Hills Daniels & Associates — offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. The sooner you call, the better protected you are.
What NOT to Do After a Car Accident in Louisiana
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do. Here are the most common mistakes accident victims make that hurt their cases:
- Admitting fault or apologizing at the scene — even saying "I'm sorry" can be used against you
- Leaving the scene before police arrive
- Failing to call the police or get a police report
- Skipping medical treatment or waiting too long to see a doctor
- Posting about the accident on social media
- Giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company
- Accepting a quick settlement offer before knowing the full extent of your injuries
- Signing any release or settlement documents without an attorney reviewing them
Don't Accept a Quick Settlement
Insurance companies often reach out quickly after an accident with a fast settlement offer. These early offers are almost always far below what your claim is actually worth — especially if your injuries haven't fully developed yet. Once you sign a release, you cannot go back for more money. Always consult an attorney before accepting anything.
What to Document in the Days After the Accident
Your documentation doesn't stop at the accident scene. In the days and weeks that follow, keep detailed records of everything related to the crash and your recovery:
| What to Keep | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| All medical bills and records | Documents the extent and cost of your injuries |
| Photos of injuries as they develop | Bruising and swelling often worsen in the days after a crash |
| Prescription receipts and out-of-pocket expenses | All costs related to your injury are recoverable |
| Pay stubs showing missed work | Lost wages are a significant part of your damages |
| A written journal of your pain and symptoms | Daily notes on how the injury affects your life carry real weight |
| All correspondence with insurance companies | Creates a paper trail of what was said and when |
| Repair estimates and vehicle damage records | Property damage is a recoverable loss |
Louisiana's Two-Year Deadline — Don't Wait
Louisiana gives accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the prescriptive period. While two years may sound like a long time, evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and medical records become harder to obtain. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Time Is Critical
Don't let the two-year deadline give you a false sense of time. Insurance companies begin building their defense immediately. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better position you are in. Your consultation is always free at Hills Daniels & Associates.
Injured in a Louisiana Car Accident? We Can Help.
At Hills Daniels & Associates, we handle car accident cases across Louisiana every day.
Our consultations are always free, and we never charge a fee unless we win your case. Call us today at (504) 641-0016 or fill out the form on this page to get started.
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