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Do’s and DO NOT’s After a Car Crash

Posted by Liz Delsa | Jun 25, 2024 | 0 Comments

If you find yourself in the unenviable position of being in a car crash, there are certain things you should do and others you should avoid. Here's a list of some of the most important. If you have questions about your particular situation, contact the Delsa Law Firm, LLC, to learn more about how we can help.

1.Safety First. Check to see whether you or any passengers are injured. If your car is disabled in traffic, get yourself and your passengers to a safe place away from other vehicles as soon as you can do so safely. If anyone needs medical care, call 911 immediately.

2.Call the Police. Louisiana law requires the driver of a vehicle to contact local police if anyone is injured in the crash or if there is more than $500 in property damage. There is another benefit to contacting police; with police on the scene asking questions and preparing a report, the other driver is less likely to try to change their story later if a lawsuit is filed.

3. Gather Information. While you're at the scene, and if you're able, gather as much information as you can about the crash – keeping yourself safe while doing so, of course. That includes, of course, getting the other driver's name, license plate number, driver's license number, and insurance information, but it also means safely taking pictures and/or video of the crash scene and the area around the crash and getting the names and contact information from any witnesses.

4. Do Not Leave the Scene. Never leave the scene without making sure it's okay to do so. In Louisiana, it's against the law if you're involved in a crash and leave the scene without stopping your car, giving your personal information, and providing “reasonable aid” to those involved who need it. Penalties range from a fine of up to $500 and a jail term of up to 6 months, or a prison term of up to 20 years, depending on the injuries and other factors.

5. Seek Medical Attention. If you are injured, it is important to seek out medical attention as soon as possible. This can be at the hospital, an urgent clinic, family doctor, orthopedist, chiropractor, etc. This provides you with the opportunity to receive the medical treatment you need to help in recovering from your injuries. Also, medical records are important to document and prove you're the nature and extent of your injuries.

6. Do Not Talk to the Other Party's Insurance Company Without Speaking with a Lawyer First. It is important to remember the other party's insurance company is not looking for your best interests. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals who are looking for ways to deny a claim or pay as little as possible. Therefore, before speaking with the insurance company, it is recommended you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Contact the Delsa Law Firm, LLC for Help

For questions about your rights following a car crash, contact the Delsa Law Firm, LLC. We can help you protect your rights when dealing with your insurance company and can help you make and pursue personal injury claims when the situation calls for it. Call the Delsa Law Firm, LLC at (985) 882-1222 or use our contact form to get in touch. Our office is conveniently located in Slidell, just off of I-12 in the heart of St. Tammany Parish, and we've helped many clients throughout southeast Louisiana protect and assert their rights in car crash cases.

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