If you've been in a car accident in Louisiana, it's important to know the steps to report the crash to the insurance company. Whether you were injured by someone else's negligence or the crash was caused by factors beyond anyone's control, understanding how to handle this process can make a difference in protecting your rights.

Louisiana has specific laws and regulations for reporting accidents and being prepared to take the right steps after an accident can reduce stress during an already overwhelming time. Here's everything you need to know to report a car accident to the insurance company in Louisiana.

Step 1: Ensure Your Safety and Report the Accident to Authorities

The first thing to do after a car accident is to check if anyone is injured and ensure everyone's safety. Call 911 to report the accident to local law enforcement. In Louisiana, you are legally required to notify the police if the accident involves injuries, death, or property damage. This step is crucial because the police report will document details about the accident and may serve as important evidence later.

Once the authorities arrive, give an accurate and honest account of what happened. Avoid admitting fault, as this could affect how insurance companies handle the claim.

Step 2: Gather Information at the Scene

Before leaving the scene of the accident, collect as much information as you can. This includes:

1. Contact Information: Get the name, address, phone number, and driver's license number of all drivers involved.
2. Insurance Details: Exchange insurance information, including the name of the insurance company and the policy number.
3. Vehicle Information: Note the make, model, license plate number, and registration details of all vehicles involved.
4. Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.
5. Photos and Videos: Use your phone to take pictures of the damage to all vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These visuals can be critical when filing your report.

Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company

Once you've left the scene and made sure you're safe, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Most insurance companies have 24/7 hotlines for filing claims. Be ready to provide the following details:

• Your name and policy number.
• The date, time, and location of the accident.
• The other driver's information, including their insurance details.
• A summary of what happened.

Stay factual and concise during this conversation. Avoid speculating about who was at fault or giving unnecessary details.

Step 4: File a Claim with the At-Fault Driver's Insurance

Since Louisiana operates under a fault-based system, you'll need to file a claim with the other driver's insurance company if they were responsible for the accident. Provide the same information you gave your own insurer, including:

• The police report or case number.
• Contact information for witnesses.
• Photos and videos you took at the scene.

Be cautious during conversations with the other driver's insurer. Their goal is to minimize payouts, so they might ask questions that could affect your claim. Stick to the facts, and don't feel pressured to accept a settlement until you understand the full scope of your damages.

Step 5: Keep Records of All Expenses

After the accident, keep track of any costs you incur. This includes medical bills, vehicle repairs, rental car expenses, and even lost wages if you had to miss work. Louisiana law allows accident victims to recover these types of damages, but you'll need documentation to support your claim.

Save all receipts, invoices, and any correspondence with the insurance companies. This will strengthen your case if there's a dispute over the amount you're owed.

Step 6: Be Aware of Louisiana's Time Limits for Claims

Louisiana has specific deadlines for reporting car accidents to insurance companies and filing lawsuits if needed. If you need to file a personal injury lawsuit, Louisiana's statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of the accident if the accident occurred on or after July 1, 2024. If the accident occurred before July 1, 2024, there is a one year deadline from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering damages.

Step 8: Follow Up on Your Claim

Once you've filed your claim, stay in regular contact with the insurance adjuster assigned to your case. Respond promptly to requests for additional information and keep a record of all communication.

If your claim is denied or you feel the settlement offer is too low, you may need to take further steps to protect your rights. This is especially true if you've been injured and are facing significant medical bills or lost income.

Contact a Slidell Louisiana Car Accident Attorney

If you've been injured in a car accident in Louisiana, and are struggling to get fair compensation, you don't have to handle it alone. At Delsa Law Firm, LLC, we understand the challenges you may be facing and can help you explore your legal options.

For a consultation about your rights and next steps, contact Delsa Law Firm, LLC by calling (985) 882-1222 or use our contact form to set up a free, confidential consultation.