What to Do After a Car Accident That Is Not Your Fault in Louisiana

There’s so much happening after a car crash that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, knowing what to do after a car accident that is not your fault in Louisiana can be critical for safeguarding your rights.

At Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, we’ve helped countless Louisiana drivers navigate the aftermath of serious accidents. Our team knows how stressful it can be, and we can explain your options and rights under Louisiana car accident laws. We can also fight to secure fair compensation for your losses.

About Us

Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, stands out in Louisiana for its dedication, precision, and proven success. Our award-winning attorneys provide aggressive representation backed by over 50 years of experience. We’re relentless when advocating for our clients, having secured substantial recoveries and trial verdicts, including an exceptional $91 million outcome.

What to Do After a Car Crash

If you are involved in an accident that was not your fault, you should begin taking several steps to preserve your health and bolster any legal claim you might wish to file.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Report the Accident

Right after a crash, try to move to a safe spot if you can, and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor. A police report is an important record of what happened, and it can be vital for your car accident claim later on. Don’t leave the scene until the officers arrive and you’ve exchanged contact and insurance information with the other driver.

Step 2: Gather Evidence at the Scene

Evidence can disappear quickly, so take plenty of photos and videos of everything, like:

• Vehicle damage
• License plates
• Skid marks
• Traffic signals
• Any visible injuries

Be sure to get the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident, as their statements can establish who was at fault.

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel okay, it’s important to see a doctor after an accident. Some injuries, like concussions or whiplash, might not show up right away but can get worse over time. Getting checked also documents your injuries while also directly connecting them to the crash.

Waiting too long to get treatment can give the insurance company a reason to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as you can after the accident. Even if it wasn’t your fault, your insurer might need to open a claim or communicate with the other driver’s insurance company. Stick to the facts when describing what happened, and avoid making assumptions or admitting fault. Keep in mind, their main goal is to minimize what they have to pay, so anything you say could be held against you. Also, don’t accept any settlement or sign any documents.

Step 5: Keep Track of All Expenses and Losses

After the accident, keep track of every expense related to your injuries and any damage to your vehicle. This includes:

• Medical bills
• Prescriptions
• Lost wages
• Travel expenses for appointments
• Repair estimates

Having a detailed record allows your attorney to determine the full value of your car accident claim.

Step 6: Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

With over 2.44 million people injured by car accidents in 2023, the average liability claim totaled only $26,000, while the full cost of a non-lethal accident averages $162,000.

Even though some minor car accidents could be handled without a lawyer, most cases that involve injuries benefit greatly from professional legal representation. If there’s any dispute over who’s at fault, or if your injuries are serious, it’s usually in your interest to hire a car accident lawyer.

At Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, our attorneys have years of experience in navigating Louisiana car accident laws and negotiating with insurance companies. We can gather evidence, handle all the paperwork, and fight for full compensation through settlement or, if needed, in court.

Our team can also calculate the true value of your car accident claim, protect you from tricky insurance tactics, and guide you through the legal process so you can focus on your recovery with confidence.

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a car accident claim. This short deadline, known as the statute of limitations, applies to both personal injury and property damage claims. If you do not file within this timeframe, you might lose your legal ability to pursue compensation. Acting quickly and consulting an attorney can make sure your case meets all filing requirements.

What Should I Do If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you could still recover compensation through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This policy helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. If you don’t have UM coverage, our team can explore other available options, like filing a civil claim directly against the at-fault driver.

Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially at Fault for the Crash?

Yes, you can still recover damages, even if you bear partial fault for the crash. Louisiana uses a pure comparative fault system, which means you’re assigned a percentage of responsibility for the accident. Your compensation is then reduced by that percentage. Our team can minimize your percentage of fault so that you get the most from your case.

Do I Always Have to Go to Court to Resolve My Car Accident Claim?

No, you don’t always have to go to court to resolve your car accident claim. Many car accident claims are resolved through negotiations and settlements out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation or disputes liability, our team might recommend filing a claim. Even then, most cases are settled before trial.

Contact Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC

If you were injured in a crash that wasn’t your fault, don’t wait to get help. The team at Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, understands how stressful the aftermath of an accident can be. We can represent you throughout your car accident claim to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Our firm proudly represents clients throughout Louisiana, so let our team stand by your side, assert your rights, and demand accountability from those responsible for your injuries.

Contact Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, today to schedule a consultation.