|
|
Last
Modified on
Sep 10, 2026
Collisions are often chaotic, violent events that can leave drivers and passengers injured, disoriented, and unsure of what to do next. Understanding what to do after a crash on I-10 in Metairie, LA, can help you protect your safety and lay the groundwork for a successful injury claim that compensates you for the harm and setbacks that you endured.
Steps to Take After an I-10 Accident in Metairie
The aftermath of a collision along a busy highway can leave you shaken and unsure about your next steps. Your top priority should be to focus on your safety and the safety of those in your vehicle. Serious collisions that involve an injury should be reported to law enforcement by calling 911. If your vehicle is still operational, move your vehicle away from traffic and wait for paramedics to arrive.
Allow EMS to examine you for injuries, even if you do not think that you may be seriously hurt. Follow these steps to protect yourself and prepare for the injury claims process:
- Move away from active traffic if you can do so safely.
- Call 911 and report the collision.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Take photographs of the vehicles, damage, roadway, and surrounding area.
- Obtain contact information from eyewitnesses.
- Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the crash.
- Seek follow-up medical treatment for any injuries or symptoms.
- Contact an attorney to discuss your rights and options for pursuing compensation.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office allows drivers to request a traffic accident report online or in person through its Central Records Section. Accident reports cost $7.50, and in-person requests can be made at the Westbank Administration Complex, 1233 Westbank Expressway, Building A, in Harvey, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After an I-10 Accident
Car collisions are far from uncommon in the area. In 2024, Jefferson Parish recorded 3,123 crashes that left 4,480 people injured, along with 23 fatal crashes that claimed 24 lives, according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. As an at-fault state, anyone who causes a vehicle collision may be held liable for the financial harm they cause others.
A settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier can provide the compensation that you need to pay for medical bills and other financial losses stemming from the collision. Many injured claimants find that dealing with an insurance company leads to roadblocks and efforts to reduce the value of settlement offers.
Without legal support, an adjuster could claim that you caused or contributed to the collision, which could reduce the compensation that you are eligible to receive. They may also downplay the harm you suffered. Delays in the claims process could add stress to an already difficult situation. For these and other reasons, many injured parties turn to an attorney for trusted legal support.
Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
The outcome of your car accident claim could determine whether you have the resources to rebuild or face ongoing financial hardships and setbacks. Establishing negligence is a crucial first step. In 2024, 315,167 people were injured due to distracted driving, for example, and a lawyer can review phone records and eyewitness testimony to determine whether the other driver was on the phone or engaged in another distracting activity in the moments before a crash.
When you hire a car accident lawyer, you remove any guesswork associated with the process of pursuing compensation. Your Metairie car accident attorney can manage the complexities of your case based on their vast knowledge of truck accident laws. If liability is disputed, your attorney can set the record straight by gathering evidence and aggressively pursuing the compensation that you are owed.
FAQs
Should You Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident?
You should call the police when there has been a collision that caused significant vehicle damage or any type of injury. Officers can secure the scene, gather information from the drivers involved, and prepare an accident report. Even when a collision initially appears minor, injuries or vehicle damage may become apparent later, making official documentation of the crash valuable.
What Should You Avoid Saying When Making an Insurance Claim?
You should avoid speculating about fault when making an insurance claim. Stick to the facts you know and avoid guessing about the cause of the collision, your injuries, or other details you are uncertain about. You should also avoid minimizing your injuries or providing a recorded statement without understanding how your comments could potentially affect your claim.
What Evidence Should You Gather After an I-10 Accident?
The evidence that you should gather after an I-10 accident includes photographs and videos of the vehicles, damage, roadway, and visible injuries. You should also obtain contact and insurance information from the other drivers and contact information from witnesses. Police reports, medical records, repair estimates, and available surveillance or traffic-camera footage may provide additional evidence supporting your claim.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Collision on I-10?
After a collision on I-10, you should focus on protecting your safety and that of your passengers. Call 911 if anyone is injured and, when possible, move your vehicle out of active traffic to a safe location. Remain at the scene, exchange information with the other drivers, document the collision, and seek medical attention for any injuries.
Injured in an I-10 Crash? Contact Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC
Knowing what to do after an I-10 collision can protect your well-being and put you in a stronger position when pursuing compensation. Even after you leave the scene, important decisions involving medical treatment, insurance companies, vehicle repairs, and documentation can affect your recovery and injury claim.
Blake Jones Law Firm, LLC, can manage the legal process while you focus on getting your life back on track. Our Metairie car accident attorneys can investigate the collision, preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, and pursue fair compensation for your losses. Contact our legal team today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options after an I-10 crash.
