Were you hurt in a motor vehicle crash in Baton Rouge or elsewhere in Louisiana? It is crucial that you take immediate action to protect yourself—including your health, well-being, and your legal rights. A car accident can leave you with serious damages—from stacks of medical bills to lost wages to severe pain and suffering. At Babcock Injury Lawyers, we put victims and families first. Your first call should be to an attorney. Here, our Baton Rouge auto accident lawyer explains the steps that you should take if you were involved in a collision in Louisiana. 

Step #1: Stop Your Car, Stay at the Scene, and Exchange Information

The immediate aftermath of a car crash can be truly chaotic. This is where it is crucial to understand your rights and your obligations. We understand that being in a car accident can be incredibly stressful. Your safety comes first. You should stop your vehicle, safely get it out of traffic if possible, and remain at the scene. Take a moment to breathe deeply and try to stay as calm as possible. You should exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the crash. Along with other key information, you should try to get: 

  • Names; 
  • Phone numbers; 
  • Address; 
  • Vehicle make and model; 
  • License plate information; and
  • Insurance policy number. 

Step #2: Report the Car Wreck to the Police

Under Louisiana law, all motor vehicle collisions should be reported to law enforcement. A responding police officer can be dispatched to help control the scene of the collision. Beyond that, reporting the accident helps create an official record of the incident. The police can be a key form of evidence in the car accident claims process. Report your collision to the Baton Rouge Police Department or another state or local law enforcement agency. 

Step #3: See a Physician Right Away to Get Any Injuries Evaluated (Follow-Up Care Too)

Emergency medical needs are the top priority after a car accident. Any non-emergency injuries should also be evaluated (and treated) by a doctor. Your health is worth protecting. You should always seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries might not show immediate symptoms. A doctor can provide a thorough evaluation. You should also attend any recommended follow-up appointments. Without comprehensive medical records, you will not be in a position to get full and fair financial compensation for your injuries. 

Step #4: Proactively Document the Scene of Your Accident

Every car crash in Baton Rouge should be thoroughly documented. Doing so makes it far easier to pursue a personal injury claim. If you are able, take photos of the damage, location, and any relevant details in the surrounding scene. You should also gather the contact details of any person who was a witness to the crash. Finally, write down your own account of what happened. Your notes are evidence. The information you have can help to prove fault and establish liability. 

Why does fault matter so much? We live in a fault-based motor vehicle accident state that operates under a comparative negligence standard. Under Louisiana law (L.S.A. – C.C. Art. 2323), each party to a motor vehicle crash is liable for their share of the blame. To hold any other party legally responsible for your car crash injuries, you must prove fault. If you are held partially at fault, your financial recovery will be reduced by a proportionate share of your degree of fault. 

Step #5: Notify Your Own Insurance Carrier of the Collision

Even if another negligent driver caused your crash and you are preparing a claim against their insurance company, you still generally need to notify your own insurer of the incident. Most likely, your insurance policy will contain terms that require you to notify them of the crash in a timely manner. If you fail to do so, you may be ineligible for certain benefits that may have otherwise been available through your own policy—such as MedPay coverage or UM/UIM coverage. With that being said, do not assume that you can rely on your own insurance company for guidance. They will put their own best interests first. 

Step #6: Get Professional Help From a Baton Rouge Car Crash Attorney

You do not have to take on an insurance company alone after a serious collision. You have the right to hire a top-tier Baton Rouge auto accident lawyer. The right attorney can make the difference in your case. Along with other things, our Baton Rouge, LA, car accident attorney can answer your questions, conduct a detail-focused investigation of your case, and develop a strategy to hold the negligent defendants and their insurance company accountable for paying your claim. 

How Our Louisiana Car Crash Attorneys Can Help You Maximize Your Compensation

Following a bad crash in Baton Rouge, you need compensation to pay your bills and support your family. Louisiana law allows car crash victims to seek financial support for the full extent of their losses—including intangible damages. Unfortunately, you cannot trust any insurance company to look out for your best interests after a crash. At Babcock Injury Lawyers, we go above and beyond to help our clients secure the maximum compensation. You may be able to recover for: 

  • Property loss (automobile repairs); 
  • Emergency medical treatment; 
  • Hospital bills and other health costs; 
  • Rehabilitative care; 
  • Loss of wages and loss of future earnings; 
  • Pain and suffering & mental anguish; 
  • Long-term physical disability; 
  • Reduced quality of life; and
  • Wrongful death of a family member. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Top-Tier Baton Rouge Auto Accident Lawyer

At Babcock Injury Lawyers, our Baton Rouge car crash lawyers fight aggressively for justice. If you or your family member was hurt in a crash, we are more than ready to help. Contact us today for a free, no-strings-attached initial case review. With an office in Baton Rouge, we fight for the rights of injured victims throughout the surrounding region in Louisiana.