What does a driver need to do immediately after an accident in Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge, LA – The moments following an accident can be crucial for both the purposes of treating injuries and documenting the collision for insurance claims or lawsuits. Drivers should be aware that there are certain standard procedures that increase their likelihood of success and recovery. It is in their financial interest to follow all of these steps closely.

Remaining at the scene

Leaving the scene of a car accident is a crime in Louisiana and all other states. Even if the accident appears to be very minor, the driver should at least stop and exchange information with the others involved before leaving. If the people involved agree that the accident appears very trivial, they can move on without filing an insurance claim. However, the drivers may not be protected if injuries or car problems appear later and they did not initially contact the police or their insurance company.

Contacting emergency services or police

If there appears to be any kind of property damage or injuries to anyone involved, it is important to contact the local police or call 911. The police officers on the scene will begin to conduct an investigation of what possibly caused the accident. This can be very important for anyone who wants to try to file a lawsuit at a later time if they want to prove that the other driver was at fault. The formal accident report often offers insight about who was responsible for the collision and other important facts such as the time, place, and extent of the damage.

Getting in touch with an insurance company

All commercial insurance providers require their customers to report their accidents as soon as realistically possible. The driver should call the provider as soon as they are safe and able to do so. The insurance company will likely ask for basic details such as who else was involved and where and when the crash happened. They will also send an adjuster to review the damage to the vehicles if any property or collision damage is reported.

Drivers should be aware that despite these procedures, the insurance company ultimately has the discretion to choose to pay claims or not. This can be especially frustrating for drivers who have been paying for coverage in case of a collision. Many lawyers who focus on accidents help clients when the insurance process is not helping them.

Speaking with a local lawyer after a collision

Personal injury lawyers assist their clients with holding the person or business responsible for their injuries accountable through a civil lawsuit. Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf are experienced attorneys who work on these types of cases in Baton Rouge and other parts of Louisiana.

Firm contact info:

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf

3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

225-343-2205