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Being in a car accident can be terrifying and confusing. Many victims aren’t sure what actions to take because they are so shaken up by the trauma of the crash. However, you can take a few simple steps to protect yourself and other car accident victims, both physically and financially.
1. Stop the Vehicle
After being in an accident, you should stop your vehicle immediately at the scene of the crash. Louisiana law punishes drivers who flee the scene of an accident under stringent hit and run laws. Drivers who do not stop, exchange information, and offer reasonable aid to accident victims may face criminal charges, including fines and even jail time. If you are the victim of a hit and run driver, you should seek legal representation to recover damages.
2. Seek Medical Attention and Render Aid
After you’ve stopped at the accident scene, you should get to safety and render reasonable aid to victims. First and foremost, you should dial 9-1-1 to get medical help and have emergency vehicles called in. Even if you don’t think you have serious injuries, you should be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible after the crash. The adrenaline rush of the accident can mask the pain of internal injuries, and delaying treatment can cause permanent damage and even death. So seek medical attention right away.
3. File a Police Report
Another essential part of protecting yourself after a crash is filing a report with the police. Law enforcement officials will review the accident scene and provide details that may be critical in a legal case against the at-fault driver. Don’t skip this vital step just because the other driver is a nice person! Talking to the police protects both parties.
4. Gather Evidence
The last step that should take place before you leave the crash scene is to gather evidence of your own. This may include taking pictures of your injuries, damage to the vehicle, and other documentation of the crash. You should also get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information. If the other driver fled the scene, it would be extremely helpful for you to write down their car make, model, and license plate number. You should also get contact information for eyewitnesses if possible.
5. Call a Personal Injury Attorney
Once you are safe, have been examined by a medical practitioner, and are recovering from your injuries, you should reach out to a trusted lawyer who practices personal injury law. An attorney can review the evidence and help determine who was at fault for the accident. Your lawyer will also be a decisive factor when negotiating with insurance companies. Insurers are notorious for offering lowball settlements, hoping victims will take the money and walk away. Your attorney will recognize when an offer is too low and won’t rest until you get a fair deal.
Having a lawyer on your side is critical when bringing a claim against the at-fault driver. They will handle the legal aspects of seeking justice and compensation so you can focus on resting and recovering.
Should You Hire Our Personal Injury Attorneys?
Car accidents devastate individuals and families, both physically and financially. Victims may lose time at work, costing them their jobs, vehicles, and homes. An insurance agent will not recognize the many damages you are suffering because of your crash. But a personal injury attorney like those at our law firm will help you get maximum compensation.
At our law offices, we listen carefully and compassionately to car accident victims to understand what they are going through. We do not rest until every detail is uncovered to find the truth about what happened. We will stand by your side throughout the legal process and ensure you make a complete financial recovery.
Don’t risk your family’s financial future by taking an insurance settlement and walking away. Call our talented legal team today to schedule a free consultation and recover the full damages you deserve under Louisiana law. Call now at 225-263-6194.
