Partner at AKD Lawyers
Practice Areas: Personal Injury
Car accidents in Louisiana can disrupt your day in an instant. One moment, you’re driving, and the next, you’re faced with injuries, vehicle damage, and a flood of questions. Whether it’s a minor bump or a serious collision, the confusion that follows can leave you unsure about what steps to take next. In the middle of the stress, it’s easy to make mistakes that could affect your health, finances, and ability to file a claim.
Knowing the steps to take after a car accident in Louisiana can help you stay calm, protect your legal rights, and avoid costly delays. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to do—from the moment of the crash to filing a claim—so you can feel more prepared and informed. Keep reading to learn how Louisiana law affects your options and what actions can support your recovery.
Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene
The moments after a crash are critical. Your first concern should always be safety—for yourself and everyone involved. If it’s safe, move your vehicle out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you clearly.Under Louisiana law, you’re required to stop and stay at the scene of the accident, even if no one appears to be hurt.
Under Louisiana Revised Statutes §32:398, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death are required to report the incident to law enforcement immediately.
Once you’re safe, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If someone is wounded, make an immediate 911 call. Don’t attempt to move injured people unless there’s an immediate risk, like a fire or another crash.
Gather essential details from all parties involved. This includes names, phone numbers, driver’s license information, license plate numbers, and insurance policy details. Be calm and polite, but avoid discussing fault or blame at the scene.
Use your phone to take photos of vehicle damage, the overall crash site, traffic signs, and road conditions. This evidence would support your claim later.
Reporting and Insurance Notification
After leaving the scene, your next step should be filing a police report if you haven’t done so already. In Louisiana, it’s required to file a report for any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more.
Louisiana follows a comparative fault system; It implies that your salary may be lowered in proportion to your level of responsibility. Even if you’re 30% at fault, you may still recover 70% of your damages.
Next, notify your insurance company. Don’t delay—some policies require immediate notification. Provide clear facts about what happened, but avoid admitting fault. If you have photos, contact information from witnesses, or a police report, share that with your insurer.
Seek Medical Attention and Track All Expenses
Even if you feel fine, it’s still smart to get checked out by a doctor. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma don’t always show up right away.
Delayed symptoms such as back pain, concussions, or PTSD may not appear immediately after a crash. Always seek a full medical evaluation after an accident, even if you feel fine.
Keep records of every medical visit, prescription, and diagnosis. If you miss work due to the crash, log those lost wages. Also, keep receipts for car repairs, towing, and rental cars.
These records help prove your damages if you decide to file a personal injury claim or negotiate a settlement.
Know the Laws That Affect Your Case
Louisiana has specific laws that impact how car accident claims are handled. One of the most important is the state’s comparative fault rule.
You typically have a year in Louisiana from the date of an automobile accident to make a personal injury claim. If you miss this date, you will no longer be eligible for reimbursement. .
This means you can still seek compensation even if you were partly responsible for the crash. However, your final award will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Louisiana also sets a strict deadline to take legal action. You have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you likely won’t be able to pursue compensation through the courts.
Additionally, Louisiana requires minimum insurance coverage of $15,000 for bodily injury per person and $30,000 per accident, plus $25,000 for property damage.
According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, the state mandates a minimum of $15,000 in liability coverage per person injured, $30,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
When to Call a Louisiana Car Accident Attorney
You don’t always need a lawyer after a car accident, but there are times when it’s a smart move. If you’ve been seriously injured, the other driver denies fault, or the insurance company gives you a low offer, legal help can make a big difference.
A car accident attorney understands Louisiana’s fault laws, evidence requirements, and the tactics insurers use to limit payouts. They can negotiate on your behalf, gather medical records and expert opinions, and build a case that accurately reflects the impact of the crash on your life.
Timeline and Deadlines: What to Do and When
| Step | Action | Deadline / Recommendation |
| Police Report | Required if injury, death, or major damage | Immediately / at the scene |
| Insurance Notification | Report to your insurer | Within 24–72 hours |
| Medical Evaluation | Seek treatment | As soon as possible |
| Track Expenses | Keep records of all costs | Ongoing |
| Personal Injury Lawsuit | File a legal claim | Within 1 year of the accident |
FAQs About Louisiana Car Accidents
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Louisiana?
Move to safety, check for injuries, call 911, and exchange information. Take photos and gather evidence without admitting fault.
Do I need to report every car accident to the police?
You must report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 to the police under Louisiana law.
Can I still get compensation if I was partly at fault for the crash?
Yes. Louisiana uses a comparative fault system. Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in Louisiana?
You have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Should I see a doctor even if I feel fine after a crash?
Yes. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation protects your health and documents the injury for your claim.
Conclusion
A car accident can leave you with many questions and a long to-do list. By acting quickly—reporting the crash, seeking medical care, and understanding your rights under Louisiana law—you can protect yourself legally and financially. If your case is complicated or you’re unsure how to deal with the insurance company. speaking with a car accident attorney can help you move forward with confidence.Please make an appointment for a free consultation with Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Law Firm right now to find out how they can support your future.
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In 2003, after being dissatisfied with the quality of legal care for victims of car accidents, Roderick ‘Rico’ Alvendia sought to establish a new firm focused on providing high-quality legal services to aid injured victims and their families. J. Bart Kelly, sharing Rico’s passion for upholding justice, joined the firm later that year, and established a partnership.
