Many people in Louisiana are involved in vehicle accidents every day, from fender benders to much more serious collisions. That’s why it’s important to know what to do after a car accident in Louisiana. You should be aware of key steps after an accident to protect the health and safety of yourself and others, follow state laws, and safeguard your ability to file a car accident claim.
LaCour Law Firm, LLC, can provide immediate legal assistance after an accident.
What Are the Right Steps After a Car Accident in Louisiana?
Car collisions are a frequent cause of injury in Louisiana, with the state having a higher fatality rate than the national average. Crashes here increased from 2023 to 2024, but they remain decreased from 2021, according to the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS).
CARTS data, as of early 2026, also reports that there were about 104,620 property damage-only accidents, 54,930 suspected injury collisions, and 716 fatal incidents. If you are in a crash, it’s important to take the following steps:
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- Assess the situation. There are many levels of severity with car accidents, and any of them can be very traumatic. It’s important to remain calm and assess the immediate state of things, including your well-being, the well-being of others, and the vehicle’s positioning.
- Get to safety. Getting to safety can differ based on your situation. If the vehicles are in working condition, it may be necessary to drive them to the roadside so they don’t cause additional issues and hazards in traffic. If vehicles cannot be moved, it is more important to move yourself and others to a safer location near the scene of the accident.If someone can’t move themselves from the vehicle, you likely should wait for emergency responders to remove them, as you could worsen existing injuries. Only move them if they are in immediate danger.
- Call for help. Call 911 to report the collision and any injuries you know of. It is state law to report any accident that causes injury, death, or a certain level of property damage. It’s also better to report the crash anyway, just to be safe. The police report is important initial evidence. Reporting injuries also gets emergency responders to the scene. Do not leave the scene of the accident. You could be charged with a criminal hit-and-run offense.
- Document the accident. While you wait for emergency responders, it may be a good time to take photos and videos of the crash site, the damage to the vehicles, and your injuries. If there were any eyewitnesses, get their contact information. Take note of the area of the accident, whether any nearby businesses have CCTV, or if there are traffic cameras in the area.
- Exchange information. You should also exchange information with the other driver or drivers in the accident. This includes contact information, insurance information, their license plate number, and other vehicle information.
- Get medical treatment. When emergency medical responders arrive, get medical care. Do this even if you think you aren’t injured. Adrenaline and shock can hide some injuries, and other injuries can be slow to develop. Medical providers will know what to look for and get you the treatment you need.
- Provide a report. When prompted, give information for a police report to the responding officer. Tell the truth, and don’t speculate. Take note of the responding law enforcement officer. They may be from the:
- Louisiana State Police
- City police department, like the Alexandria Police Department
- Parish sheriff’s office
This is important because it helps you secure the police report for your car accident case later.
- Get additional medical care. In addition to emergency treatment, you should get a further medical assessment. A medical provider in a facility likely has resources to check for injuries that emergency providers don’t. This treatment protects your well-being and creates better documentation of your injuries.
- Hire a car accident lawyer. Reach out to a lawyer who can protect your rights and handle the insurance companies on your behalf.
If you are seriously injured in the accident and cannot take these steps, that’s okay. Your priority should be your own well-being and getting the medical treatment you need.
FAQs
What Is the New Law in Louisiana for Car Accidents?
There are new car accident laws in Louisiana that impact you, both after a crash and when filing a claim. One of these changes the comparative fault laws. Now, you can be barred from recovering compensation if you are over half at-fault for an accident. Another change is to the “No Pay, No Play” law. That law prevents those without car insurance from recovering damages until those damages reach a certain threshold. The new measure increases this threshold.
Can a Car Accident Cause Spinal Stenosis?
A car accident could cause spinal stenosis, as the trauma from the collision can cause numerous back injuries, including a narrowing of the spinal tunnel. Car accidents can also worsen an existing spinal stenosis condition.
After a car crash, it is always crucial to get medical treatment from emergency responders, your provider, or a nearby hospital. This treatment supports your well-being and makes it easier to connect your injury to the incident.
What Is the First Thing You Do After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, the first thing you should do is ensure the safety of yourself and others. This may include moving vehicles out of the way or getting yourself and others out of vehicles that cannot be moved. Only move someone who can’t move themselves if they are in immediate danger. Then, you should call and report the accident and the injuries you are aware of. This gets law enforcement and emergency medical providers to the scene.
What Should You Not Say to Your Insurance Company After an Accident?
You should not admit fault or even speculate on who was at fault when talking to your insurance company after an accident. Don’t downplay or minimize the damages from the accident. Report the facts of the accident, and then get in touch with a Louisiana car accident attorney. If you are contacted by the other driver’s insurance, do not talk with the company without a lawyer.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Louisiana
LaCour Law Firm, LLC, has years of legal experience, including substantial trial experience. Reach out to our firm today.
