Louisiana Auto Accident Lawyers
Even a minor accident is unsettling, making it difficult to protect your interests immediately afterwards. If you experience a car accident in Louisiana, an understanding of local laws and basic procedures can help you and your attorney protect your rights.
Remain at the scene of the accident
Unless removed from the scene by paramedics, stay at the scene of an auto accident in Louisiana until the police allow you to leave. If unsure about whether to report the accident, err in favor of caution and document and report the accident. If you later become party to an auto accident lawsuit in Louisiana, staying at the scene and documenting as much as possible can only help your case.
Protect the injured
Take care of anyone who seems injured. Try not to move anyone with potential neck or back injuries. Call the police or send someone else to call them, and relay how many people were involved. Use your emergency blinkers, and do everything you can to safeguard the accident scene.
Do not admit fault
You may think the accident was your fault. Even so, do not admit liability. You may be unaware of mitigating circumstances, such as the sobriety of the other driver. Speak only with police officers about the accident, and stick to facts—do not speculate.
Document the accident
Obtain the following information:
- The name, address, insurance information, license plate number, and driver license number of the other driver
- A written description of the accident, including the location and any other details you may recall
- Contact information for witnesses to the incident
- The responding officer’s business card, and an incident number so you can get an accident report later
Obtaining compensation
Louisiana is a fault state, meaning that each party’s insurance pays according to the insured’s degree of fault. That said, insurance companies usually notoriously try to underpay medical and property damage claims. A good Louisiana auto accident attorney can help apply the pressure necessary to win you the compensation you deserve.
Why you need a Louisiana auto accident lawyer
Car accidents usually involve some level of human error. In 2008, of the 820 fatal car accidents in Louisiana, alcohol was a contributing factor in 49 percent of cases and 64 percent of those killed in car accidents did not wear seatbelts. Fender-benders can grow into lawsuits, and losing a loved one to an out-of-control or drunken motorist may necessitate a wrongful death suit.
The Gaar Law Firm consists of experienced automobile accident lawyers in Louisiana. We have winningly represented car accident victims in parishes across the state and in federal court. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
