So, you've been involved in a car accident. First, take a deep breath and at least be thankful you have the E Team to walk you through the exact do’s and don'ts of a car accident in Louisiana. Trust that if you follow these steps, you will better protect yourself and your case. That's the E Guarantee!

Immediately After an Accident

Get Out of the Way

For the safety of all parties involved, it is important to get out of the road as quickly and safely as possible. In Louisiana, it's the law to move vehicles out of the roadway after a crash. There’s no need to be in a big rush; moving too quickly could lead to a “hit-and-run” charge. 

Safety First

If anyone is injured, it is crucial to contact emergency services immediately. Medical professionals are best suited to assess and document injuries at the scene. Even if a person feels "okay," it is still wise to get checked out. Sometimes injuries can sneak up. Whiplash and concussions are no joke, and health should be the top priority.

Call the Law

Call 911 to report the accident and dispatch police to the location. No matter how minor, driving away from the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor and can lead to hit-and-run charges. The officer will document everything needed for evidence later. Failure to do this can result in a lot of "he-said, she-said."

Exchange Information Not Stories

Take a photo of the other driver’s license and insurance card, but do not discuss the specifics of the accident. This is not the time for a friendly conversation. 

Statements made at the scene can be used against someone in their case. It’s not the time to argue about who is at fault; that’s where E Eric Guirard comes in.

Louisiana has a “comparative fault” rule, meaning a person can still recover damages even if they are partially at fault—as long as they are not more than 50% responsible. So, it’s best to keep things tight-lipped and leave the legal talk to E.

Once the police arrive, document as much information about the accident as possible. If there is a dash camera, the footage can be provided to the insurance company. The police may also request a copy of the video in case of a serious accident.

Document Everything - This Step is Imperative
Take as many photos of the car and the accident as possible. Document the scene around the accident, including skid marks and other important factors that may have contributed to the incident.

Get the name, address, and phone number of the other party involved. Gather every detail about the other vehicle(s), including the make, model, and license plate number.

Be sure to get the names of the police officers and their badge numbers at the scene.

If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. You never know when their statement might save the day and your case.

Post-Accident

Get a Police Report
If police are unable to come to the scene, a person can still file a police report by visiting their local police station or their website. This step cannot be ignored!

Seek Medical Attention
Yes, injuries were mentioned earlier, but even if a person is feeling fine or refused care at the scene, it’s essential to schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible. A medical professional can help determine whether any injuries were sustained and advise on what symptoms to watch for later.

Make the Calls
The insurance company needs to be informed about the accident, but here’s the catch: it is wise to consult an injury attorney, like E Eric Guirard, before making any statements. Insurance companies aren’t in the business of paying clients as much as they deserve. They will often try to settle quickly and for less. That’s where E comes in to ensure clients receive what they are truly owed! It is best to make both calls within 24 hours of the accident.

Final Thoughts
If you made it to the end, you now know how stressful an accident can be. Following these steps will help ensure safety and preserve the case. When clients are ready to take action, E Eric Guirard is just a phone call away 24/7, 365 days a year.