What To Do After a Car Accident in Lake Charles?

Car accidents happen within a split second, but the actions you take afterward can shape the outcome of your claim. A skilled Lake Charles car accident attorney can help protect your rights and strengthen your case. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Lake Charles can protect your rights and strengthen your case. Don’t let confusion or hesitation put your compensation at risk.

Find Safety and Call for Help

If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location to prevent additional accidents. Lake Charles roads like I-210 often experience heavy traffic, making this step important. Contact 911 if there are any injuries, fatalities, or property damage. Providing accurate details to first responders helps them give prompt medical care and proper documentation of the accident.

Cooperate fully with the authorities. Officers and paramedics need clear information to assess injuries and manage road hazards. Sharing facts calmly can help keep the reporting accurate and improve your position in a claim.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

Recovering as much evidence as possible is one of the most important things you can do after a car accident. There are a lot of ways you can do this, including:

• Photographing the scene. Capture images of vehicle damage, skid marks, road debris, and visible injuries. Streets like Ryan Street in Lake Charles often face congestion, so documenting the scene thoroughly can help establish fault. If your accident involved a pedestrian, documenting these injuries is also important. In 2022, there were over 150 pedestrian fatalities in the state.
• Document road conditions. Heavy rain and frequent storms in Lake Charles can create slick roads. Lake Charles receives about 55 inches of rain a year, which can lead to wet pavement and slippery tires. Photographing these, along with potholes or traffic signs, strengthens your claim.
• Speak with witnesses. Lake Charles draws both locals and visitors. Collecting witness names and contact details at busy locations like Prien Lake Mall or the Golden Nugget Casino can provide key statements from your case.
• Exchange information. Louisiana law requires drivers to share their name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance details. This step is required for both major accidents and minor fender benders.

If you are in Lake Charles city limits, contact the Lake Charles Police Department at (337) 491-1456. For accidents outside city limits, call the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office at (337) 491-3700.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, visiting a healthcare provider can identify conditions that may worsen over time. Symptoms like dizziness or pain may develop hours or days later. Facilities like Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital provide emergency care for crash victims.

Following your treatment plan shows insurers that your injuries are genuine and require care. Louisiana’s strict deadline for filing personal injury claims underscores the need for prompt treatment and proper documentation. Adhering to therapy or prescribed medications shows insurers that your injuries are genuine and require continued care. Detailed medical records strengthen your claim for expenses and other damages.

Notify Your Insurance Provider

Contact your insurer promptly with basic details about the crash. Delaying this step can complicate the claims process, particularly in a state with high claim rates.

Louisiana’s average annual cost of car insurance is $2,230, which is significantly above the national average of $1,370. This is partially because of the number of accidents and claims in the state. Sharing basic details, such as the crash date, location, and involved parties, is often sufficient in the early stages.

Louisiana’s comparative fault rules make timing important since insurers may reduce compensation if your actions contributed to the accident. Avoid making detailed statements about fault before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters may attempt to reduce your claim if you admit responsibility.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

A knowledgeable attorney familiar with Lake Charles roads and traffic patterns can assess your case. Reviewing police reports and other evidence gathered can improve your claim’s strength. An attorney can handle insurance negotiations, evaluate evidence, and guide you through the legal process. Early legal involvement helps protect your rights and helps your claim follow Louisiana’s legal requirements.

FAQs

Q: Should I File an Insurance Claim If I Am Not at Fault?

A: You should file an insurance claim if you are not at fault. Louisiana’s comparative fault system can complicate responsibility determinations, so notifying your insurer protects your ability to recover damages. Your insurer can investigate the claim, determine fault, and help cover expenses. Filing may also reveal issues like uninsured drivers or drunk drivers, especially since Calcasieu Parish had the 6th-highest amount of DWI charges in 2023.

Q: What Are the Correct Steps to Take After You Have an Accident?

A: The correct step to take after you have an accident is to move to a safe location if possible. Contact 911 if injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage occurred. Photograph the scene and gather witness details. Seek medical care, then notify your insurer and consult an attorney before making detailed statements. These steps help protect your claim.

Q: What Should You Do If You Slightly Bumped a Car?

A: If you slightly bumped a car or caused other minor damage, Louisiana law still requires exchanging information with the other driver. If the other vehicle is unattended, leave your contact details in a visible place. Reporting the incident to your insurer provides added protection in case the damage is later found to be more severe.

Q: Should I Call the Police Even If No One Was Injured?

A: You should still call the police even if no one was injured if property damage exceeds $500. Even if no injuries are evident, a police report provides a neutral account of the crash. This report can be important if the other driver later claims injuries or disputes responsibility. Filing a report strengthens your claim and protects against false allegations.

Improve Your Position

Taking thoughtful steps after a car accident can help you regain control. Following these guidelines can protect your well-being and improve your ability to seek compensation. If you’re unsure about what to do next after a car accident, speaking with a knowledgeable attorney can help. Schedule a consultation with Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., to discuss your situation.