Car accidents happen every day, but fatal wrecks can destroy your life. The recent Louisiana Traffic Records Data Report for 2022 indicated that the state experienced 852 fatal crashes in that year. The fatality rate per 100 million miles traveled fell from 1.76 in 2021 to 1.6 in 2022, which is roughly equivalent to the rate observed in 2020.
Dealing with insurance claims, car repairs, and emergency room visits after a car crash can be overwhelming. At Crescent City Law, our team has years of experience helping accident victims. Attorney John Radciewicz and his team understand that accidents can happen even if you’re careful, often due to someone else’s negligence.
It’s important to know that you don’t have to handle this alone. Our experienced attorneys are ready to defend your rights and ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries and damages caused by at-risk drivers on the road. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the top 5 actions to take if you’ve been injured in a car accident in New Orleans.
5 Steps to Take if You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident
When you’re involved in a car accident, the immediate aftermath can be overwhelming and confusing. Knowing the right steps to take not only ensures your safety but also helps protect your legal rights and financial interests.
Here’s a guide on what to do if you find yourself injured in a car accident:
1. Go to the Emergency Room
If you are involved in an auto accident in New Orleans or anywhere in Louisiana, it’s crucial to get checked out by a medical professional immediately. If you are not transported to the hospital by an emergency vehicle, you have several other options, such as:
- Drive yourself
- Walk
- Take public transportation
- Contact family or friends for a ride
- Call the police, fire department, or an ambulance
Regardless of how you reach the emergency room, it is important to go so you can document any physical pain and distress caused by the accident.
2. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
If you go to the emergency room and see a doctor, make sure to follow the doctor’s orders to recover your health.
The most important thing you can do after being injured is to focus on getting healthy. As you regain your health, you are also creating medical documentation of your recovery, which may be used in your favor if your case goes to court.
3. Report Your Auto Accident to The Authorities
If you are involved in an auto accident, regardless of the damage, it’s crucial to report the accident to the police, especially if you are injured. Call 911 or the local police department. If an ambulance arrives at the scene, ensure that all your injuries, no matter how minor, are checked by an EMT or paramedic.
Before leaving the crash site, here are some things you need to remember:
- Take photos of every vehicle involved
- Ask to get information on the drivers’ licenses of the parties involved
- Exchange insurance information
Also, ensure that you call the police so they can document the incident in a report. These documents will support your claim and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
When you hire a personal injury attorney in New Orleans, you will need to provide as much information as possible, with the police report being a top priority.
4. Personally Document Your Auto Accident Through Notes & Photos
If you intend to seek damages after an accident, it is essential to take detailed notes, specifically the following:
- About the accident
- Everything leading up to the accident
- Everything that happened immediately afterward
Memories fade, but these notes will help you remember exactly what happened so you can accurately recount the details to your attorney later. It’s also a good idea to take photographs if possible.
Here are some things you can do to document the evidence of your car accident:
- Write a quick narrative of everything you remember from before, during, and after the crash.
- Write down everything the other driver said to you or someone nearby.
- Take pictures and videos of the damage to your car.
- Take pictures and videos of the surrounding environment.
- Ask any witnesses for their names and contact information.
An experienced attorney will help in organizing and presenting the evidence and will also negotiate on your behalf and guide you through the legal complexities associated with your case.
5. Call a Personal Injury Lawyer To Help With Your Case
It may seem like a distant possibility now, but once you’re involved in a car accident, it will feel all too real. Hiring a personal injury lawyer to guide you through the insurance and legal processes of seeking compensation is the most crucial step you can take after an accident.
At Crescent City Law, we assist people injured in car wrecks of all kinds. We have the experience and understanding of the New Orleans law necessary to ensure you are fully compensated for your losses.
Contact Us at Crescent City Law Today!
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t face the legal challenges alone. Contact Crescent City Law today to get the dedicated support and representation you deserve. Our team is committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you need to recover.
Schedule your consultation now by calling us at 504-264-9492 and take the first step towards relief and recovery.
Always remember that safety must be a top priority!
