Whether you’ve been involved in a minor fender bender or a serious crash, the aftermath of a car accident in Baton Rouge is never easy to deal with. Despite the stress of the situation, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure that you maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. With the right checklist, you can put yourself in the best position to make it through the aftermath protected. We’ve broken down what you can do after a car accident in Baton Rouge in order to protect your right to compensation.
Make Sure You’re Safe
The first step directly after any accident is to worry about your own health and safety. If you think you may be seriously injured, don’t try to move unless you’re in immediate danger or need to contact emergency services. If you can move, however, safely try to move your vehicle out of traffic. Regardless of whether you can move your vehicle, always turn on your hazard lights or do something to make yourself visible to other drivers.
Call the Police
In the state of Louisiana, you must call the police if the accident results in an injury, death, or at least $500 worth of property damage. Whether an injury is worth mentioning or the damage totals at least $500 isn’t always clear, so it’s best to call the police regardless. You’ll need them to file a report of the accident anyway, as that’s key to any potential lawsuit, especially if the other driver doesn’t have insurance.
Gather Evidence
Insurance companies rarely pay out the full amount you’re owed from the beginning, so you’ll need to gather evidence to help with your case. The first bit of evidence you need is your own thoughts. In the aftermath of a stressful event, it’s easy to forget details. Write them down as soon as you can so you don’t forget. Be sure to gather information from the other driver and any witnesses. Finally, take pictures of the accident to document any damage as well as license plates and tread marks.
Call Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company will need to know about your accident. Call them as soon as you can. They’ll want to check all the evidence, so you can send along any notes and pictures you took. Remember to stick to the facts and don’t editorialize. Later on, when the police report is available, you’ll want to send that along with any medical bills you may have obtained. Just don’t be in a hurry to accept any settlements they offer without talking to your team at Gauthier Amedee first.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys at Gauthier Amedee
If you’re looking for a dedicated and trustworthy car accident attorney in Baton Rouge, Gauthier Amedee is ready to step up to the plate and fight for every penny you’re owed. With our years of experience, we’ll go to bat for you against insurance companies to ensure that you’re in the best position to get the compensation you deserve for any damages suffered. Get started with a free case review today by filling out our easy online form, or by calling 225-647-1700.
