What To Do After A Car Accident

At Ballay, Braud & Colon, PLC, we understand the confusion and uncertainty that car accident victims face in the hours, weeks and months after a collision. With offices in Belle Chasse, our attorneys represent car and truck accident victims throughout the New Orleans area. To ensure that you receive proper medical attention and the compensation you need and deserve, here are some important steps to take after a car wreck.

Report The Accident

It is always a good idea to report the accident after it happens. The police can make a report, and this report can be used to support your claim for compensation. Additionally, if you or someone else was seriously injured, medical personnel can respond to the scene. You can also notify your insurance company about the accident, but do not give any recorded statements or discuss the accident in detail until you have spoken with a personal injury attorney.

Seek Medical Attention

If you were injured in a car accident, your health should be your top priority. Even if you believe your injury is minor, you should see a doctor as soon as you can. Sometimes minor injuries become worse, and getting appropriate medical attention will start the documentation of your injury, and this documentation can be used to support your personal injury claim.

Also, if you wait to get medical care, the insurance company may try to reduce or deny your compensation, claiming that you were not injured as badly as you are. Keep in mind that a successful personal injury claim can lead to full compensation for medical expenses resulting from the accident.

Gather Information At The Scene

If you are able, you should gather as much information as possible at the scene, including pictures of injuries and property damage. If you are not able to gather this information because of your injury, a passenger may be able to do this for you. All of the following information can be gathered from the parties involved in the accident:

• Names
• Driver’s license numbers
• License plate numbers
• The names of insurance companies
• Insurance policy numbers
• Phone numbers
• Email addresses

If there are witnesses, speak with them and get their contact information. Your attorney can later sort through all of this to determine what information can strengthen your personal injury claim.

Call Ballay, Braud & Colon, PLC

The sooner you call us after an accident, the sooner we can start investigating your case and building a strong claim on your behalf. Keep in mind that the insurance company may be quick to contact you and make a settlement offer, which may not cover the full extent of your injuries. After you contact us, we can handle all communications with the insurance company and work to maximize the amount of compensation you receive — all while you focus on healing.

For a free consultation regarding personal injury matters, contact us online or call us locally at 504-266-0368 or toll free at 800-455-5204. Our Louisiana lawyers advise and represent accident victims throughout Plaquemines, Jefferson and Orleans Parishes.