What Should You Do After a Rear-End Car Accident in New Orleans?

What should you do after a rear-end car accident in New Orleans? After a rear-end accident in New Orleans, you should seek medical treatment right away, file a police report, gather evidence, and hire a New Orleans rear-end accident lawyer before submitting your claim. 

These steps ensure you get the care you need while also protecting your legal rights and the outcome of your rear-end car accident claim.

Medical Care is Essential After a New Orleans Rear-End Accident

Rear-end accidents can cause a variety of injuries that can range from minor inconveniences to catastrophic conditions. The impact from these collisions causes rapid momentum and sudden stopping, which applies pressure to the body and jerks it around. Victims can suffer broken bones, whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, spine and back injuries, and other conditions because of these accidents.  

Waiting to receive treatment can jeopardize your health. It is not uncommon to suffer delayed injuries after a car accident. You may feel fine at first, but adrenaline can block pain receptors, and you may not realize until later that you’re in pain. Some injuries are also not visible without diagnostic tests. This is why you should see a doctor regardless of your condition.

Additionally, failing to see a doctor could also hurt your ability to file a claim or recover your losses. Getting medical care ensures that your losses are documented so insurance companies can offer you a settlement. However, they also look for reasons not to pay you, so they could claim your injuries aren’t severe enough to warrant compensation, or that you’re suffering from a pre-existing condition. 

File a Police Report in New Orleans to Document the Rear-End Collision

Make sure you file a police report after a rear-end car accident in New Orleans. This is a key step so you can officially document the accident. Memories can fade over time, so filling out a report right away while everything is fresh helps during the claim process. The report is also beneficial for documenting the scene of the accident and damage before the collision is cleared and the evidence is gone.

Additionally, Louisiana law RS 32:398 mandates that car accident victims must complete a crash report with law enforcement at the scene of a collision if there are injuries, fatalities, or a minimum of $500 in property damages. If you were involved in a minor rear-end collision that resulted in no injuries, fatalities, or minor damage, you may be able to complete a police report online. 

Regardless of how you file a police report, you should obtain a copy of the document once it has been completed. Follow the directions provided by either the police officer filing the report or the online system for how to request and obtain your copy. You should submit the report to the insurance company when you file a claim, so request the police report as soon as possible. 

Gather as Much Evidence as You Can After an Accident

Evidence is an essential component in your case for supporting your account of what happened, as well as for building a case that shows the other driver’s fault. It’s also particularly beneficial if you are partially at fault, so that you can’t be blamed for additional contributions to the accident. There are many forms of evidence you can use in your case, and you can begin collecting them right away.  

At the scene of the accident, take photos of the scene as a whole, as well as close-ups of the damage to your car, the position of the other vehicle, debris, and your injuries. Phone videos and dash cam footage can help your car accident case as well. If there are witnesses around, speak with them to see if you can get their contact information and if they’re willing to make a statement about the accident. 

In the days and weeks after the accident, continue to gather evidence to strengthen your case. This can include copies of your medical records, medical bills that you’ve received, journals detailing your daily quality of life, and statements from family members or mental health experts. When you hire a lawyer, they can also help you gather less accessible forms of evidence. 

Hire a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer to Help You Navigate Your Claim

When you’re considering what you should do after a rear-end car accident, you should consider hiring a lawyer without delay. Lawyers have extensive legal experience that can help you get better results in your case. Their ability to communicate with insurance companies and negotiate fair settlements is invaluable, so you are protected throughout your case.

While you will need to notify your insurance company about the rear-end collision and then file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, your lawyer can talk to them on your behalf. Insurance companies may try various tactics to minimize or deny your claim, including using your words against you, blaming you for the accident, claiming pre-existing conditions, causing intentional delays, and more.

Lawyers know what signs to look for from the insurance companies and know how to fight back. They can also protect your rights, prepare you for what to expect, and help you secure a settlement offer that covers your losses. Pursuing a claim on your own can seem tempting after an accident, but you could be leaving critical compensation behind. Lawyers work diligently to ensure this doesn’t happen. 

Let Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers Take Your Case From Here

While taking these initial steps after a rear-end car accident is essential, Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the claim process and negotiate a settlement offer that can offset your losses. As we handle the logistics of your case, you can keep your attention on moving forward. 

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation to determine how to proceed after an accident. We also work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.