Knowing what to do after a car wreck in Crowley, LA, can make a significant difference in protecting your health, rights, and ability to recover compensation. The team at Kenny Habetz Injury Law is ready to help you or your loved ones take the proper steps to recover compensation for your losses.
Car accidents in Crowley, Louisiana, can happen in an instant, but their impact can last a lifetime. That’s why you need an experienced Crowley car accident lawyer on your side.
Our firm offers free consultations, so call us today at (337) 329-8883 to schedule a time to discuss your case.
How Kenny Habetz Injury Law Can Help After A Car Accident in Louisiana
Kenny Habetz Injury Law understands that navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. If you’re dealing with injuries or uncooperative insurance companies, you’ll want a dedicated team that knows how these cases work and how to get you the compensation you’re owed.
With over a decade of experience representing car accident victims throughout Louisiana, the Crowley personal injury lawyers at Kenny Habetz Injury Law are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
We take a comprehensive approach to every case, starting with a thorough investigation to determine the cause of your wreck and identify who is legally responsible. Call our Crowley car accident attorneys today to set up a free consultation.
Steps to Take After You’ve Been in a Car Accident
Although no one ever plans to be in a car crash, knowing what to do ahead of time might help you protect your right to compensation should it happen.
Here is what you should do after a car accident in Crowley, Louisiana:
1. Ensure Your Safety and Call 911
Your priority should be your safety. Move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid further collisions if you can do so safely. Turn on your hazard lights and stay calm. Even if the accident seems minor, call 911. Louisiana law requires you to report any crash that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500.
When emergency services arrive:
- Cooperate with police officers and provide accurate details.
- Request a copy or report number for the police report—it will be essential later for your claim.
- If you or anyone else is injured, request medical attention on the scene or go to the nearest emergency room.
Do not risk further injury or property damage. Call for help right away.
2. Document the Accident Scene
The evidence you collect at the scene may be important in establishing liability and securing compensation.
Take these steps if you can do so safely:
- Photograph everything: Capture images of all vehicles involved. Pay attention to any property damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries.
- Get contact information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and addresses of the other drivers, witnesses, and responding police officers.
- Exchange insurance details: Write down the other driver’s insurance company name, policy number, and driver’s license number.
Be careful not to admit fault. Anything you say may be misinterpreted and used against you.
3. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor or an urgent care clinic in Crowley as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately.
Prompt medical care will:
- Protect your health by identifying hidden injuries.
- Create medical records that will support your personal injury claim.
- Show that you took your injuries seriously, which can strengthen your case.
Do not delay treatment for any injuries after your accident.
4. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Louisiana is a fault-based state, meaning the driver who caused your crash will generally be liable for the damages. However, you should still notify your own insurer promptly, even if you were not at fault.
When reporting your accident:
- Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault.
- Avoid recorded statements until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
- Ask about coverage under MedPay, collision, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if applicable.
A Crowley personal injury attorney can help you report an accident to your insurance company.
5. Keep Track of Evidence and Expenses
Start a file to organize all documents related to your accident, which may include:
- Medical bills and records
- Pharmacy receipts
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Proof of lost wages
- Journal entries describing your pain and daily challenges
This documentation will help calculate both your economic and non-economic damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
6. Consider Contacting a Crowley Car Accident Lawyer
Navigating a car accident claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially if you sustained serious injuries or property damage.
An experienced Crowley car accident lawyer can help in several ways, such as:
- Investigating your accident to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine liability
- Calculating your damages for current and future medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic losses
- Negotiating with insurance companies for the full compensation you deserve
- Filing a car accident lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. Retaining an experienced lawyer can show that you are serious about your claim and will not settle for less than you are owed.
Contact Our Crowley Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A car accident can disrupt your life in countless ways, but you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Taking the right steps early can put you in the strongest position possible to recover compensation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, an experienced Crowley car accident attorney can help. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss how we can help you recover damages from your crash.
