What You Can Do After an Accident
- Call the local or state police and wait at the scene of the accident for them
- Request an ambulance if someone needs it
- If your vehicle is in the way of traffic and you can move it, do so, but, if you do, tell the investigating officer that your vehicle was moved and thoroughly describe the scene of the accident to that officer
- Clearly report your accident and injuries to the police officer on the scene
- Exchange names, telephone numbers and addresses with all drivers and passengers involved in the accident
- Exchange insurance information with all drivers involved in the accident
- Get names, telephone numbers and addresses from all witnesses to the accident
- Get the license plate number and the year, make and model of every vehicle involved in the accident
- If you are able, take photos of the site of the accident, your injuries, the vehicles involved, skid marks and anything else that may be relevant
- Do not admit or imply that you were at fault to anyone if you were not
- Do not discuss the accident with people at the scene, other than the police
- Get immediate medical attention at an emergency room or from a medical professional if you think you may have been injured in the accident
- Promptly notify your insurance company of your accident and injuries
- Document and date everything, including all contacts with the insurance companies, and write down the details of the accident as soon as you can
- Get an estimate for the repair of your damaged vehicle with a reputable auto repair shop
- Get a copy of your accident report
- Keep all bills, receipts, estimates, reports, letters and other documents pertaining to your accident and injuries
- You are not required to give a statement to the other driver's insurance company, but, if you do, be careful of what you say and how you say it
- You are required to cooperate with and you may have to give a statement to your own insurance company, but also be careful of what you say and how you say it
- Continue your medical care and treatment until your injuries resolve or you are discharged by your doctor
- Do not sign anything, particularly a Release, without the assistance of an attorney
- Contact an attorney to protect your legal rights
Don't wait. Many types of lawsuits have only a one-year filing deadline. Get started today with a free initial case evaluation by one of our experienced attorneys. Call 877-852-3688 or contact us online.
We can visit you in the hospital or your home if injuries prevent you from traveling to our office. We handle most personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that if we accept your case, you will not pay an attorney's fee unless you recover compensation for your injuries.
Auto Insurance - Why You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Too often people injured in auto accidents are not adequately compensated for their damages by the person responsible for the accident. This is because many people drive without any automobile liability insurance coverage or with only the minimum amount required by their state's law. Therefore, when buying auto insurance, it is important to protect yourself and your family by purchasing a policy that includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, often referred to as "UM" coverage, protects you and your family in the event that an uninsured or underinsured driver negligently causes personal injuries and damages to you in a motor vehicle accident. The cost of such coverage is relatively inexpensive compared to the financial benefit and peace of mind it provides.
A driver who has no liability insurance (uninsured) or who does not have enough liability insurance to pay for all the damages he or she caused (underinsured), can leave you paying all or some of your bills out of your own pocket. Also, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage will protect you in the event that the driver who caused the accident cannot be identified, such as in a hit and run.
Protect Yourself and Your Family
In some states, such as Louisiana, uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory in every automobile liability policy written in the state. Consequently, in Louisiana, if the person purchasing an automobile insurance policy doesn't want uninsured motorist coverage, he or she must specifically reject it. Do not reject or select to lower the limits of uninsured motorist coverage.
The minimum amount of automobile liability insurance coverage that drivers are required to have fluctuates by state. In Louisiana, the minimum is $15,000.00. Check with your state insurance commissioner to find out what the auto insurance coverage requirements are in your state. Also, the amount of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage you can purchase cannot exceed the amount of bodily injury coverage provided by your policy.
Purchase enough insurance coverage to protect you, your family and your passengers. A policy with liability limits of $15,000.00, for example, is minimal. Even if you purchase $15,000.00 of UM coverage, this may not be enough to cover all of your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering caused by an uninsured/underinsured motorist.
