WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT?

Auto accidents are scary. It is easy to panic, but panicking will only make the situation worse — breathe.

Here is a guide on what you should do when involved in a car accident:

• Don’t move your vehicle. You should never leave the scene of a motor vehicle accident until a proper accident report has been made. It is important, especially when determining who was at fault, not to move your vehicle. You will be tempted to move out of the way of traffic, but as long as you are safe to exit the vehicle, put your car in park where it is.
• Put on your flashers. For the safety of yourself and other vehicles, turn on your flashing lights and, if you have them, place traffic cones around the scene of the accident.
• Call the police and an ambulance, if needed. Next, you will need to call the police to come out and complete an accident report. If anyone is hurt, the police will dispatch an ambulance to the scene as well. Even if the accident was minor, it is best to have the police file a report so that you have an official report for your insurance provider.
• Take pictures. The more documentation of the accident you have, the easier it is for the police and insurance companies to determine who was at fault. In the state of Louisiana, more than one driver can be held responsible. Pictures of the accident, both vehicles, and the surrounding area can prove useful in a case of he said/she said.
• Exchange information. The police officer on scene should include all relevant information from both drivers in the accident report. Make sure you receive the other person’s full legal name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance provider.
• Don’t accept blame. It is natural to apologize after a car accident but doing so may imply that you are accepting full responsibility for the accident. Leave blame to be determined by the insurance companies. You should still be polite and considerate of the other driver, but don’t apologize.
• Fill out a detailed accident report. Once the police arrive to take statements, make sure your account is as detailed as possible. If you are not certain about specific details, tell the police officer. Do not guess or estimate facts. If you are unsure, respond with: “I’m not sure,” rather than “yes/no.”
• Seek medical attention, if needed. Sometimes, injuries sustained in a car accident are not apparent until the next day or two. Don’t decline medical attention unless you are certain that you are uninjured. If you were ever unconscious or dizzy, go to the hospital immediately due to a possible head injury. If you require medical attention, keep a file of all medical reports and invoices.
• Call your insurance company. Louisiana requires all motorists to have auto insurance. If you have been involved in a car accident, notify your insurance company right away so that the investigation process can begin. If you need a rental vehicle, medical attention, or car repair, the sooner you file a claim with your insurance, the sooner these expenses can be covered by insurance rather than paying out of your own pocket.
• Consult a car accident attorney. Insurance companies want to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. To guarantee you are not being settled out of full compensation for a car wreck, call experienced Shreveport auto accident attorney, Josh Clayton. A free legal consultation can only benefit you by allowing you to know all your legal options and rights.

AUTO ACCIDENT STATISTICS

• In 2016, approximately 40,000 people died in the United States as a result of a motor vehicle crash.
• There was an estimated 4.6 million people who sustained serious injuries in a car wreck.
• A 2016 report shows a total of 49,785 accidents with injuries in Louisiana.
• Bossier Parish accounts for 1,305 of these injury crashes, with 3,046 in Caddo Parish.