What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured In a Car Accident in New Orleans?

From physical injuries and emotional distress to mounting medical bills and lost income, a car accident can change your life in an instant. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in New Orleans, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and the steps you should take to protect yourself.

At Crescent City Personal Injury, we know how difficult this time can be. Our New Orleans car accident lawyers, led by John Radziewicz, have extensive experience helping accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. We guide our clients through the legal process, fight back against insurance companies, and ensure they receive the justice they deserve.

This blog will discuss the critical steps to take after a car accident, the legal protections available under Louisiana law, and how our firm can help you secure the compensation you need.

Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but taking the right steps immediately after the crash can protect both your health and your legal rights. Knowing what to do in these critical moments can make a significant difference in your recovery and any potential personal injury claim.

Your health and safety should always be your top priority. If you are seriously injured, call 911 immediately and wait for emergency responders. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not be immediately noticeable but can worsen over time.

Under Louisiana law (La. R.S. 32:398), drivers involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 must report the crash to the police. The responding officers will create an official accident report, which is a crucial piece of evidence in your injury claim.

An official police report is essential for documenting the accident. When the police arrive, provide accurate details, but avoid admitting fault or making speculative statements.

You can request a copy of your New Orleans accident report from the Louisiana State Police or the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). This report will contain important details about the accident, including who was involved, witness statements, and the officer’s assessment of fault.

If you are physically able, try to collect evidence at the accident scene, including:

• Photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries
• Contact information of the other driver(s) involved
• Names and phone numbers of witnesses
• Insurance and vehicle registration details

This evidence will help establish liability and strengthen your injury claim. If you are unable to gather evidence due to your injuries, a trusted friend, family member, or your attorney can assist with this step.

Louisiana follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is liable for damages. Under La. R.S. 22:1295, all drivers in Louisiana must carry minimum liability insurance coverage:

• $15,000 for bodily injury per person
• $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

If another driver caused your injuries, you can file a claim against their insurance to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, making it essential to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side.

In some cases, more than one driver may share fault for an accident. Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule (La. C.C. Art. 2323), meaning your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault. For example, if you were 20% responsible for the accident, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%.

Insurance companies frequently use this law to shift blame onto victims, which is why legal representation is crucial in disputed claims.

Louisiana has a strict one-year statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit (La. C.C. Art. 3492). This means you have only one year from the date of the accident to file a claim for compensation. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover damages.

Since gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and preparing a strong case takes time, it’s best to consult a New Orleans car accident attorney as soon as possible.

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Burns and lacerations

Even if you feel fine immediately after an accident, some injuries take days or weeks to fully develop. That’s why seeking medical care early is critical for both your health and your injury claim.

Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be frustrating and overwhelming. Many insurers delay claims, deny liability, or offer lowball settlements in hopes that victims will accept less than they deserve.

At Crescent City Personal Injury, we fight for the full compensation you deserve, including:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy)
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering damages
• Property damage repairs
• Wrongful death compensation (if you lost a loved one)

Our legal team investigates your accident, gathers evidence, negotiates with insurers, and if necessary, takes your case to court to ensure maximum compensation.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New Orleans, you don’t have to face this battle alone. At Crescent City Personal Injury, we are committed to helping victims recover and rebuild their lives after a crash.

With extensive experience handling Louisiana personal injury claims, we know how to fight insurance companies and secure the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery.