Partner at Charbonnet Law Firm LLC
Practice Areas: Car Accident, Slip-and-Fall, Work-related Injury
When a car accident happens, it’s natural to feel confused about what to do next. One of the biggest questions drivers in Louisiana often ask is: do you need to report every accident to the police? The answer depends on the situation. Some accidents must be reported by law, while others might not require police involvement. However, there are still good reasons to file a report anyway.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through Louisiana’s accident reporting rules, what happens if you don’t report, and how a police report can help with your insurance claim. Whether it’s a serious crash or a minor fender bender, knowing your rights and responsibilities can protect you later.
Not all car accidents need to be reported, but Louisiana law requires you to call the police in specific cases. According to the Louisiana Revised Statutes RS 32:398, you must notify law enforcement immediately when:
In these cases, waiting too long to report the accident could get you in legal trouble. And even if the damage seems minor, it’s often safer to file a report just in case new issues come up later.
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes RS 32:398, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage over $500 are legally required to report the incident to law enforcement immediately.
You have 24 hours to report your accident to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPSC) if it fits the requirements above. All crash facts must be included in this report.
You’ll need to provide:
If you fail to include all the required information, the DPSC may ask for a supplemental report before accepting your submission. Failure to report such accidents can lead to fines of up to $100 and imprisonment for up to 60 days, as stipulated by Louisiana law.
Even if the accident was minor and didn’t require police presence, all drivers must trade license plate numbers, names, insurance information, and contact details.
Ignoring your legal obligation to report a crash can come with serious consequences. If the accident meets the legal reporting threshold and you don’t follow through, you could face:
In addition to legal trouble, your car insurance company may deny your claim if there’s no official police report. That can leave you responsible for all damages—even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Insurance companies often require a police report to process claims efficiently, especially in cases where the fault is contested.
Even when Louisiana law doesn’t require a report, it’s still smart to file one—especially if there’s any uncertainty about the extent of damage or injury.
A police report helps document what happened and can prevent disagreements down the road.
For example:
Even in minor accidents, filing a police report can provide crucial documentation that may protect against future disputes or claims. A police report creates an official record that insurance companies trust. It helps prove what really happened—especially if the story changes later.
Yes, you can file an insurance claim in Louisiana without a police report—but it’s not always simple.
If you and the other driver agreed not to involve the police and later want to file a claim, you’ll need strong documentation. This includes photos, written statements, and contact information for witnesses.
Still, most insurance companies prefer to see a police report. It can speed up the claims process and reduce the chances of a dispute. While it’s possible to file a claim without a police report, it may complicate the process.
If your claim gets denied or delayed, you may end up needing legal help to move forward.
| Scenario | Reporting Requirement | Scenario |
| Injury or death involved | Mandatory immediate report to law enforcement | Injury or death involved |
| Property damage over $500 | Mandatory immediate report to law enforcement | Property damage over $500 |
| Property damage between $100 and $500 | Written report to DPSC within 24 hours | Property damage between $100 and $500 |
| Property damage under $100 with no injuries | Reporting not legally required | Property damage under $100 with no injuries |
No, but it’s highly recommended. A police report helps prove what happened and can prevent delays or denials from your insurance company.
If the damage is under $100 and no one is hurt, you’re not legally required to report it. However, it may complicate things if the other driver changes their story or files a claim.
If it involves injury or property damage over $500, you should report it immediately. Otherwise, written reports must be sent to the DPSC within 24 hours.
Yes, but it’s harder to prove what happened. Without a police report, you’ll need extra documentation and may face challenges with your insurer.
You’ll need names, driver’s licenses, vehicle and insurance information, and a detailed description of the crash, including conditions and witnesses.
If the other driver denies fault, injuries are involved, or your insurance company isn’t cooperating, it’s a good time to speak with a lawyer.
In Louisiana, not every accident has to be reported to the police—but many should be. If there’s any injury, significant damage, or confusion about who’s at fault, filing a report is the safest move. It can protect your legal rights and support your insurance claim down the line.
Even minor fender benders can turn into bigger headaches if they’re not adequately documented. When in doubt, report the crash. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to handle your case, the experienced team at Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC is here to help guide you.
They understand Louisiana’s accident laws and can help you protect your rights from the start.
With over 50 years of legal experience serving families in the New Orleans area and surrounding Louisiana communities, our firm takes pride in providing clients with personalized legal services tailored to individual needs.
