Partner at Charbonnet Law Firm LLC
Practice Areas: Life Insurance Disputes
A car accident can leave you standing on the side of the road wondering what you are supposed to do next. You may be shaken up, unsure if you are hurt, and trying to figure out what to say to the other driver.
That is why the first few minutes matter. You do not need to have everything figured out, but the choices you make at the scene can make things easier later. And once you are somewhere safe, you can always consult a New Orleans car accident attorney if you have questions about what happens next.
So, what should you actually do after a crash? Let’s walk through it step by step.
After a crash, call 911 first. If anyone is hurt, the dispatcher can send medical help. The police can also come to the scene and document what happened. Tell the dispatcher where you are and what you can see, then stay on the line until they tell you it is okay to hang up.
In New Orleans, the police may investigate the crash and prepare a report. That report can be helpful later because it may include where the vehicles were, what the drivers or witnesses said, and other details from the scene. Those details can be harder to sort out once everyone has left and memories start to fade.
If you can move around and the scene is safe, take photos before the cars or anything else gets moved. You may not get another chance to capture these details.
Take pictures of:
Take a few wide shots to show the whole scene, then get closer for the details. Clear photos of the road, vehicles, and surrounding area can help show what the scene looked like when the crash happened.
Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance details. If possible, take photos of their license and insurance card instead of writing everything down.
Keep the conversation simple. Do not argue about fault or say “my fault,” even if you are upset. Stick to exchanging information and let the police and insurers sort out what happened.
If someone saw the crash, ask for their name and phone number before they leave. You can also note where they were when the crash happened. A witness may be helpful later if the drivers give different versions of what happened.
If you did not get a witness’s information at the scene, do not assume it is too late. A lawyer may be able to find people who were nearby and get their account later.
Look around the scene for cameras that may have recorded the crash. Nearby businesses, homes, traffic cameras, and other vehicles may have useful footage.
Try to find out about the footage as soon as possible. Some systems automatically record over older video within a few days. Note where the camera is located and the approximate time of the crash. If you cannot get a copy yourself, ask the owner to preserve it. An attorney may also be able to request the footage later.
Avoid posting about the crash, your injuries, or your claim. Insurance companies may look at your social media accounts, and even an innocent post could be taken out of context.
For example, saying you are “fine” or posting a photo of yourself being active could be used to question your injuries. It is safer to keep the accident and your recovery off social media while your claim is pending.
Even if you feel fine after the crash, see a doctor as soon as you can. Some injuries, including concussions and other brain injuries, may not cause clear symptoms right away. Getting checked early can help identify an injury and make sure you get the right treatment.
Prompt medical care can also help with your claim. Your medical records show when you were examined and what the doctor found after the crash. This can matter if an insurance company later questions whether the accident caused your injuries.
Keep your medical records, bills, prescriptions, and other treatment documents. They may be useful later.
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
| Call 911 | Report the crash and request help | Creates an official record |
| Take Photos | Capture cars, injuries, signs, road, and weather | Preserves evidence |
| Exchange Info | Get driver and insurance details | Identifies everyone involved |
| Get Witnesses | Collect names and phone numbers | Supports your account |
| Check for Footage | Look for nearby cameras or dash cams | May show what happened |
| See a Doctor | Get checked and keep your records | Connects injuries to the crash |
| Keep Notes | Record pain, treatment, and daily impact | Helps document your recovery |
Photos, witnesses, and video can help show what happens when drivers disagree about fault. That matters because Louisiana reduces damages based on a person’s share of fault.
For crashes on or after January 1, 2026, a person found 51% or more at fault cannot recover damages. If they are less than 51% at fault, their recovery is reduced by their share of fault. Crashes before that date follow the older pure comparative fault rule.
Good documentation can help preserve the facts and support your version of what happened.
Yes, you must report certain crashes, including those involving injury, death, or property damage over $500.
Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, debris, skid marks, and the surrounding scene.
Do not admit fault or apologize. Simply exchange information and let the police and insurance companies determine what happened.
You may still be able to find witnesses, obtain camera footage, and get the police report after the crash.
For crashes from July 1, 2024 onward, Louisiana generally gives you two years to file a lawsuit for personal injury.
Yes. Some injuries take time to appear, so an early medical check can protect your health and document your injuries.
A crash can leave you dealing with injuries, insurance calls, and questions about what happens next. Having the right evidence and understanding your legal deadlines can make a difference in how your claim moves forward.
If you or a family member was injured in a crash, Charbonnet Law Firm can help you understand your options. Our attorneys have represented injured people in New Orleans for three generations, and consultations are free.
Call (504) 888-2227 to discuss your accident and what you should do next.
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.
