Should You Call the Police After Every Car Accident in Louisiana?

In this article, you can discover…

• Whether you are legally required to call the police after an accident in Louisiana.
• What to say (and not say) to the police at the scene of an accident.
• The evidence you should gather, if possible, after a car wreck.

Am I Legally Required To Call The Police After A Car Accident In Louisiana?

Yes, Louisiana law requires drivers to immediately report any vehicle crash that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 to local police, a sheriff, or state police. If you fail to report an accident or do not file a written statement within 24 hours, this can lead to fines and even jail time.

Minor fender benders where damage is clearly under $500 and where no one was injured do not legally require police notification. However, calling the police even in less serious incidents is still highly recommended for insurance purposes.

Can I Still File An Insurance Claim If Police Were Not Called To The Accident Scene?

Yes, you can still file an insurance claim if the police are not called to the accident scene. However, having a police report as an official, unbiased record can speed up the process and help prove the validity of your account of the accident. You can still file your own documentation, such as photos, witness statements, and exchange driver information to prove the claim, but an initial police report is always helpful.

Without a police report, insurance adjusters may be more skeptical of your claim, potentially leading to delays or a higher likelihood of your claim being denied or contested. If you notice injuries or serious pain days after the accident, it’s going to be harder to prove that they are related to the crash without the initial police report.

Louisiana’s Husband and Wife Legal Team, Jeffrey Gennusa and Ana Rodrigues Gennusa of the Gennusa Firm in Louisiana are diligent, tireless personal injury attorneys. With over 30 years of combined experience, they’ve helped clients just like you collect key evidence after a car accident, file claims in a timely manner, and ensure the incident and its impacts are properly documented.

Have questions, or in need of legal guidance after a car wreck? Reach out to the Gennusa Firm for a FREE initial consultation today.

What Information Should I Provide, And Avoid Providing, To The Responding Officer?

The responding officer will ask you if you need medical attention. If you don’t need medical attention, then you will need to provide the officer with your driver’s license and auto insurance card.

The responding officer will then ask you what happened. Tell the truth; tell the officer what happened based on what you saw or heard. Stick to the facts. Avoid guessing as to the cause of the accident, and avoid telling the officer what you heard other people say.

What Evidence Should I Gather Even When Police Are Present At The Scene?

Don’t rely solely on the responding officer to collect evidence and document the scene. Take your own pictures of your car, any other vehicles involved in the wreck, and their license plate numbers. Take pictures that show the weather, road conditions, and lighting where the accident occurred.

Next, gather the names, contact information, and insurance information of all other parties and witnesses. Be sure to note and write down the date, the time of day, and where you were going when the accident took place.

When Should I Consider Contacting A Personal Injury Attorney After A Police Report Is Filed?

Consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is waiting too long to file a claim. In Louisiana, you have two years from the date of the wreck to file a claim or a lawsuit.

But when you wait the entire two years to file, key evidence is lost and potential witnesses forget what happened. Hiring an attorney immediately can help you avoid those pitfalls and many others, such as admitting to the insurance company that you are at fault, not cooperating with your insurance company, and not providing enough documentation for your claim.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on whether you have to call the police after an accident in Louisiana, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (504) 298-1983 today.