If you have ever been in a car accident in New Orleans, Louisiana, you may have wondered whether you should call the police. Depending on the circumstances, the parties involved in a collision may be required by law to report their accident to law enforcement. By taking certain steps after a car accident, you can protect your health and legal rights.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Reporting Car Accidents in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana law, you have a legal obligation to report an accident that results in injuries, fatalities, or property damage that exceeds $500. You must report your crash to the local police department or the nearest sheriff’s office or state police station–if it occurred outside of an incorporated area.
Failure to report a car accident when required could result in fines, jail time, and issues with insurance claims.
Other Legal Obligations Following an Accident
According to the same Louisiana statute, the drivers involved in a collision must exchange specific information with one another when prompted. This includes:
- The name and address of the owner and driver of the vehicle
- The license number of the vehicle
- The name of the insurance carrier for the vehicle and the name, address, and telephone number of the insurance agent responsible for managing the policy for the vehicle
Typically, the police officer who responds to the call can collect each driver’s information and give it to the other driver. Additionally, the police department that responded to the call is responsible for creating an accident report for the incident, which is available upon request for a nominal fee.
Reasons That You Should Call 911 After a Car Accident in New Orleans
Besides the legal requirements for reporting a car accident, there are other reasons why you should call 911 after an accident:
You Have Suffered Injuries
Whether you have suffered minor or catastrophic injuries after a car accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. It is possible that you could have delayed symptoms; getting a check-up after a collision can ensure that you receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. You don’t want untreated injuries to make your condition worse than it already is.
You’re Unsure Whether You Have to Report Your Accident
If you have any doubts about whether you have to report your accident, you should report it anyway. This way, you can shield yourself from liability and have peace of mind while an experienced police officer handles the incident.
A Police Report Can Make the Claims Process Easier
Having a crash report for your insurance claim can provide invaluable information that can strengthen your claim. These reports contain information about the identities of the drivers, the cause of the accident, insurance policies, damage to the vehicles, and determinations of fault.
The Accident Is Blocking Traffic
If your accident occurred in the middle of a busy intersection, for the sake of your safety and the safety of other drivers, it would be a good idea to call law enforcement. They can divert traffic, ensure everyone gets proper medical attention, and protect your car and the other driver’s car from further damage.
How a Lawyer Can Help Me
If you were injured in a car crash, an attorney can help you by investigating the accident, calculating your damages, answering your legal questions, and fighting allegations of shared fault. Your lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your accident and injuries.
Contact a New Orleans, LA Car Accident Lawyer from Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in New Orleans, LA today. We have three convenient locations in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette.
We proudly serve East Baton Rouge Parish, Lafayette Parish, Orleans Parish, and its surrounding areas:
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Baton Rouge Office
404 Europe Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70124
(225) 263-4787
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – New Orleans Office
318 Harrison Avenue Suite 107
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70802
(504) 294-3804
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Lafayette Office
1318 Camellia Boulevard Suite 206
Lafayette, Louisiana, 70508
(337) 473-2991