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Car accidents happen every day on Lafayette roads like Ambassador Caffery Parkway, I-10, Johnston Street, and the Evangeline Thruway. In 2021, Louisiana reported over 40,000 injury crashes and thousands more with property damage alone. When collisions happen, knowing what to do in the minutes and hours afterward can make the difference between a smooth recovery and years of financial stress.
At Brandt & Sherman, our Lafayette car accident lawyers have been helping crash victims for more than 50 years. We know insurers look for reasons to deny or minimize claims, and we know how to protect your rights from the very beginning. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident in Louisiana.
Your health comes first. Check yourself, your passengers, and others involved for injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, call 911 — it’s required in Louisiana if there are injuries, fatalities, or more than $500 in property damage. Emergency responders will:
Delaying medical attention can hurt both your recovery and your case, as insurers may argue your injuries weren’t related to the crash.
If vehicles are blocking traffic on I-10 or a busy Lafayette intersection, move them to a safe shoulder if you can do so without further injury. Turn on hazard lights, and use cones or flares if available. If cars are disabled, remain in a safe location away from traffic until the police arrive.
Louisiana law requires drivers to share identifying and insurance information. Politely exchange:
Keep the conversation brief. Do not discuss fault or say “I’m fine,” as even casual remarks can be twisted by insurers to limit your claim.
Evidence disappears quickly after an accident. Take as many photos and videos as possible of:
Also write down your version of events while details are fresh. Courts and insurers often rely on contemporaneous notes as credible evidence.
Adrenaline often masks pain. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma may take hours or days to appear. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor within 24–48 hours. This protects your health and creates medical documentation crucial to your claim.
Notify your insurance company promptly, but be cautious. Stick to basic facts — the time, location, and vehicles involved. Avoid giving recorded statements without speaking to a lawyer first. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and a single misstatement can be used against you.
Louisiana has one of the shortest filing deadlines in the country — just one year from the date of the crash (Civil Code Article 3492). In addition, as of July 1, 2024, the statute of limitations for most car accident injury claims was extended to two years, but wrongful death and some cases still carry a one-year deadline.
A lawyer can:
Many victims hurt their claims by making mistakes at the scene or shortly afterward. Avoid these common pitfalls:
Louisiana law allows crash victims to recover both financial and personal damages. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but our Lafayette car accident lawyers work with medical experts and economists to calculate the full value of your claim so nothing is left out.
Economic Damages
Non-Economic Damages
Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one is killed in a Louisiana car accident, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages for funeral expenses, loss of support, and companionship.
In extreme cases, punitive damages may be available, such as crashes involving drunk drivers.
For over five decades, families across Lafayette and Louisiana have trusted us to fight negligent drivers and powerful insurers. We know the crash hotspots on Lafayette roads, we’ve tried cases in courtrooms across the state, and we never charge fees unless we win.
Yes. If the crash involves injury, death, or $500+ in damage, state law requires it. Police reports also create critical documentation for your claim.
Yes, most policies require prompt notification. But only give basic details until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Louisiana follows comparative fault rules, meaning you can still recover compensation, but your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
You may be able to recover through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
For most cases, you have one year from the date of the crash. For accidents after July 1, 2024, certain injury claims may allow up to two years. Acting quickly ensures evidence isn’t lost.
For crashes before July 1, 2024, victims generally have one year to file a claim. For accidents after July 1, 2024, most injury cases now allow up to two years. However, wrongful death claims still carry a one-year deadline, making it essential to act quickly.
Yes. Your recovery may be reduced if not wearing a seatbelt contributed to your injuries, but you can still bring a claim against negligent drivers.
Do not give a statement. Refer them to your lawyer. Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts — not to protect your rights.
The moments after a crash are confusing — but you don’t have to go through the process alone. Call Brandt & Sherman for a free consultation with a Louisiana car accident lawyer. We’ll answer your questions, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. You’ll never pay fees unless we win.
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