Automobile Accidents

If you have been involved in an automobile accident, we strongly recommend that you take the follow action immediately following your accident:

1. Obtain basic information from any other individuals involved in the accident including their address, phone number, social security number and insurance information.



2. Determine if you believe the other driver may have been drinking or may be intoxicated-- under Louisiana law, you may be awarded punitive damages if the other driver(s) was intoxicated. If you believe the other driver was drinking, insist that the police administer a sobriety test. Also, ask witnesses to note such.



3. Take photographs of the vehicles and accident scene before anyone has moved the vehicles. This may be done with a small disposable camera or even a cell phone camera.



4. Have the police come to the accident scene and complete all necessary paperwork including a full accident report. The police may also cite the other driver for any violations.



5. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem at the time of the accident. This may require a visit to a local emergency room, or a visit to your family doctor the day of, or the day after, the accident.



6. Do not provide any statements to any insurance companies before you meet with an attorney. You should know your basic rights before you begin to talk to the insurance company, even if it is your own insurance company. Any statement that you give to any insurance company, even your own, may be used against you later in court. What may not seem important to you at the time of the statement, may prove critical later on in your case.

Our office can help you determine your rights if you have been involved in an automobile accident. Many times your accident may involve technical issues such as traffic violations, safety requirements for commercial vehicles (especially 18 wheelers) and insurance coverage. We are familiar with these issues and can discuss them with you.