Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Louisiana?

Call 911 any time there are injuries, a death, or significant property damage. A police report creates an independent record of the crash that insurers and courts rely on, so it is worth requesting officers even for moderate collisions.

Should I see a doctor if I feel fine after the crash?

Yes. Adrenaline masks injuries, and conditions like concussions, whiplash, and internal bleeding often surface hours or days later. A same-day medical visit protects your health and ties any later-diagnosed injury to the crash.

Should I give the other driver's insurance company a recorded statement?

Not before speaking with your own lawyer. The other driver's insurer is looking for statements it can use to reduce or deny your claim. You are not required to give them a recorded statement.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Louisiana

Last reviewed: June 4, 2026 Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers

A car accident scrambles the few minutes when the most useful evidence is still in front of you. What you do at the scene and in the first 24 hours shapes both your recovery and any claim that follows.

At the scene

Move to safety first. If the vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, get them out of the lane; if not, leave them and get yourself away from moving traffic. Then call 911. Report injuries honestly so the dispatcher sends the right help.

While you wait, and only if it is safe:

Photograph every vehicle’s damage, the positions before anything moves, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and the surrounding road.
Exchange names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance information with every driver involved.
Get names and numbers for any witnesses — they leave quickly and are hard to find later.
Do not say “I’m sorry” or admit fault. State the facts to the officer and let the investigation determine responsibility.

In the first 24 hours

See a doctor the same day, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline hides injuries, and a same-day record connects any later diagnosis to the crash. Keep every bill, discharge instruction, and referral.

Report the crash to your own insurance company promptly, as your policy requires. Be factual and brief. If the other driver’s insurer calls, you are not obligated to give them a recorded statement — and you should not before talking to a lawyer.

What protects your claim

Three things quietly decide most claims: the medical record, the documentation from the scene, and what you said to the insurance companies. Preserve all of it. Keep a folder with the police report number, photos, medical paperwork, and a short written timeline of what happened while it is fresh.

Louisiana has a deadline to file an injury lawsuit, and it is shorter than most people expect. Do not let it lapse while you wait on an insurer — talk to a lawyer early so the deadline is calendared and evidence is preserved.

If you were hurt by another driver’s negligence, a Louisiana car accident lawyer can handle the insurance company, prove fault, and pursue the full value of your claim while you focus on healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Louisiana?: Call 911 any time there are injuries, a death, or significant property damage. A police report creates an independent record of the crash that insurers and courts rely on, so it is worth requesting officers even for moderate collisions.
Should I see a doctor if I feel fine after the crash?: Yes. Adrenaline masks injuries, and conditions like concussions, whiplash, and internal bleeding often surface hours or days later. A same-day medical visit protects your health and ties any later-diagnosed injury to the crash.
Should I give the other driver's insurance company a recorded statement?: Not before speaking with your own lawyer. The other driver's insurer is looking for statements it can use to reduce or deny your claim. You are not required to give them a recorded statement.