Should I Call 911 After a Car Accident in Baton Rouge, LA?

If you have been involved in a car accident in Baton Rouge, you might wonder, “Do I have to call the police?” It’s important to know the steps you need to take after a collision, regardless of how minor it is. These steps can protect your legal right to recover compensation for your injuries and ensure you don’t wind up in hot water after an accident.

Do You Have To Call the Police After a Louisiana Car Accident?

Louisiana law requires you to report any motor vehicle accident that causes injury, death, or property damage of more than $500. Drivers must report the incident to the local police department if the crash occurred in a town or city or to the nearest sheriff’s office or state police if it happened outside an incorporated town or city.

Other Obligations After a Car Accident

The same Louisiana law requires drivers involved in a car crash to fulfill the following obligations:

• Give their name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other driver or passenger in the other vehicle
• Show their driver’s license to the other driver or an injured person upon request
• Provide the same information to the police who respond to the scene

If law enforcement responds to the accident, they’ll collect information and share it with the impacted individuals, including the name and address of the driver/owner of the vehicle, license numbers, and the liability insurance provider’s information.

Why It’s Important To Call 911 After a Collision in Baton Rouge

In addition to meeting the legal requirements, there are several other reasons why you should call 911 after an accident, including:

The Other Driver Might Not Cooperate

The other driver might ask you not to report the accident. However, this is usually a sign that they are trying to cover something up, like that they are breaking the law or driving without insurance. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 13.7% of drivers in Louisiana are uninsured.

The other driver might say that they will pay to repair your vehicle. However, they may deny responsibility later and leave you without recourse.

You May Be Injured

A key reason to call 911 after a car accident is to notify emergency personnel. You may have been injured, and EMTs can check and provide transportation to the nearest emergency room so you can be properly diagnosed and treated. Many injuries are not immediately apparent after they occur, so reporting the accident may help you identify injuries you may not have been aware of.

A Police Investigation May Help Determine Fault

Motorists often give very different accounts of how an accident occurred. A police investigation can provide objectivity and help determine fault when liability is in dispute.

The Police Report Can Help With Your Insurance Claim

Calling 911 can trigger a law enforcement officer to be sent to the accident scene and an investigation into the crash. The officer can prepare an accident report that details information about how the collision occurred. It might include notes about road and weather conditions, diagrams of the accident scene, photos of the damage to vehicles, and initial determinations of fault. This report may be critical for insurance companies to determine liability and coverage.

Should I Call My Insurance Company After a Minor Auto Accident?

Yes. Your insurance policy may require you to report any accidents you are involved in, even if you’re not at fault. Also, you may have coverage that provides critical assistance as you begin the claims process with the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Contact a Baton Rouge Car Accident Attorney For Help With Your Claim

If you were injured in a traffic crash, we can help. Our Baton Rouge car accident lawyers can investigate the accident, discuss your legal rights and options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free case review.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Baton Rouge, LA

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and need legal help, contact our Baton Rouge car accident lawyers at Palmintier, Thrower, and Treuting Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.

Palmintier, Thrower, and Treuting Injury Attorneys
618 Main St, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, United States
225-401-6962