- June 5, 2021
Most of us will be involved in a car crash at some point in our lives. Thankfully, most car accidents in Baton Rouge are minor. You won’t suffer serious injuries. In fact, the biggest bruise may be to your ego. If you’re like most other drivers, one of the first things you do after the accident is point your finger at the other driver.
It’s so much easier to blame the other driver than it is to admit fault. While it is important that you consider your own role in the accident, you also want to make sure you preserve your right to damages. This is why you should call an experienced Baton Rouge accident lawyer.
Regardless of who caused the crash, there are several things you need to do immediately after the crash. These steps will make it a lot easier when it comes to pursuing your lawsuit. It’ll also make it a lot easier for your Baton Rouge accident lawyer to prove your case. What you should do at the outset is call an experienced attorney with our office and set up your free, initial consultation.
Most People Aren’t Trained on How to Handle a Car Crash
When we are teenagers, learning how to drive, nobody pulls us aside and teaches us what to do after a car accident. Our parents triple-checked that we had a safety kit in the trunk but never thought to tell us how to handle the aftermath of a car crash. So, it’s no surprise that so many of our clients make pivotal mistakes after their accident. These mistakes can cost you thousands of dollars. As long as you follow the advice outlined below, you should be in a good position to win your case.
You Need to Call 911 No Matter What
Regardless of whether the other driver wants to call the cops, you need to call 911. Not only are you required to report the crash by law, but you also need the cops to assess the scene. Your Baton Rouge accident lawyer will rely on the police report to help prove your case. If you don’t call the cops, you won’t have this report. This can cost you valuable information that can be used to prove the other driver was at fault.
When you call 911 in Baton Rouge, they’ll dispatch an officer to the crash scene. That officer will ensure that you’re taken to the local hospital to be checked out. They’ll also conduct a thorough investigation of the crash scene. Some of the things they’ll review are:
- The crash site itself
- Eyewitnesses
- Statements made by the drivers
- Whether any of the drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Road conditions
- Damage to the vehicles
All this information will be in the officer’s police report. Your Baton Rouge accident lawyer will rely on this report to prove your case.
Get to the Emergency Room for Medical Treatment
Some people refuse to go to the hospital because they don’t think they’re hurt. They see no reason to go to the emergency room if they feel okay. The truth is that you could have suffered internal injuries that you can’t see. For example, you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury. If left untreated, this can prove fatal.
If you don’t go to the hospital, you could end up in much worse shape than if you just get checked out. You also need to see a doctor, so you’ll have medical records to prove your injuries. Without these records, your Baton Rouge accident lawyer has nothing to demonstrate how bad your injuries were.
Call and Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Baton Rouge Accident Lawyer
Once you’ve been cleared by your doctors, you should get in touch with an experienced Baton Rouge accident lawyer. They’ll handle the legal side of things while you focus on getting better. They’ll also give you advice on what your options are following the crash. You may have a viable claim against the other driver.
The only way to know for sure is to meet with a seasoned Baton Rouge accident lawyer in our office. All you have to do is call and talk to one of our staff so you can set up your free, initial consultation. Take a few minutes to sit down with someone who’s handled dozens of cases like yours before. The consultation is free so you don’t have to worry about paying anything upfront.