An unfortunate truth, and one of the risks of becoming a driver, is that car accidents happen every day. Unfortunately, teen drivers are far more likely to cause a wreck than adult drivers, which can lead to serious legal consequences in some situations.
Chances are that at one time or another, your teen is going to be involved in an accident, and knowing what to do next can help protect their rights, as well as any potential claim for damages that they may have.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why working with our car accident attorneys at Jones Law Partners in Alexandria, Louisiana is the easiest way to make sure you have expert representation throughout the entire aftermath.
What To Do (And Not Do) After A Louisiana Car Accident
The period immediately following a wreck is going to be frightening and chaotic, but it’s important that your teen remember the following tips.
Do:
- Stay calm and assess the situation: Check yourself and any passengers for any injuries, and call 911 for assistance.
- Call the police: Report the accident to the police so that they can create a report and document any damages and injuries. Make sure you get a copy of the police report if it’s ready before you leave the scene.
- Exchange information: Gather the contact and insurance information of all parties involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses.
- Take pictures: If possible, take pictures of the scene of the accident, including any damages to the vehicles and any visible injuries. This is also a prime opportunity to get a video or recorded audio statements from any bystanders.
- Report the accident to your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and provide them with the information you have gathered. Do not discuss anything else with them other than the details of the accident, including answering any questions about “how you’re holding up” or “how you’re feeling”.
- Retain legal representation: Reach out for the advice of a knowledgeable car accident attorney to ensure your rights are protected and to receive guidance on the best course of action.
Don’t
- Don’t admit fault: Even if you believe you may have caused the accident, do not admit fault at the scene of the accident or to the other parties involved. This even extends to apologizing or talking about the accident or what you were doing prior.
- Don’t leave the scene: Stay at the scene of the accident until the police have arrived and you have gathered all the necessary information.
- Don’t refuse medical treatment: No matter what, get to an emergency room or immediate care center and get checked out by a healthcare professional, with all injuries noted in your medical records. This will be essential for proving damage claims in personal injury cases that may result from the accident.
- Don’t ignore the accident: Failing to report an accident or leaving the scene without exchanging information can result in criminal charges and additional consequences, some of which can be very severe depending on the value of the damages or the severity of injuries caused by the accident.
- Don’t sign any documents without reading and understanding them: Do not sign any documents, such as a settlement offer, without first reading and understanding what you are signing. Having legal representation makes this part easy since your attorney will be your advocate.
You Can Trust Jones Law To Protect Your Family’s Rights After A Wreck In Louisiana
If your teen has recently been in a wreck, it’s important to ensure their rights are protected, as well as any claims for damages. The best way to accomplish this is by working with the local expert personal injury attorneys at Jones Law. Reach out today to discuss the details of your case with a member of our experienced legal team.
