Louisiana insurance law: what to do in case of an accident

Under Louisiana insurance law, every Louisiana driver today has to have motor vehicle insurance to operate a car on the road. This is mainly because, at least once in a lifetime, 99% of drivers out there get involved in a car accident. For most people, the car accident itself is very tragic. And now on top of having to deal with the accident injuries and medical bills, they also have to deal with the insurance company as well. 

What to do when involved in an accident under Louisiana insurance law:

• Immediately after the accident, contact your insurance company. The only exception is, if you are seriously injured and need medical attention.
  
  
• Understand your insurance policy. Know what claims you can make.
  
  
• Always carry a camera, if possible so as to get every detail about the accident. In fact, most people nowadays have cell phones with cameras on them. Use that to get the accident details.
  
  
• If there is another car involved, get the insurance information of the other driver.
  
  
• Save all the receipts and invoices for all expenses related to your insurance claim. This may include repair work on the damaged vehicle, and also any medical costs incurred.
  
  
• Tell the truth. The whole truth and nothing but the truth to the insurance company.  If you're caught in a lie, they might deny your claim on the basis of fraud.
  
  
• If you have multiple insurance policies take the time to review them. Under Louisiana insurance law you might be able to claim from more than one company.

What not to do when involved in an accident Louisiana insurance law:

• Try not to admit to any kind of liability on your part. Just stick to the facts without expressing any opinion. The ascertaining of liability is affected by different circumstances. The insurance investigators will gather all the necessary facts and evidence and then determine liability.
  
  
• Try no to give anything in writing to any insurance officers, whether your own or the other party’s. Especially if you do not understand any part of your policy or claim.
  
  
• The time limit to file your insurance claim may run out if you take too long. All insurance companies require you to file an insurance claim within specified periods of time after the accident or injury. So make sure you don’t disregard this time limit or else your claim may not be considered valid.
  
  
• Do not take everything that your insurance agent tells you as the last word, especially regarding the value of your claim or a settlement. Insurance companies always try to give you estimates of losses that are lower than your actual losses. Don’t just accept their estimates without doing some estimation of your own.
  
  
• Try not to sign any document that is a release or a waiver of any kind. If you are not sure about what you are being asked to sign, consult an attorney for help.
  
  
• Do not take any check as a full and final payment unless you are certain that it is a fair compensation for your losses.

Harrell & Nowak, a New Orleans law firm, can help you understand your rights under the Louisiana insurance law and help you get your claim from the insurance company after an accident.