Automobile accidents occur daily, and are the among the most common causes of personal injury in Louisiana. In 2008 alone, there were thousands of car accidents, including 827 fatal traffic collisions – causing the death of 920 people. If you are the victim of someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or fault, whether it was in a car , 18-wheeler, bus or motorcycle crash, there are a couple of things you should do. I offer these tips:
1. Stay calm and access yourself for injury.
2. Take photographs with your cell phone or camera – of the scene, skid mark, debris on the roadway, damage to your vehicle and the at-fault vehicle and your injuries.
3. Contact law enforcement.
4. Have the police officer provide you with the insurance information of the at-fault vehicle.
5. Obtain witnesses name, phone number, and address.
6. Go to the hospital or your doctor and get checked out. Have an ambulance take you if necessary. Many times, the next day is when people notice injuries following a collision. Follow up with medical care.
If you have questions or need information, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. Many offer a free consultation for any auto, 18- wheeler, bus or motorcycle collision, causing injury or wrongful death.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
