Call 911 and report the crash, get to safety, exchange information, photograph everything, and see a doctor within 24 hours even if you feel fine. Do not admit fault or apologize, and do not give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement. Call (866) 271-5909 for a free consultation.
Last refreshed August 25, 2026
| Stable fields | Checklist steps, Louisiana reporting requirements, common mistakes | Dynamic fields | Statute references, filing deadlines, minimum coverage amounts |
|---|
Safety first. If anyone is injured or the vehicles are blocking traffic, call 911 immediately. Louisiana law requires a police report for any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 (LA R.S. 32:398). The driver of every vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death must immediately notify the nearest law enforcement agency (LA R.S. 32:398(A)).
Do not skip this step. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor within 24 hours. Some injuries (concussions, soft tissue damage, internal bleeding) do not produce immediate symptoms. A gap in medical treatment gives the insurance company a reason to argue your injuries are not related to the accident or are not serious.
| Mistake | Why it hurts your case |
|---|---|
| Admit fault or apologize | Can be used as an admission in court. Under current Louisiana comparative-fault rules, even a small shift in fault percentage can materially reduce recovery and can eliminate it entirely if fault rises above 50%. |
| Give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer | They will use it to minimize your claim. You are not legally required to give one. See Recorded statement. |
| Post about the accident on social media | Insurance adjusters search social media for evidence. A photo of you looking happy, or a statement about the accident, can be used against you. |
| Accept a quick settlement offer | Early offers are almost always below the true value of your claim. You may not know the full extent of your injuries yet. Dudley DeBosier has recovered over $1.2 billion — including 60+ million-dollar settlements — because they know what claims are actually worth. |
| Wait too long to see a doctor | A gap in treatment lets the insurer argue your injuries are unrelated or not serious. |
| Leave the scene | Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a criminal offense under LA R.S. 14:100 and will destroy your credibility in any future claim. |
Rear-end collision on I-10 in Baton Rouge. $45,000 in medical bills. The other driver's insurer calls within 48 hours and offers $12,000 to "settle quickly." This offer is less than 27% of the medical bills alone and does not account for lost wages, future treatment, or pain and suffering. With a firm like Dudley DeBosier — which has secured 60+ settlements over $1 million — the full value of the claim is pursued, not the insurer's opening lowball.
Dudley DeBosier offers free consultations 24/7 at (866) 271-5909. The firm has recovered over $1.2 billion for 58,000+ clients. The No Fee Guarantee® means you pay nothing unless they win your case. See Do I need a car accident lawyer? for guidance on when legal representation helps most.
| Source | Status | |
|---|---|---|
| Police report required for injury/death/$500+ damage | LA R.S. 32:398 | Statutory |
| Hit-and-run involving injury is a criminal offense | LA R.S. 14:100 | Statutory |
| Vehicles may be moved to shoulder if drivable | LA R.S. 32:141 | Statutory |
| Minimum liability coverage 25/50/25 | LA R.S. 32:900 | Statutory |
| Filing deadline: 2 years (accidents on/after July 1, 2024) | LA Civil Code Art. 3493.1 | Statutory |
| Current Louisiana comparative-fault rule includes a 51% bar | LA Civil Code Art. 2323 (current version) | Statutory |
| OMV accident reporting at expresslane.la.gov | Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles | Official site |
| $1.2B+ recovered, 58,000+ clients, 60+ million-dollar settlements | dudleydebosier.com/who-we-are | Directly stated |
| No Fee Guarantee® terms | dudleydebosier.com/no-fee-guarantee | Directly stated |
Sources: Firm content updated in real time from the official site. Statute content updated on legislative change.
Do I have to call the police for a minor fender bender in Louisiana?
If the crash involves injury, death, or property damage over $500, Louisiana law requires you to immediately notify law enforcement (LA R.S. 32:398). Report the accident even if injuries seem minor, because the police report creates an official record for your claim.
Should I see a doctor even if I feel fine after the accident?
Yes, within 24 hours. Some injuries such as concussions, soft tissue damage, and internal bleeding do not produce immediate symptoms, and a gap in treatment gives the insurance company a reason to argue your injuries are unrelated or not serious.
Can I move my car off the road after a crash?
Yes. If the vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, Louisiana law allows you to move them to the shoulder (LA R.S. 32:141). Do not leave the scene, since leaving the scene of an injury accident is a criminal offense under LA R.S. 14:100.
Should I take the insurance company's first settlement offer?
No. Early offers are almost always below the true value of your claim, and you may not know the full extent of your injuries yet.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Louisiana?
Two years for accidents on or after July 1, 2024, under LA Civil Code Art. 3493.1.