Car accidents are scary and stressful. When one happens, it can be hard to know what to do next. This guide walks you through every step — from the moment the crash happens to the day your claim is paid. We’ll also share some important Louisiana laws you need to know to protect yourself.
Table of Contents
- What to Do Right After the Crash
- What Information Do You Need to Collect?
- Important Louisiana Insurance Laws to Know
- How to File Your Insurance Claim Step by Step
- Louisiana Car Accident Claim Timeline — When to Do What
- What to Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied in Louisiana
- Was Your Car Accident Claim Denied in Louisiana?
What to Do Right After the Crash
The first few minutes after an accident are the most important. Try to stay calm. Here’s what to do right away.
Check for Injuries and Move to Safety
Check yourself and others for injuries. If it is safe, move your car out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights right away.
Call 911
Louisiana law says you must call the police if anyone is hurt, if someone dies, or if damage looks like it costs more than $500. Always call — even if the accident seems small. (Louisiana Revised Statute 32:398)
Do Not Admit Fault
Even saying “I’m sorry” can hurt you later. You may not know all the facts yet. Let the police and insurance companies figure out who caused the crash.
Collect Information at the Scene
Gather as much information as you can before you leave. See the checklist below for exactly what you need.
What Information Do You Need to Collect?
Think of this like a shopping list. Try to leave the scene with all of these things. Take photos of anything you can on your phone.
- Other driver’s full name, driver’s license number, and phone number
- Their license plate number, and the make, model, and color of their car
- Their insurance company name and policy number
- The police officer’s name, badge number, and the report number
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses who saw the crash
- Photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, signs, and skid marks
Pro tip: Your phone is your best tool at the scene. Take photos and short videos of everything before cars are moved. Timestamped photos are powerful proof for your insurance claim.
Important Louisiana Insurance Laws to Know
Louisiana has some special rules about car accidents and insurance. These are good things to know before you make any calls.
Louisiana Is an “At-Fault” State
This means the driver who caused the crash has to pay for the damage. Their insurance company should pay your bills. Because of this, you can file a claim directly with the other driver’s insurance company. This is called a third-party claim.
Minimum Insurance Coverage Required by Law
Every driver in Louisiana must carry at least this much coverage by law (Louisiana Revised Statute 32:900):
- $15,000 for one person injured
- $30,000 for two or more people injured
- $25,000 for property damage
Two Ways to File Your Claim
You have two options when filing a car accident insurance claim in Louisiana:
- First-party claim — You file with your own insurance company. This is a good option if you have uninsured motorist coverage or if it is not clear who caused the crash.
- Third-party claim — You file with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This is the most common option when the other driver clearly caused the accident.
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
Louisiana has many drivers who don’t have enough — or any — insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) protects you if that happens. Your insurance company must offer it to you, but you can say no (Louisiana Revised Statute 22:1295). Check your policy now to find out if you have it — before you need it.
What to Do in the Next Few Days
Once you’ve left the scene, there are several important things to take care of quickly.
See a Doctor — Even If You Feel Okay
Some injuries like whiplash or back pain don’t show up right away. See a doctor within 24 to 72 hours. Louisiana courts look at how fast you got medical help. A long gap in treatment can hurt your claim.
Write Down What Happened
While it’s still fresh, write a clear account of the accident. Include the time, weather, road conditions, and exactly what happened step by step. Store this somewhere safe.
Get the Official Police Report
Order a copy from the Louisiana State Police at dps.louisiana.gov. It usually takes 3 to 5 days and costs a small fee. This report is important proof for your claim. Read more here.
Call Your Insurance Company Within 24 Hours
Tell your insurance company about the accident right away — even if you weren’t at fault. Most policies require fast reporting. Stick to the facts and avoid giving opinions about what happened.
Watch out: If the other driver’s insurance calls and asks for a recorded statement, you do not have to agree right away. Talk to an attorney first. What you say can be used to lower or deny your claim.
How to File Your Insurance Claim Step by Step
Now it’s time to officially file your claim. Here is how the process works from start to finish.
Get Your Claim Number
When you report the accident, the insurance company gives you a claim number. Write it down and use it every time you call or email them.
Get at Least 2–3 Repair Estimates
In Louisiana, you have the right to choose your own repair shop. Do not feel pushed to use one the insurance company suggests. Get several estimates to compare.
Save Every Receipt and Record
Keep all doctor bills, prescriptions, repair receipts, and records of missed work days. These show the full cost of the accident and help you get the right amount of money.
Track Every Phone Call and Email
Write down the date, time, name of the person, and what was said each time you talk to the insurance company. These notes protect you if there is a disagreement later.
Do Not Sign a Settlement Too Fast
If the insurance company offers you money, do not sign right away. Once you sign a release form, you give up the right to ask for more money — even if your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought.
Louisiana Car Accident Claim Timeline — When to Do What
Timing matters a great deal in Louisiana. Missing a deadline can mean losing your right to be paid. Follow this timeline carefully.
- Right now — Call 911, take photos, and collect the other driver’s information before you leave the scene.
- Within 24 hours — Report the accident to your insurance company. See a doctor if you feel any pain at all.
- Within 72 hours — Get a full medical check-up. Gaps in treatment can be used against you by the insurance company.
- Within 1 week — Order your police report from Louisiana State Police. Get 2–3 estimates to fix your vehicle.
- Within 2 years — This is your last day to file a personal injury lawsuit. Louisiana law gives you 2 years from the accident date to sue the at-fault driver (Louisiana Civil Code, Article 3492). If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to go to court forever.
Remember: Louisiana’s 2-year deadline can go by faster than you think — especially while you are dealing with injuries and medical bills. If your claim is being delayed or denied, contact an attorney as soon as possible. Do not wait.
What to Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Denied in Louisiana
Sometimes insurance companies say no — or offer much less money than you deserve. You do not have to accept that answer. Here’s what you can do.
Ask for the Denial Reason in Writing
The insurance company must tell you exactly why they denied your claim. Get it in writing so you have a clear record of their decision.
File a Complaint With the Louisiana Department of Insurance
If you believe the company treated you unfairly, you can file a complaint at ldi.la.gov or call 1-800-259-5300. They can investigate the insurance company and put pressure on them to act fairly.
Talk to a Louisiana Personal Injury Attorney
An experienced Louisiana attorney knows the rules insurance companies must follow. They can review your case, handle all communications with the insurer, and fight to get you what you deserve. Most personal injury attorneys offer a free first meeting and only charge a fee if you win.
Was Your Car Accident Claim Denied in Louisiana?
Insurance companies don’t always play fair. If your claim was denied, lowballed, or delayed — you have options. Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys fights for Louisiana accident victims every single day.
Call us now: (225) 535-4831
No fee unless you win · Available 24/7 · Baton Rouge & surrounding parishes
Car Accident Insurance Claim Checklist: Quick Recap
Save this page or screenshot it so you have it when you need it.
✓ Call 911 and stay safe at the scene
✓ Collect information — don’t admit fault
✓ Take photos of everything
✓ See a doctor within 72 hours
✓ Report to your insurer within 24 hours
✓ Get the police report and repair estimates
✓ Don’t sign a settlement too soon
✓ Remember the 2-year deadline (La. Civil Code Art. 3492)