A car accident can be a shocking and traumatizing event – and the stress of the aftermath can sometimes make things worse.
But the aftermath can become even more of a burden when the other driver flees the scene of the accident without talking to you. Car accident victims can feel like they are involuntary detectives trying to locate the vehicle that hit them. With an injury, it’s easy to quickly become overwhelmed.
The good news is that our dedicated personal injury attorneys at Kiefer & Kiefer can take on the responsibility, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Our blog will share some insights about hit-and-runs in Louisiana.
Steps to Take Following a Hit and Run in Louisiana
If you are involved in a hit-and-run in Louisiana, there are steps you can take (and mistakes you can avoid) to protect yourself and your family immediately following the accident:
- Call 911 from the scene of the accident. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can hide the seriousness of your injuries until a few days after the accident.
- Get as much information about the other driver as you can by taking a picture of the license plate or writing down the plate number. You can also write down the color and make of the vehicle or any other unique details.
- Were there any witnesses? Take their number and ask them to write down everything they can remember.
- File a police report and share all the details you’ve gathered with them.
- Call your insurance company – they will start an investigation on your behalf to try to locate the hit-and-run driver. But be careful if they offer settlement money. It may not be in your best interests to accept, especially when it’s too soon to know the extent of your injuries.
- Posting the vehicle information on social media and enlisting others to help you to identify the driver can also be helpful.
- If your insurance includes uninsured motorist protection, you may be able to make a claim against your own insurance company for personal injuries, even if you cannot locate the vehicle.
How Kiefer and Kiefer can help you
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, our team of New Orleans car accident attorneys may be able to help you:
- Locate the vehicle
→ This means you can focus on your medical treatment
→ At no upfront charge to you
- Open an investigation immediately
→ Secure evidence such as witness statements and camera footage that may help identify the hit-and-run vehicle
We do this while the police are performing their own investigation because we may be able to uncover more information than the police.
For example, in previous cases, based on just the time and location of the accident, we have been able to pull surveillance footage from houses or stores. We’ve also located witnesses that helped identify vehicles involved in a hit-and-run. This information needs to be obtained in the immediate aftermath of an accident or it may be deleted or forgotten.
It is important to consult an experienced attorney who is aware of how to obtain and preserve all of this information and evidence, and who will begin working on your case immediately.
Contact our experienced attorneys at Kiefer and Kiefer
The repercussions of a car accident in New Orleans, Metairie, or anywhere in Louisiana last long after the shock of the actual impact. Your car may have damage or even be totaled, which prevents you from getting around, getting to work, or getting your children to school. You may need medical treatment and help accessing the car accident police report. The list can add up quickly. Dealing with a hit-and-run only makes things worse.
At Kiefer & Kiefer, our clients are more than just case numbers. We’ll take the time to sit with you and understand your situation exactly. Your next steps don’t have to be taken alone. Contact us today.