Step-by-Step Guidance to Protect Your Health and Your Case

The first 24 hours after an accident are the most critical. What you do (and don’t do) can shape your recovery, your insurance claim, and even your legal rights. Whether you’ve been in a car crash in New Orleans, slipped in a Metairie store, or suffered an injury at work in Jefferson Parish, following the right steps early makes all the difference.

At Bloom Legal Network, we’ve created this step-by-step guide to help accident victims stay safe, protect their rights, and avoid costly mistakes in those crucial first hours.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Care

✔ Call 911 immediately if there are injuries.
✔ Move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights.
✔ Accept medical attention at the scene or visit a doctor promptly, even if you feel “fine.” Some injuries take hours or days to appear.

Step 2: Call the Police and Get a Report

✔ Request a police officer at the scene.
✔ Provide accurate details, but do not admit fault.
✔ Ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and report number.

Step 3: Document Everything

✔ Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and the accident scene.
✔ Record weather, road conditions, and time of day.
✔ Collect witness names and contact details.

Step 4: Exchange Information — Carefully

✔ Get the other driver’s name, contact info, license plate, and insurance details.
✔ Provide your info as required, but avoid unnecessary conversation that could be used against you.

Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company

✔ Report the accident as soon as possible.
✔ Stick to the facts: time, place, vehicles, and parties involved.
✔ Do not provide a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Step 6: Keep Track of Medical and Accident Details

✔ Save receipts, bills, and prescriptions.
✔ Write down your symptoms and how your injuries affect daily life.
✔ Begin a file or folder for accident-related documents — this is one of the most important things to do during the first 24 hours after accident Louisiana to support your future claim.

Step 7: Contact a Louisiana Personal Injury Attorney

✔ Insurance adjusters work quickly and not always in your favor.
✔ An attorney can help preserve evidence, handle insurance communication, and protect your right to full compensation.

Why the First 24 Hours Matter

Small mistakes can have big consequences. Saying the wrong thing, forgetting to document a detail, or delaying medical treatment could cost you thousands in compensation.

That’s why our Louisiana personal injury attorneys created this step-by-step guide: to give you the clarity you need when it matters most. If you’re unsure about what to do after a personal injury, don’t wait — getting legal guidance early can make all the difference for your recovery and your claim.

📞 Call Bloom Legal Network today at 504-599-9997
📧 Email us at info@bloomlegal.com

We’ll help you navigate the first 24 hours — and every step after — so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest.