If you’ve been involved in a hit and run Louisiana accident, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The moments after the crash are critical—not just for your health, but for protecting your legal rights and improving the chances of recovering compensation. This guide walks you through what to do after a hit and run, how to gather key information, and how a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue justice, even when the other driver flees the scene.
For parents, the aftermath of a hit and run can be especially overwhelming. Between making sure your children are safe, arranging transportation, and juggling doctor visits or school routines, it’s easy to lose track of what needs to be done legally. That’s why having a clear plan and trusted legal help matters more than ever.
Hit and run in Louisiana accidents may be some of the worst kinds of accidents you can suffer. Any accident that isn’t your fault is a betrayal and leaves you feeling angry and confused. A hit and run in Louisiana accident is even worse, however, because it means that the person who inflicted harm on you isn’t willing to step up and take responsibility for what they’ve done. They’d rather run and hide.
Unfortunately, your ability to track down the responsible person and collect the compensation you deserve for the injuries you’ve suffered depends largely on what you do, to move things forward after the accident. Learn the steps you need to take after a hit and run in Louisiana accident; to help ensure you can seek compensation for your damages, and how a lawyer can help.
Key Takeaways
- Call 911 immediately after a hit and run Louisiana accident—your health comes first.
- Gather as much information about the fleeing vehicle as possible, including the make, model, color, and any part of the license plate.
- Report the crash to your insurance company and know your rights under uninsured motorist coverage.
- Understand that hit and run accidents are criminal offenses, and the at-fault driver can face criminal and civil penalties if located.
- Consult a Louisiana personal injury lawyer to explore your options, especially if the at-fault driver remains unidentified.
The Rise of Hit and Run Accidents: Why Preparedness Matters
Sadly, hit and run accidents are becoming more common. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported that in the U.S., one hit and run occurs every 43 seconds, contributing to nearly 2,000 deaths each year.
In Louisiana, hit and runs are a criminal offense. Under Louisiana law (RS 14:100), fleeing the scene of an accident without providing information or aid is punishable by fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
What to Do After a Hit and Run in Louisiana
Knowing what to do after a hit and run is key to protecting yourself, both medically and legally. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Call 911 and Seek Medical Help
Your safety comes first. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance—even if you feel okay. This is especially critical if you have children in the car, as some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and kids may not know how to describe what they’re feeling.
2. Write Down Everything
Wondering what to do in a hit and run when the other driver flees? Every detail counts. Try to note:
- Make, model, and color of the fleeing vehicle.
- License plate details (even partial numbers or just the state).
- Direction the driver fled.
- Any visible damage to the other vehicle.
3. Take photos of the scene
Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and your injuries if possible. This evidence can support your case, whether pursuing insurance claims or criminal charges.
If you have kids in the car, take note of their seating positions, any visible injuries, or emotional distress. This can be crucial not just for your insurance claim, but also for ensuring they get proper medical and psychological care afterward.
If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information and ask for their account of what happened. Witness statements can help corroborate your version of events and provide additional details about the fleeing driver.
4. Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
File a police report as soon as possible. In Louisiana, reporting a hit and run isn’t just important—it’s legally required for accidents involving injuries, death, or significant property damage. A police report can also help your insurance claim and assist in tracking down the offender.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
After the police, contact your insurance provider. When explaining what happened in the hit and run, stick to facts—avoid making assumptions or blaming yourself. Your uninsured motorist coverage (UM) could be crucial here.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: How It Helps After a Hit and Run
Uninsured motorist coverage is in place specifically to take care of circumstances like hit and run accidents. If you have this kind of coverage, you can use it the same as if you were struck by a motorist who had no insurance. It will pay for your medical treatment and ongoing care, your lost wages, and other damages that you’ve suffered.
If you have this kind of coverage, your insurance company can fill you in on the details. If you don’t have this kind of coverage it’s a good idea to add it before you’re in an accident. After you get hit it’s often too late to add extra coverage.
If the at-fault driver can’t be identified, your uninsured motorist coverage may cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Many Louisiana drivers carry UM coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. This is designed to protect you when a driver either doesn’t have insurance or cannot be found, as in a hit and run Louisiana accident.
For families already budgeting for school expenses, groceries, and childcare, even one unexpected medical bill can cause stress. Uninsured motorist coverage helps relieve some of that burden by covering treatment, lost income from missed work, and ongoing care—so your focus can remain on your children’s recovery and well-being.
Hit and Run Accidents: Criminal and Civil Consequences
In Louisiana, leaving the scene of an accident without stopping to provide information or aid is classified as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances.
- Minor damage may result in fines and license suspension.
- Injury or death can lead to felony charges, hefty fines, and jail time.
But criminal penalties don’t cover your medical bills or property damage—that’s where civil claims come in.
Why You Should Consult a Lawyer After a Hit and Run
If you’re asking what to do after a hit and run, the next step is to consult a personal injury lawyer. Here’s why:
- A lawyer can help coordinate with police and insurance.
- They’ll negotiate with your insurer to ensure you get the maximum compensation under your UM coverage.
- If the at-fault driver is located, a lawyer can pursue a civil lawsuit for damages, including, medical bills (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage.
If you’re a parent managing your family’s needs while dealing with this stressful event, don’t try to handle it all alone. A lawyer can lift a huge mental and emotional load off your shoulders—helping you prioritize your kids’ safety and stability while they handle the paperwork, negotiations, and evidence gathering.
Taking the Steps to Get Help
The first thing to understand when you’re involved in a hit and run in Louisiana is that many of these cases are never resolved—that is, the police don’t find the person who committed the crime. Hit and run accidents are, by the way, crimes, and if a driver can be found, they will likely be subject to criminal charges as well as any civil penalties from your injury case.
Because it’s hard to find these people, that makes it all the more important for you to do the right things, like keeping as many details handy from the accident as you can.
Even if you can only remember the state and a few of the numbers on the license plate, it can help police when combined with the color, make and model of car that hit you. Talking to your insurance company about the damages you’ve suffered is also an important step in the process.
Get Help From the Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux
Whether you’re managing school runs, medical appointments, or just trying to keep life on track for your kids, we’re here to handle the legal side of things so you can focus on what matters most—your family.
If you’re unsure what to do after a hit and run, it’s crucial to report the incident, document everything, and consult with a personal injury lawyer to explore your options for compensation.
That’s why it’s important to consult with a lawyer. The right attorney can provide you the guidance you need to explore your options and handle the recovery you need. If you can find the person who hurt you, a lawyer is your best bet to get compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, damage to your quality of life, and other injuries you’ve suffered. In Louisiana, contact the Law Offices of Blaine Barrilleaux for a free consultation today.