Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic and chaotic, especially in the immediate aftermath. Whether you’ve sustained injuries or not, what you do right after a crash can significantly affect your ability to recover damages and protect your legal rights. At Hester Law Firm, we assist clients throughout Baton Rouge in navigating the legal complexities following a motorcycle accident. Here’s a legal checklist of essential steps to take immediately after an accident in Louisiana.

1. Prioritize Your Safety and Health

Your first priority should always be safety. If possible, move to a secure location away from traffic. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911.

Even if injuries seem minor, always request medical attention—some symptoms may not appear until hours or days later.

2. Call the Police and File an Accident Report

Under Louisiana law, you're required to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $500. When officers arrive, cooperate and ensure an official report is filed. This documentation will be critical for any insurance or legal claims.

3. Exchange Information

Gather names, contact information, driver's license numbers, and insurance details from everyone involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers as well—witness statements can become important evidence.

4. Document the Scene

Use your phone to take photos or videos of the scene, including vehicle positions, road conditions, traffic signs, and injuries. Visual evidence strengthens your claim and provides context insurance adjusters and attorneys can use to support your case.

5. Avoid Admitting Fault

Even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident, never admit fault at the scene. Statements made in the moment can be misinterpreted and used against you later. Let the investigation determine liability.

6. Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation

Some motorcycle injuries—like head trauma or internal bleeding—may not be immediately visible. Seeing a doctor right away not only protects your health but also creates a record linking your injuries to the accident.

7. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, but do not provide a recorded statement or accept any settlement until you’ve consulted with a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your payout.

8. Contact a Baton Rouge Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Legal guidance is critical in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. At Hester Law Firm, we understand Louisiana's personal injury laws and how they apply to motorcyclists. We can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Get the Support You Deserve

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas, don’t go through the legal aftermath alone. Contact Hester Law Firm today for a consultation, and let us advocate for your recovery and justice.