How To Read Your Louisiana Car Accident Report
A valuable piece of evidence for your financial compensation claim
If you were hurt in a New Orleans car accident, things can change quickly. When a negligent driver caused the crash that left you injured, you deserve financial compensation, but the legal process can be complicated. That’s why you need an experienced car accident lawyer who is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
At The Law Offices of John S. Williams, we know the impact that an injury can have on your life. Medical expenses add up quickly and can become overwhelming. You may not be able to work. You may be wondering how you are going to pay your bills. If a negligent driver caused the accident that left you injured, you shouldn’t have to pay.
Attorney John S. Williams builds strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously. One of the first things he’ll look at is the accident report filled out by the police officer who responded to your accident. It contains many important details that can help your case for financial compensation.
Experienced New Orleans car accident lawyer
You can get a copy of the police report from the police department or law enforcement agency that responded to your accident. Or you can order a copy online from the Louisiana State Police. There is a fee you must pay but the police report often has information that can prove valuable to your claim.
This includes information about the other driver that can help determine negligence. For example, the driver may have been speeding, operating recklessly or was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Other information includes the crash location, weather and road conditions and the names and contact information of witnesses.
Attorney John S. Williams carefully reviews your accident report. He will also go over it with you to confirm that the information listed is correct.
We also conduct our own investigation of your car accident. We gather evidence, including any photographic or video evidence. We interview witnesses about what they saw. If needed, attorney Williams can also consult accident reconstruction experts and other specialists about how the accident happened.
Fighting for the compensation you deserve
Our firm builds strong cases that insurance companies must take seriously. Attorney John S. Williams is committed to helping you recover the financial compensation you deserve, either through a negotiated settlement or a jury verdict.
Attorney Williams will stand with you and fight for your rights. He ensures that any resolution of your case meets your needs. He fights for compensation for all current and future medical expenses related to your injuries, lost wages if you couldn’t work and other damages, such as pain and suffering.
We’re ready to fight for you. We can help get a copy of your accident report and go over it with you. If you were hurt in a New Orleans car accident, learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with attorney John S. Williams. He will review the details of your accident, go over your legal options and answer any questions you have.
Page 1
Identification & Location
This section will note the exact location of the accident, including the parish, city or town, highway, or road or street. An officer may also note the GPS coordinates. The date and time of the accident will also be noted in this section.
Contributing Factors and Conditions - Location
In this section, the officer will note factors and conditions that played a role in the accident. These include weather, road conditions and the area where the accident happened.
Emergency Services
This section will note if an ambulance was called to the scene, when it arrived, when it left and when it arrived at the hospital.
Page 2
Narrative and Diagram
In this section, a police officer will write a narrative describing the sequence of events leading up to the crash. It is based on discussions with the parties involved and may also include the officer’s observations and opinions. The officer will also sketch a diagram of the accident.
Page 3
Vehicle/Pedestrian Information
This section contains information about the parties involved in the accident – including all drivers, passengers and pedestrians. It will note the types of vehicles involved, as well as license plate numbers and vehicle identification numbers (VIN). There will be contact information listed for everyone involved, and insurance information for the drivers. If the accident involved a truck, information about the trucking company will also be listed in this section.
Page 4
Contributing Factors and Conditions – Drivers and Pedestrians
This section will note any factors that played a role in the accident. For example, an officer will note if a driver was speeding or on a cell phone or failed to yield. The officer will also note if alcohol or drug use was suspected and write down the results of any tests that were given. There is also space for the officer to note whether any driver received citations.
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