What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run in Louisiana

Louisiana summer brings full highways. Between summer road trips, families heading out to the lake or the coast, our roads see some of their heaviest traffic of the year.

More cars often mean more accidents, and few are as stressful as a hit-and-run.

Being struck by a driver who then speeds off is frightening and disorienting. In seconds, you are left with vehicle damage, possible injuries, and the frustration of not knowing who is responsible.

The good news is that the right steps can protect both your safety and your legal rights. At Anderson Traylor Edwards, we help drivers throughout Hammond and the surrounding communities recover after these accidents, and we want you to be prepared.

What Counts as a Hit-and-Run in Louisiana

Under Louisiana law, a driver involved in an accident is required to:

• Stop at the scene
• Give their name, address, and vehicle license number
• Render reasonable aid to anyone injured
• Report the accident to police when needed

Failing to do these things is what turns an accident into a hit-and-run. This duty applies no matter who was at fault, and even after minor collisions.

It is also broader than many people realize. Leaving the scene after striking another vehicle, a pedestrian, a parked car, or even a road sign can all qualify, and it can carry criminal penalties on top of civil liability.

What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run

The moments after a hit-and-run are stressful, but your actions can make a real difference in your recovery and any future claim.

In those first minutes, focus on these steps:

• Move to safety, then check yourself and any passengers for injuries
• Call 911 so the accident is documented in an official report
• Write down the vehicle's make, model, color, and any part of the plate
• Photograph your vehicle, the scene, and any visible injuries
• Collect names and contact information from any witnesses
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine at first
• Notify your insurance company as soon as possible

Act quickly, since nearby camera footage and other evidence often disappear within days.

Who May Be Held Responsible?

Ideally, law enforcement locates the driver who fled, and that person is held accountable for the damage they caused. Louisiana takes these offenses seriously, with penalties ranging from fines and jail time to lengthy prison sentences when someone is seriously injured or killed.

But when the at-fault driver cannot be found, or has no insurance, you may still have options. This is where uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes so important.

Available on most Louisiana auto policies, UM coverage is designed to protect you when the responsible driver cannot be identified or cannot pay. Depending on your policy, it may help cover:

• Medical bills and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages from time away from work
• Pain and suffering
• Other accident-related expenses

Reviewing your policy now, before an accident ever happens, is one of the simplest ways to stay protected this summer.

Understanding Your Time to File

Louisiana law limits how long you have to pursue a claim after an accident. As of a recent change in state law, most personal injury claims now fall under a two-year prescriptive period, meaning you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

While that may sound like plenty of time, hit-and-run cases often depend on early investigation to identify the driver and preserve evidence. The sooner you act, the stronger your position is likely to be.

How Anderson Traylor Edwards Can Help

A hit-and-run can leave you feeling powerless, but you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. The attorneys at Anderson Traylor Edwards bring more than 50 years of combined experience helping accident victims throughout Hammond and the surrounding communities pursue the compensation they deserve.

Our team can help you investigate the accident, work with law enforcement, deal with insurance companies, and explore every avenue for recovery, including your own UM coverage.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a hit-and-run this summer, contact Anderson Traylor Edwards in Hammond today to schedule a consultation. We are ready to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

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