Personal injuries are wrongful physical or psychological injuries, as well as wrongful deaths, that occur because of another person's harmful acts. These injuries can be accidental or intentional. Motor vehicle-related personal injuries can involve automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, or commercial motor vehicles.

Not only are drivers and passengers victims of personal injuries, but pedestrians can be harmed, as well.

Top Compensation and Personal Injury Attorneys

Personal injuries can devastate your life, as well as the lives of your family members, friends, and other loved ones. However, there is good news―you may be entitled to compensation.

If you decide to seek legal help from a personal injury attorney, it's recommended that you do so as soon as possible. In fact, you should seek assistance before attempting to handle the insurance companies yourself.

Top Your Responsibilities

Whether you're a pedestrian, driver, or passenger, there are ways you can protect yourself and others. Consider the following tips:

• Make sure you have adequate automobile insurance. Find out if you have insurance that will cover you if another party is at fault for an accident and insurance that will cover another party if you are at fault for an accident.

• Be sure you are covered by underinsured and uninsured motorist protection. Underinsured coverage protects you if the other party involved in the accident doesn't have enough insurance to adequately compensate you for your injuries and damages. Uninsurance coverage protects you if the other party involved in the accident doesn't have any insurance at all.

• Notify your insurance company of any accidents in a timely manner.

• Notify the Louisiana State Police, as they are responsible for investigating all accidents resulting in personal injury.

How to Handle an Accident

Chapter Seven of the Louisiana Class D & E Drivers Guide thoroughly outlines your responsibilities in the event of an accident.

1. Do not leave the scene of the accident. Make sure oncoming traffic is notified, and all ignitions are turned off.
2. Render any first aid in which you have been trained. Call the police and an ambulance.
3. Record the names, addresses, and license numbers of all parties involved, including any witnesses.
4. Jot down all pertinent information. For example, you'll need to know the date and time of the accident, your location, the position of involved vehicles, and current weather conditions.
5. Obtain a request for a crash report form from the trooper who investigates the accident. If he or she fails to provide the form, you may obtain one online using the free Adobe Reader or pick one up at your local Troop. The fee for a crash report is $7.50.

For more information, visit the Louisiana State Police Crash Investigations Web page.