After an accident, you’ll probably hear from at least two insurance companies: yours and the other driver’s. Both have rules and goals of their own. Here’s how to protect your claim.
Remember who the adjuster works for
The other driver’s adjuster may be friendly, but their job is to close your claim for as little as possible. Anything you say can be used to argue you were partly at fault or that your injuries aren’t serious.
Five tips for talking to insurance companies
- Report the accident to your own insurer promptly, as your policy requires. Stick to the basic facts.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before you talk to a lawyer.
- Don’t guess. If you don’t know the answer, say so. Don’t estimate speeds or distances.
- Don’t sign a medical release that lets the insurer pull your entire medical history.
- Don’t accept the first offer before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you settle, you usually can’t reopen the claim.
Keep good records
- Every medical bill, visit and prescription
- Pay stubs and notes from your employer about missed work
- Repair estimates and rental car receipts
- A simple journal of your pain and how your injuries affect daily life
Why recent Louisiana changes matter
Louisiana made several changes to injury law in 2025 and 2026. For accidents on or after January 1, 2026, an injured person found 51% or more at fault recovers nothing. Some medical bill recovery is now limited to the amounts actually paid by insurance. And a long-standing rule that helped injured people connect their injuries to the accident was overturned. Each of these gives insurance companies more to argue about, which makes careful documentation and good advice more important.
Hurt in an accident in Louisiana? Call Stephen J. Hecker at (504) 446-1000 for a free consultation. Our phones are answered 24/7. Contact us online.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Every case depends on its own facts. Laws change; this post reflects Louisiana law as of November 2026.