What To Do After A Car Accident

In today’s post, we are going to be discussing what to do after a car accident. You will learn what to do and what not to do. Don’t forget one of the first things should be to call a Saint Louis car accident lawyer asap.

What To Do After A Car Accident (The Dos And Don’ts) Video

What Should You Do After A Car Accident In St. Louis, MO

If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile collision in Missouri, we are deeply sorry. In this post, we’re going to discuss some of the common mistakes we’ve seen people make after a car accident and what to do after a car accident.

6 Common Mistakes People Make After A Car Accident

1. Not taking pictures of the vehicles involved
2. Not asking the police to come to the scene or make a report – A police report documents the facts of the occurrence
3. Speaking with insurance agencies after the accident, before speaking with an attorney -You don’t want to give a statement to an insurance company because they’re not on your side
4. Admitting fault – It’s natural to feel bad after an accident, but we urge you to resist the desire to admit any fault until an attorney is involved. Any fault you admit, even small details, could be used against you in court.
5. Leaving the scene – This is one of the biggest and most consequential mistakes people make. If you leave the scene without making a report, the other driver could blame the accident on you or you could be charged with a hit-and-run.
6. Not getting medical care right away – Your medical care and records from that care will be used as a diary of your pain and suffering in your case. There’ll be exhibits before your trial and if you wait too long before the date of your trial and the date of the accident to get care, that could be used against you by the insurance companies and their lawyers

At Cantor Injury Law, we can help you get the care you need after getting rear-ended or in an accident. Even if you don’t have any insurance, we have doctors that we work with on a regular basis who can provide you with proper medical care.

What To Do After A Car Accident – 8 Steps

1. STOP.

This may sound self-explanatory; however, one should be reminded to never leave the scene of an accident, no matter how minor. The vehicles should remain where they are and you should either stay in the vehicle or just outside of it. The only exception to this rule is if the vehicles are in immediate danger. If they’re in the roadway and are at risk of causing another collision due to oncoming traffic, you can move the vehicles to the side of the road. This will help ensure no additional damage is done.

You’ll also want to talk to the other driver involved and make sure they’re ok. If you notice serious injuries, immediately call 9-1-1 to alert emergency services.

2. CALL THE POLICE

Even if there are no serious injuries and it is not a major accident, it is a good idea to call the police. You may need a police report to file a claim with your insurance company, even if it is just to make a claim for damage to your vehicle. Further, a police report will help make a record of the facts surrounding the accident. In the report, always be truthful—never speculate or guess what happened. If medical attention is needed for anyone on the scene, let the dispatcher know when calling the police or 911.

3. TAKE PICTURES

In the aftermath of a car accident, the lens of your smartphone transforms into a powerful tool for justice. Visual documentation is paramount in securing a comprehensive record of the incident. Ensure that your photographs encapsulate every angle of the vehicles involved, highlighting damages, dents, and license plates to provide a visual roadmap of the collision’s impact. Step back to capture the broader scene, encompassing traffic signs, signals, and the overall environment—these contextual shots aid in reconstructing the sequence of events.

If visible injuries have been sustained, document them with meticulous close-ups, creating a personal record that portrays the immediate aftermath of the accident. Additionally, chart the progression of your recovery through follow-up photos, crafting a visual timeline that narrates the journey from injury to healing. Extend your lens beyond the accident scene to encompass the surroundings, including road conditions and weather, for a holistic perspective. Collaborate with witnesses, if available, to include their viewpoint in the documentation, adding credibility and alternative perspectives.

Lastly, reinforce the accuracy of your visual evidence by enabling time and date stamps, creating a chronological record that can substantiate your account, support insurance claims, and significantly impact legal proceedings. In this digital age, harness the power of visual records to fortify your case, ensuring a nuanced and accurate portrayal of the incident.

4. EXCHANGE INFORMATION.

If the police do not respond to the accident, you should obtain the name, address and telephone number of all persons involved in the accident, drivers and passengers alike. You should also obtain insurance information for all vehicles involved. If there are any witnesses, you should get information from them as well so that you or your attorney can contact them in the future. If police respond to the accident, the investigating officer usually will provide all drivers with a police report number. You can use that number later to obtain the police report. Make sure to know what agency investigated the accident (local police, sheriff, or highway patrol).

5. REPORT THE ACCIDENT.

Notify YOUR insurance company as soon as possible. Many policies require immediate reporting and full cooperation. Typically, your insurance card will have a toll-free number to call for accident reporting. Check with your insurer to find out what benefits are available through your policy. Some policies carry “medpay” provisions that may help in paying any medical bills you may incur.

6. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

Many times, injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents are not immediately apparent, mostly due to the stress and adrenaline rush from being in an accident. Many people report feeling the most pain a day or two following an automobile accident. Unless you are absolutely certain you were not injured, you should seek medical attention at your local emergency room, urgent care, or family physician. Even minor accidents can cause serious and permanent injury to your spinal cord. Closed head injuries sometimes result from minor accidents as well.

7. KEEP GOOD RECORDS.

Keep all your accident-related documents and information in a file. This file should include a claim number, the claim adjuster who is handling the claim for both your insurance company and the other drivers involved, the type of car accident, and the names and phone numbers of all contacts and witnesses. Keep any expenses such as a rental car or medical-related expenses in this file.

8. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY.

Perhaps the most important thing you should do after an accident is to consult an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer. They can protect your rights and make sure valuable evidence is not destroyed. It is common for the adjuster of the other driver’s insurance company to want to get a recorded statement as soon as possible after the accident.

It is imperative that you have received legal advice before providing such a statement. Your attorney can help you navigate all of the issues surrounding a personal injury claim ranging from how to make sure you are fully compensated for your vehicle, how to make sure you are getting the best medical treatment available, and adequate compensation for your injuries. The attorneys at Cantor Injury Law have 30 years of experience doing just that. If you have been in an accident, contact us immediately at 314-628-9999 (St. Louis) or 573-240-9999 (Columbia).

	Working with an Attorney	Not Working with an Attorney
Legal Protection	Ensures your rights are protected	Risks potential legal pitfalls
Evidence Preservation	Helps prevent destruction of valuable evidence	No guidance on preserving evidence
Insurance Adjuster Statement	Provides legal advice before giving a statement	Risks giving a statement without legal guidance
Vehicle Compensation	Assists in ensuring full compensation for your vehicle	No assistance in maximizing vehicle compensation
Medical Treatment	Helps ensure access to the best available medical treatment	No assistance in navigating medical treatment options
Injury Compensation	Aids in securing adequate compensation for injuries	No guidance on maximizing injury compensation

PRINT THIS INFOGRAPHIC TO KEEP IN YOUR CAR

When in a high-stress situation, you may forget what to do or skip a crucial step. To help alleviate some of this stress, we created an infographic that tells you exactly what to do after a car accident. Keep this in your dash so that you’re prepared in case misfortune strikes.

Key Takeaways:

Facing the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing the right steps to take is crucial. As your expert personal injury lawyers in St. Louis, we’ve distilled the essential takeaways for you:

1. Never Leave the Scene:
   • Always stop at the accident scene, no matter how minor, and ensure everyone’s safety. Move vehicles only if they pose an immediate danger.
2. Involve the Police:
   • Even for minor accidents, involving the police ensures a proper report, vital for insurance claims and documenting facts accurately.
3. Capture the Moment:
   • Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Visual evidence can play a pivotal role in supporting your claims.
4. Exchange Information:
   • Gather contact details from all involved parties, including witnesses. This information becomes invaluable for future communication and legal proceedings.
5. Prompt Reporting to Insurance:
   • Notify your insurance company at the earliest opportunity. Check your policy for specific reporting requirements and benefits available.
6. Prioritize Medical Attention:
   • Seek medical care promptly, even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Documenting injuries early is vital for your well-being and any future legal claims.
7. Document Everything:
   • Keep a detailed record of all accident-related documents, including a claim number, contacts, and expenses. This organized approach strengthens your case.
8. Consult with Your Personal Injury Lawyer:
   • Perhaps the most crucial step is seeking guidance from experienced personal injury lawyers like us. We can protect your rights, preserve evidence, and navigate the complexities of your case.

FAQs: What To Do After A Car Accident

Q: What Are The Common Mistakes People Make After A Car Accident?

A: Some common mistakes people make after a car accident include:

• Not taking pictures of the vehicles involved.
• Not asking the police to come to the scene or make a report.
• Speaking with insurance agencies before speaking with an attorney.
• Admitting fault without consulting an attorney.
• Leaving the scene without making a report.
• Not getting medical care right away.

Q: What Should I Do Immediately After A Car Accident In St. Louis, MO?

A: After a car accident in St. Louis, MO, follow these steps:

• Stop and remain at the scene.
• Call the police, even for minor accidents.
• Take pictures of the vehicles and any visible damage or injuries.
• Exchange information with the other parties involved, including drivers and witnesses.
• Report the accident to your insurance company.
• Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel immediate pain.
• Keep records of all accident-related documents and expenses.
• Contact an experienced car accident attorney for legal advice.

Q: Why Is It Important To Take Pictures After A Car Accident?

A: Taking pictures of the vehicles involved and any visible damage or injuries is important because they serve as evidence of the accident. These pictures can be used to support your insurance claim and provide a record of the facts surrounding the accident.

Q: When Should I Seek Medical Attention After A Car Accident?

A: It is recommended to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you don’t feel immediate pain. Injuries from accidents may not be immediately apparent due to adrenaline and stress. Some injuries, such as spinal cord or closed head injuries, may manifest later. To ensure your well-being and document any injuries, visit your local emergency room, urgent care, or family physician as soon as possible.

Q: Why Should I Contact An Attorney After A Car Accident?

A: Contacting an experienced car accident attorney is important because they can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. An attorney can ensure valuable evidence is preserved, help you with insurance claims, maximize your compensation for damages, and provide guidance for a personal injury claim. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney before providing any recorded statements to insurance adjusters.’

Q: How long after a car accident can you claim injury?

A: The timeframe for filing a claim after a car accident varies by state, typically ranging from one to six years from the date of the accident. However, it’s best to seek medical attention and initiate the claims process as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure timely treatment. Delaying could harm your case and allow insurers to dispute your injuries. Acting promptly and seeking legal advice can help maximize your chances of fair compensation.

Q: What insurance would cover electric poll damage from a car accident?

If you hit an electric pole in a car accident, your auto liability insurance will typically cover the damage. Liability insurance is designed to cover property damage you cause to others, including utility poles. However, the utility company may file a claim against you for repair costs, and your insurance would handle those expenses up to your policy limits. If the damage exceeds your coverage limits, you may be responsible for paying the difference.