What to Do After a Car Accident | Affton, MO Car Accident Lawyers | Halvorsen Klote

Affton, MO

What to Do After a Car Accident in Affton, MO

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What to do after a car accident in Affton, MO. Car accidents are all too common in the modern world. They can happen to anyone, at any time, and can cause ruinous physical, mental and financial burdens. If you were injured through no fault of your own, it's important to know what to do next to get the full and fair financial recovery you deserve. If you want to know what you should do after a car accident in Affton, MO, reach out to a personal injury attorney at Halvorsen Klote. We've committed our practice to ensuring that those injured in Affton, Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois have access to the same skilled legal representation that large insurance companies have. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us through our website to discuss your case for free.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Affton, MO | Car Accident Lawyers Near Affton | Personal Injury Lawyers

In the Moments Right After Your Car Accident in Affton, MO

Getting injured in a car accident can be staggering. However, it's important to stay calm and take the following steps:

  • See if anyone is injured — Check yourself and any passengers to see if you or they have been hurt. If anyone is hurt or unconscious, call 911 right away and give first aid if you can.
  • Get out of the way of traffic — If possible, pull over to the side of the road or drive to a nearby parking lot to avoid blocking traffic and avoid being hurt by oncoming traffic.
  • Don't leave the scene — Stay at the scene of the accident, even if the damage and injuries don't seem too severe. Law enforcement will let you know when you can leave. Both Missouri Revised Statute §577.060 and 625 ILCS 5/11-401 require you to remain at the scene of any accident that causes bodily injury or death.
  • Call the police — Even if the accident is minor, it's important to call the police to file a report. You're not doing this to cause problems for the other person; you just need police to document the scene and the incident. Police know how to determine blame in a car accident. Their report will be vital for your insurance claim or if you need to file a lawsuit later on.
  • Exchange information — Get the insurance and contact info of the everyone else involved in the accident. Also get the info of anyone who saw the accident.
  • Document the scene — Use your phone to take photos of both vehicles, in addition to your injuries. Also take photos of the surrounding scene. Things that seem insignificant at the time, like tire marks – or the lack thereof – can be crucial pieces of evidence later on.
  • Don't admit fault — Do not admit fault or apologize; you do not know all the facts of the accident yet. When speaking with police and the other driver, be truthful but don't go into too much detail.

If serious injuries were sustained, get medical treatment right away by going to the nearest emergency room in Affton, MO or requesting an ambulance.

In the Days, Weeks and Months After Your Affton, MO Car Accident

Once you've left the accident site, there are still several things you should do to protect yourself and your legal rights. These include:

  • Go to the doctor if you haven't already — Even if you feel fine after the accident, it's important to get checked out by a doctor. Certain injuries, like brain injuries, whiplash or internal bleeding, don't immediately show symptoms after an accident.
  • Notify both insurance companies — Contact both insurance companies as soon as possible to report the accident. Most insurance companies have strict time limits for filing claims. Be honest and accurate when recounting the accident, but don't accept responsibility admit that you caused the accident.
  • Continue your medical treatment — Make sure to follow the full treatment plan recommended by your doctor. This is important not only so you heal properly, but so you get the full compensation you deserve.
  • Keep records — Keep a file with all documents related to your injuries, including police reports, documentation of medical expenses and insurance correspondence.
  • Don't give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company — When the other driver's insurance calls you, don't say anything before you speak with a car accident lawyer. They may try to get you to say something that could hurt your case.
  • Contact a car accident lawyer — If you were hurt by another driver, it's important to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the injury claim process and ensure the insurance company doesn't take advantage of you. We accept our attorneys' fees on a contingency fee basis, meaning there's no downside for you in asking us to look over your case, and we won't take on your case if we don't truly think you deserve much more money than the insurance company is offering.

Being in a car accident can be a devastating experience, but taking the right steps after the accident is crucial in getting the financial recovery you deserve. By following our guidelines, you can help protect your economic well-being as it relates to the accident. If the insurance company is offering you the settlement you need, don't hesitate to reach out to a car accident attorney at Halvorsen Klote for help.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Affton, MO | Auto Accident Law Firm | Personal Injury Attorneys Near Affton

Do I Need a Lawyer For My Affton, MO Car Accident Claim?

If you've been in a slight car accident in Affton, MO with no injuries or minor injuries, it may be possible to get fair compensation if you represent yourself. However, if you're injuries are severe, you'll likely need a lawyer to make the insurance company be fair. A lawyer can help you understand the legal process, ensure you get full compensation and protect your rights.

There are several circumstances in which you may need a lawyer for a car accident claim, including:

  • Serious injuries — If you have suffered serious injuries in the accident, a lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. The higher your damages, the more the insurance company will fight your claim. That's when you need a car accident lawyer in Affton, MO to hold them accountable and get the full compensation you deserve.
  • Disagreement about who is at fault If the other driver is blaming you for the accident, a lawyer can apply the evidence and relevant laws to win your case. The other insurance company will take the side of their policyholder, so you'll need evidence and a legal argument to support your claim.
  • A denied claim — If you know your claim is valid and the insurance company denies it, a lawyer can review the evidence, policy and denial letter and negotiate a fair settlement.
  • Multi-vehicle accident If multiple drivers were at fault, a lawyer can assign the appropriate amount of blame to each party, and look for as much insurance coverage as possible.
  • Wrongful death If a family member passed away in the accident, a lawyer can file a wrongful death claim and seek justice for you and your family. As wrongful death claims result in high damages, you'll likely need to file a lawsuit in Affton, MO to make a full financial recovery.
  • Legal technicalities — If there are legal technicalities that may impact your case, such as statutes of limitations, rules of evidence, being hit by a government vehicle, getting injured in a hit and run or if you were partially at fault, an attorney can guide you through the legal process and ensure you get the best possible compensation.

The only way to really know if you need a lawyer is to speak to one. Speak to a Halvorsen Klote Affton, MO car accident lawyer today at 866-382-4167.

What Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Affton, MO Do For Me?

If you do need a lawyer to get fair compensation, they will be your legal advocate and deal with all of the negotiation and litigation for you. Here are a few ways an experienced Affton, MO car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you are owed:

  • Investigate the crash — A car accident lawyer can investigate the accident to demonstrate how the other party caused your injuries. They can review police reports, take depositions, consult with crash experts and acquire other evidence like video surveillance to have the best case possible.
  • Handle communication with insurance companies — Communicating with insurance companies can be incredibly frustrating, particularly if you're injured and need fair compensation. A car accident lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies and ensure that they're fair to you.
  • Negotiate a settlement — Personal injury lawyers are skilled negotiators and can work to get you a fair settlement for your car accident. They can calculate the cost of your medical bills, lost wages and other damages to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
  • File a lawsuit If your Affton, MO car accident lawyer cannot secure fair compensation in negotiations or mediation, your lawyer can file a lawsuit in court to begin the process of the case going to trial.
  • Represent you in court — If you have to go to court for your car accident, a lawyer can fight for you in front of a judge and jury. They can argue on your behalf and persuade the jury to empathize with you.
  • Provide legal advice — An attorney can provide legal advice and assuage any concerns you may have about the legal process. An experienced Affton, MO car accident lawyer should keep you up-to-date on your case. While the ultimate decision is left up to you, a lawyer will offer sound advice on whether it's best to settle or try to get more money.
  • Help you receive fair compensation — A car accident lawyer can help you recover your full damages after a car accident, including medical expenses, lost wages and non-economic damages.
  • Provide peace of mind — Knowing that you have a knowledgeable and experienced Affton, MO car accident lawyer on your side can provide peace of mind during a difficult time. You can spend your energy on your physical recovery while we handle your financial recovery.

A car accident lawyer can provide invaluable guidance after a car accident. If you've been injured in a car accident in Affton, MO, call Halvorsen Klote now.

Other cases we take on in Affton, MO include:

What to Do After a Car Accident in Affton, MO | Personal Injury Law Firm Near Affton | Car Accident Lawyers

What to Do After a Car Accident in Affton, MO? Call Halvorsen Klote's Personal Injury Attorneys

A car accident can have devastating consequences, and you need to know your rights and options. At Halvorsen Klote, we dedicate ourselves to giving the highest standard of legal advocacy to those who normally wouldn't be able to afford it. If you were injured a car accident and don't know what to do next, discuss your case with a Halvorsen Klote Affton, MO injury attorney at 866-382-4167 or through our online contact form.


Joel Halvorsen

Joel Halvorsen

Attorney at Law

Joel Halvorsen and his partner Greg Klote founded the Halvorsen Klote law firm on the principle that injured people and their families should have access to the same quality legal representation as large insurance companies.


Greg Klote

Greg Klote

Attorney at Law

Greg Klote is a partner and founder of Halvorsen Klote.

Greg has successfully fought for people who were injured through no fault of their own. He became a lawyer to help make a difference in the lives of those who have been wronged and treated unfairly.