What to Do After a Car Accident in Ballwin, MO
Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers
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What to do after a car accident in Ballwin, MO. Car accidents are all too common in today's world. They happen without any notice, and can lead to significant physical, emotional and financial hardships. If you were injured by a negligent driver, it's important to know what steps to take to get the full and fair compensation you're legally entitled to. If you want to know what you should do after a car accident in Ballwin, MO, speak to a personal injury attorney at Halvorsen Klote. We've dedicated our careers to ensuring the average person in Ballwin, Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois have access to the same skilled legal representation that massive insurance companies have. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us through our website to discuss your case at no cost or obligation to you.
In the Moments Directly After Your Car Accident in Ballwin, MO
The moments immediately following a car accident can be overwhelming. However, it's essential to stay calm and take the steps outlined below:
- Check for injuries — Check yourself and any passengers to see if you or they have been hurt. If anyone is hurt or non-responsive, call for emergency personnel right away and give first aid if you are able.
- Move to a safe location — If possible, pull over to the side of the road or drive to a nearby parking area to avoid getting in the way of traffic and avoid being hurt by other cars.
- Stay at 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 make it a felony to leave the scene of any accident that causes personal injury or death.
- Call the police — Even if the accident is minor, the police can write a report, and some jurisdictions require you to call the police. The point of calling the police isn't to get the other person in trouble; all they're there for is to write the report. Police know how to determine blame in a car accident. Their report is essential for your insurance claim or if you need to file a lawsuit later on.
- Exchange information — Exchange contact and insurance information with the everyone else involved in the accident. You should also ask for the contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
- Take photos — Get photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, as well as any injuries. Also take photos of the nearby street and the entire accident site. Things that seem insignificant at the time, like brake marks – or the lack thereof – can be crucial pieces of evidence when seeking compensation.
- Don't take the blame — Do not admit fault or apologize; you do not know all the facts of the accident yet. In interactions with police and the other driver, be truthful about how the events occurred, but don't over-share about what you did leading up the crash.
If serious injuries were sustained, get medical treatment right away by going to the nearest emergency room in Ballwin, MO or requesting an ambulance.
In the Days, Weeks and Months After Your Ballwin, MO Car Accident
Once you've left the accident scene, you still need to follow certain steps to protect yourself and your future. Those are:
- Seek medical attention if you haven't already — Even if you don't think you're seriously injured, it's important to at least get examined by a medical professional. Certain injuries, such as brain injuries, whiplash or internal bleeding, aren't noticeable immediately after the accident.
- Notify both insurance companies — Contact both insurance companies as quickly as your can. Most insurance companies have strict time limits for filing claims. Be honest and accurate when recounting the accident, but don't accept fault admit that you caused the accident.
- Continue your medical treatment — Make sure to attend every follow-up, physical therapy and/or chiropractic appointment. This is critical not only for your physical recovery, but it will increase your financial recovery as well.
- Keep records — Keep detailed records of everything 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 will try to use your answers to devalue your claim.
- Consult with a car accident lawyer — If you were injured by another driver, you need to talk to a personal injury lawyer right away. They can help you navigate the personal injury process and ensure the insurance company doesn't treat you poorly. We accept our attorneys' fees on a contingency fee basis, meaning there's no downside for you in discussing your case with us, and we won't take on your case if we don't believe you deserve much more money than the insurance company is offering.
Being being injured in a car accident can be a traumatic occurrence, but knowing what to do in the aftermath can make a big difference. By following the above steps, you can help protect your legal rights. If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to a car accident attorney at Halvorsen Klote for help.
Do I Need a Lawyer For My Ballwin, MO Car Accident Claim?
If you've been in a slight car accident in Ballwin, MO and your injuries are either non-existent or minor, you may be able to represent yourself. However, if you're injuries are severe, never accept a settlement offer without consulting with a car accident lawyer first. A lawyer can help you understand the legal process, ensure you receive full compensation and defend your rights.
There are numerous situations in which an attorney's services are required 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 Ballwin, MO to hold them accountable and get the full compensation you deserve.
- Disagreement about who is at fault — If there is a dispute over who caused accident, a lawyer can help you acquire evidence and argue your case. The insurance adjuster will take the side of the other driver, 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 you were involved in a chain reaction accident, a lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal issues that may arise.
- Wrongful death — If a loved one passed away in the accident, a lawyer can help you pursue a wrongful death claim and seek justice for you and your family. As these cases result in great amounts of compensation, you'll likely need to file a lawsuit in Ballwin, MO to make a full financial recovery.
- Legal issues — 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 that your case is properly presented to the insurance company or in court.
The only way to really know if you need a lawyer is to consult with one. Speak to a Halvorsen Klote Ballwin, MO car accident lawyer today at 866-382-4167.
What Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Ballwin, MO Do For Me?
If you do need a lawyer for your claim, they will fight on your behalf and handle of all of the negotiation and litigation for you. Here are a few ways a knowledgeable Ballwin, MO car accident lawyer can help your case:
- Investigate the accident — A car accident lawyer can investigate the accident to demonstrate how the other party is liable. They can review police reports, take depositions, consult with accident reconstruction experts and obtain other evidence like surveillance footage to build a strong case.
- Handle communication with insurance companies — Communicating with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially 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 won't back down until you get 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 Ballwin, MO car accident lawyer cannot get the insurance company to be fair in negotiations or mediation, your lawyer can file a lawsuit in court to start the process of the case going to trial.
- Stand by your side in court — If you have to go to court for your car accident, a lawyer can fight for you in trial. They can present evidence to support your case and convince the jury to see things from your point of view.
- Provide legal advice — An attorney can provide legal advice and answer any questions you may have about the injury claim process. An experienced Ballwin, 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 the full value of your 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 Ballwin, MO car accident lawyer on your side can soothe any anxiety 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 assistance after a car accident. If you've been injured in a car accident in Ballwin, MO, call Halvorsen Klote now.
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What to Do After a Car Accident in Ballwin, 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 pride ourselves on our high level of customer care and on giving high-quality legal representation to everyday people. If you were injured a car accident and want to know what to do next, discuss your case with a Halvorsen Klote Ballwin, MO injury attorney at 866-382-4167 or through our online contact form.
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
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.
