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

Boonville, MO

What to Do After a Car Accident in Boonville, MO

Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers


Call 866-382-4167 for a Free Consultation | Boonville, MO Auto Accident Law Firm

What to do after a car accident in Boonville, MO. Car accidents are unfortunately commonplace in today's world. They can happen in a heartbeat, and can cause significant physical, mental and financial damage. If you find yourself in a car accident, it's important to know what steps to take to protect yourself. If you're wondering what you should do after a car accident in Boonville, MO, contact a personal injury attorney at Halvorsen Klote. We've dedicated our careers to ensuring the average person in Boonville, Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois have access to the same high-quality legal representation that massive corporations 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.

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

Immediately After Your Car Accident in Boonville, MO

The moments immediately following a car accident can be overwhelming. However, it's imperative to keep your wits about you and do the following:

  • Check for injuries — Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is severely injured or unconscious, call for emergency personnel immediately and provide medical attention if you can.
  • Move to a safe location — If you and your vehicle are able, move your car to the side of the road or stop in a nearby parking area to avoid blocking traffic and avoid being hurt by oncoming traffic.
  • Stay at the scene — Do not leave 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 get the other person in trouble; you just need police to document the scene and the incident. Police are trained on how to determine why an accident occurred and who is to blame. Their report will be vital for recovering the compensation you are owed.
  • Exchange information — Get the insurance and contact info of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. You should also get contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
  • Take photos — Get photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, in addition to your injuries. Also take photos of the nearby street and the entire accident site. Seemingly minor details, like brake marks – or the lack thereof – can later make or break your case.
  • Don't admit fault — Do not admit fault or apologize, as this can be used against you later. In interactions with police and the other driver, be truthful about how the events occurred, but don't over-share about your actions.

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

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

Once you've left the accident scene, you still need to follow certain steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. Those are:

  • Go to the doctor if you didn't immediately after the accident — Even if you don't think you're seriously injured, it's important to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, for example brain injuries, whiplash or internal bleeding, don't immediately show symptoms after an accident.
  • Notify both insurance companies — Make a claim with both insurance companies as quickly as your can. Most insurance companies require you to file a claim within 30 days after an accident. 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.
  • Document everything — Keep detailed records of everything related to the accident, including police reports, medical bills and insurance correspondence.
  • Don't talk to the other driver's insurance company — When the other driver's insurance calls you, don't speak to them without first consulting with a personal injury lawyer. They will try to use your answers against you.
  • Contact a car accident lawyer — If you were injured through no fault of your own, you need to talk to a personal injury lawyer right away. They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there's no risk in asking us to look over your case, and there's no reason for us to take on your case if we don't believe we can add significant value to it.

Being in a car accident can be a devastating occurrence, but taking the right steps after the accident can make a big difference. By following our guidelines, you can help protect yourself. If you need further assistance, call a car accident attorney at Halvorsen Klote immediately.

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

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

If you've been in a slight car accident in Boonville, MO and your injuries are either non-existent or minor, you may be able to represent yourself. But, if you're injuries are severe, you'll likely need a lawyer to win your claim. A lawyer can help you understand the legal process, ensure you get full compensation and protect your future.

There are numerous circumstances in which an attorney's services are required for a car accident claim, including:

  • Significant 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 Boonville, 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 is at fault for the accident, a lawyer can help you gather evidence and argue your case. The other insurance company will believe their policyholder over you, so you'll need evidence and a legal strategy to support your claim.
  • Insurance company denial — 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 injured in a chain reaction accident, a lawyer can help you navigate the complicated legal issues that may arise.
  • Wrongful death If a loved one passed away as a result of the accident, a lawyer can help you pursue 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 Boonville, MO to make a full financial recovery.
  • Legal complexities — 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, a lawyer can help you navigate these issues and ensure you get the best possible compensation.

The best way to know if you need a lawyer is to talk to one. Speak to a Halvorsen Klote Boonville, MO car accident lawyer today at 866-382-4167.

What Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Boonville, MO Do For My Case?

If you do need a lawyer for your claim, they will stand by your side and deal with all of the negotiation and litigation for you. Here are a few ways an experienced Boonville, MO car accident lawyer can help your case:

  • Investigate the accident — A car accident lawyer can investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. They can review police reports, take depositions, consult with crash experts and obtain other evidence like surveillance footage to build a strong case.
  • Handle communication with insurance companies — Dealing with insurance companies can be incredibly frustrating, particularly if you're dealing with injuries and other damages. A car accident lawyer will communicate with the insurance company for you ensure that you're not taken advantage of.
  • Negotiate a settlement — Personal injury lawyers are talented negotiators and can work to get you a fair settlement for your car accident. They can calculate the full value of your claim to make sure no money is left on the table.
  • File a lawsuit If your Boonville, MO car accident lawyer cannot get the insurance company to be fair in negotiations or mediation, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf to start the process of the case going before a judge and jury.
  • 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 present evidence to support your case and convince the jury to empathize with you.
  • Provide legal advice — An attorney can provide legal advice and assuage any doubts you may have about the personal injury process. An experienced Boonville, 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.
  • Offer peace of mind — Knowing that you have a knowledgeable and experienced Boonville, MO car accident lawyer on your side can provide peace of mind during this trying time. You can focus 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 hurt in a car accident in Boonville, MO, you should at least speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.

Other cases we take on in Boonville, MO include:

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

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

A car accident can have a significant impact on your life, and it's essential 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 those who normally wouldn't be able to afford it. If you were injured a car accident and want to know what to do next, discuss your case with a Halvorsen Klote Boonville, 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.