What to Do After a Car Accident in Cape Girardeau, MO

Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers

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

What to do after a car accident in Cape Girardeau, MO. Car accidents are all too common in the modern world. They can happen in a heartbeat, and can lead to devastating physical, mental and financial burdens. If you were injured through no fault of your own, you need to know what steps to take to protect yourself. If you're wondering what you should do after a car accident in Cape Girardeau, MO, contact a personal injury attorney at Halvorsen Klote. We've dedicated our practice to ensuring everyday people in Cape Girardeau, Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois have access to the same high-quality legal advocacy that large insurance companies have. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us through our website for a free case review.

In the Moments Directly After Your Car Accident in Cape Girardeau, MO

The moments immediately following a car accident can be staggering. However, it's important to keep your wits about you and take the following steps:

• Check for injuries — Check yourself and anyone else involved in the accident to see if you or they have been hurt. If anyone is hurt or non-responsive, call 911 right away and render aid if you can.
• Get out of the way of traffic — If possible, pull over to the side of the road or stop in a nearby parking lot to avoid blocking traffic and avoid getting hit by oncoming traffic.
• Don't leave the scene — Stay at the scene of the accident, even if it seems minor. Law enforcement will let you know when you can leave. Both Missouri law and Illinois law make it a crime to leave the scene of any accident that causes personal 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; all they're there for is to write the report. Police are trained on how to determine fault 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 — 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 pictures — Use your phone to take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, as well as any injuries. Also take photos of the surrounding scene. Seemingly minor details, like tire marks – or the lack thereof – can be what ends up proving your case.
• Don't admit fault — Do not take blame for the accident or apologize, as this can be used against you later. When speaking with police and the other driver, be truthful about how the events occurred, but don't go into too much detail about your actions.

If you or anyone else is seriously injured, seek immediate medical attention by going to the nearest emergency room in Cape Girardeau, MO or requesting an ambulance.

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

Once you've left the accident site, 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. Certain injuries, such as brain injuries, whiplash or internal bleeding, don't immediately show symptoms after an 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 giving details about the accident, but don't accept responsibility admit that you caused the accident.
• Keep going to medical treatment — Make sure to follow the full treatment plan recommended by your doctor. This is important not only for your physical recovery, but it will increase your financial recovery as well.
• Document everything — Keep detailed records of everything related to the accident, including police reports, documentation of medical expenses and insurance correspondence.
• Don't talk to the other driver's insurance company — If the other driver's insurance company contacts you, don't say anything before you discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer. They may try to get you to say something that could hurt your case.
• Contact a car accident lawyer — If you were injured by another driver, it's important to consult with a personal injury lawyer right away. They can help you navigate the personal injury process and ensure that your rights are protected. We accept our attorneys' fees on a contingency fee basis, meaning there's no risk in consulting with us, 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 an overwhelming experience, but knowing what to do in the aftermath can make a big difference. By following the above steps, you can help protect yourself. 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 Cape Girardeau, MO Car Accident Claim?

If you've been in a slight car accident in Cape Girardeau, 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, never accept a settlement offer without consulting with a car accident lawyer first. A lawyer can help you navigate the injury claim process, ensure you receive fair compensation and protect your rights.

There are many situations in which you may need a lawyer 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 Cape Girardeau, MO to hold them accountable and get the full compensation you deserve.
• Liability dispute — If the other driver refuses to be held accountable, a lawyer can apply the evidence and relevant laws to win your case. The insurance adjuster will take the side of the other driver, so you'll need evidence and a legal strategy 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 get you the compensation you deserve.
• Multi-vehicle collisions — If there are multiple parties involved in the accident, a lawyer can determine how much fault each party shares, and pursue all avenues for compensation.
• Wrongful death — If a family member passed away in the accident, a lawyer can help you pursue a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for your loss. As wrongful death cases result in great amounts of compensation, you'll likely need to file a lawsuit in Cape Girardeau, 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 help you navigate 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 Cape Girardeau, MO car accident lawyer today at 866-382-4167.

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

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

• Investigate the accident — 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 gather other evidence like video surveillance to build a strong case.
• Handle communication with insurance companies — Dealing with insurance companies can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you're injured and need fair compensation. A car accident lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies and ensure that you're not taken advantage of.
• 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 no money is left on the table.
• File a lawsuit — If your Cape Girardeau, MO car accident lawyer cannot secure fair compensation 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 argue on your behalf and persuade 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 personal injury process. An experienced Cape Girardeau, 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 pain and suffering.
• Provide peace of mind — Knowing that you have a knowledgeable and experienced Cape Girardeau, MO car accident lawyer on your side can provide peace of mind during a difficult time. You can focus on recovering from your injuries while your lawyer handles the legal details.

A car accident lawyer can provide crucial guidance after a car accident. If you've been hurt in a car accident in Cape Girardeau, MO, you should at least speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.

Other cases we handle in Cape Girardeau, MO include:

• Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
• Auto Accident Attorney
• Bike Wreck Lawyer
• Premises Liability Attorneys
• Automobile Injury Attorney
• Motorcycle Accidents Attorney
• Lawyer for Bicycle Accident
• Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Injury Claim Lawyer

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

A car accident can have devastating consequences, and you need to know how to best protect your future. At Halvorsen Klote, we dedicate ourselves to giving great legal advocacy to everyday people. If you were injured a car accident and don't know what to do next, schedule a free consultation with a Halvorsen Klote Cape Girardeau, MO injury attorney at 866-382-4167 or through our online contact form.

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