What to Do After a Car Accident in Centralia, MO

Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers

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

What to do after a car accident in Centralia, MO. Car accidents are all too common in the modern world. They are always unexpected, and can lead to considerable physical, emotional and financial burdens. If you were injured by a negligent driver, it's important to know what steps to take to protect yourself. If you want to know what you should do after a car accident in Centralia, MO, contact a personal injury attorney at Halvorsen Klote. We've pledged our careers to ensuring the average person in Centralia, Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois have access to the same high-quality legal representation that large insurance companies have. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online to discuss your case for free.

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

Being in a car accident can be staggering. However, it's crucial to keep your wits about you and take the steps outlined below:

• Check for injuries — Check yourself and anyone else involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is hurt or unconscious, call for emergency personnel immediately and provide medical attention if you are able.
• 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 lot to avoid blocking traffic and avoid getting hit by other cars.
• Don't leave 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 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 cause problems for the other person; you just need police to document the scene and the incident. Police know how to assign 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 other driver(s) involved in the accident. Also get the info of anyone who witnessed the accident.
• Take photos — Use your phone to take photos of both vehicles, as well as any injuries. Also take photos of the nearby street and the entire accident site. Seemingly minor details, like tire marks – or the lack thereof – can later make or break your case.
• Don't take the blame — Do not take blame for the accident or apologize; you do not know all the facts of the accident yet. When speaking 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 Centralia, MO or asking for an ambulance.

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

After the initial shock of the accident wears off, there are still several things you should do to ensure you get the financial recovery you deserve. 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. Some injuries, for example brain injuries, whiplash or internal bleeding, may not become apparent until days or even weeks after the 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 describing 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 critical not only so you heal properly, but so you get the full compensation you deserve.
• Document everything — Keep a file with all documents related to your injuries, including police reports, medical bills and communications with the insurance company.
• Don't give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company — When the other driver's insurance reaches out to you, don't say anything before you discuss your case 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, you need to talk to a personal injury lawyer right away. They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure the insurance company doesn't treat you poorly. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there's no downside for you in asking us to look over your case, and there's no reason for us to take on your case if we don't truly think we can add significant value to it.

Being being injured in a car accident can be a traumatic occurrence, but taking the right steps after the accident can make a big difference. By following the above steps, you can help protect your legal rights. If you need further assistance, call a car accident attorney at Halvorsen Klote immediately.

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

If you've been in a minor car accident in Centralia, MO and your injuries are either non-existent or minor, 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 injury claim process, ensure you get maximum compensation and protect your rights.

There are numerous 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 Centralia, 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 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 get you the compensation you deserve.
• Multi-vehicle accident — If multiple drivers were at fault, a lawyer can assign the appropriate amount of blame to each party, and pursue all avenues for compensation.
• Wrongful death — If a family member died in the accident, a lawyer can file a wrongful death claim and seek justice for you and your family. As these claims result in high damages, you'll likely need to file a lawsuit in Centralia, MO to make a full financial recovery.
• Legal issues — If complex legal issues arise, 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 these issues and ensure that your case is properly presented to the insurance company or in court.

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

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

If you do need a lawyer for your claim, they will fight on your behalf and deal with all of the negotiation and litigation for you. Here are a few ways a talented Centralia, 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 caused your injuries. They can look over police reports, take depositions, consult with crash experts and obtain other evidence like surveillance footage to have the best case possible.
• Handle communication with insurance companies — Dealing with insurance companies can be incredibly frustrating, particularly if you're injured and need fair compensation. 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 aggressive 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 Centralia, 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.
• Stand by your side 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 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 Centralia, 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 Centralia, MO car accident lawyer on your side can soothe any anxiety during this trying time. You can spend your energy on your physical recovery while we handle your financial recovery.

A car accident lawyer can provide valuable aid after a car accident. If you've been involved in a car accident in Centralia, MO, you should at least speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.

Other cases we take on in Centralia, 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 Centralia, 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 pride ourselves on our high level of customer care and on giving great legal advocacy 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 Centralia, MO injury attorney at 866-382-4167 or through our online contact form.

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