What to Do After a Car Accident in Collinsville, IL

Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers

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Call 866-382-4167 for a Free Consultation | Collinsville, IL Auto Accident Law Firm

What to do after a car accident in Collinsville, IL. Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern society. They happen without any notice, and can lead to significant physical, mental and economic hardships. If you find yourself in a car accident, it's important to know what steps to take to get the full and fair compensation you deserve. If you want to know what you should do after a car accident in Collinsville, IL, reach out to a personal injury attorney at Halvorsen Klote. We've committed our practice to ensuring everyday people in Collinsville, Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois have access to the same high-quality legal representation that powerful corporations have. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us through our website to discuss your case for free.

In the Moments Directly After Your Car Accident in Collinsville, IL

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

• Check for injuries — Check yourself and any passengers to see if you or they have been hurt. If anyone is severely injured or unconscious, call 911 right away and provide medical attention if you know how to.
• Move to a safe location — If you and your vehicle are able, 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.
• Stay at the scene — Do not leave the scene of the accident, even if the damage and injuries don't seem too severe. Wait for the police to arrive. Both Missouri law and Illinois law 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. The point of this isn't to cause problems for the other person; all they're there for is to write the report. Police are trained on how to determine fault in a car accident. Their report is essential for recovering the compensation you are owed.
• Exchange information — Get the insurance and contact info of the everyone else involved in the accident. Also get the info of anyone who witnessed the accident.
• Document the scene — Get photos of both vehicles, as well as any injuries. Also take photos of the surrounding scene. Things that seem insignificant at the time, like brake marks – or the lack thereof – can be what ends up proving 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. In interactions 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 Collinsville, IL or asking for an ambulance.

In the Days, Weeks and Months After Your Collinsville, IL Car Accident

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

• Go to the doctor if you didn't immediately after the accident — Even if you feel fine after the accident, 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 — Make a claim with 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 fault 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.
• Keep records — Keep detailed records of everything related to your injuries, including police reports, medical bills and communications with the insurance company.
• Don't talk to the other driver's insurance company — When the other driver's insurance reaches out to 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.
• Call a car accident lawyer — If you were injured through no fault of your own, it's important to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. 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 downside for you in discussing your case 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 being injured in a car accident can be a devastating experience, but knowing what to do in the aftermath is crucial in getting the compensation you deserve. By following our guidelines, you can help protect yourself. If you need further assistance, call a car accident attorney at Halvorsen Klote immediately.

Do I Need a Lawyer For My Collinsville, IL Car Accident Claim?

If you've been in a slight car accident in Collinsville, IL and your injuries are either non-existent or minor, it may be possible to get fair compensation if you represent yourself. But, if you're injuries are significant, you'll likely need a lawyer to make the insurance company be fair. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, ensure you receive full compensation and defend your rights.

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 Collinsville, IL to hold them accountable and get the full compensation you deserve.
• Liability dispute — If there is disagreement over who caused 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 strategy to support your claim.
• A denied claim — If you know the other driver is responsible for your injuries but the insurance company denies the claim, a lawyer can review the evidence, policy and denial letter and negotiate a fair settlement.
• Multi-vehicle collisions — If multiple drivers were at fault, a lawyer can help you guide you through the complex legal issues that may arise.
• Wrongful death — If a loved one passed away as a result of the accident, a lawyer can file a wrongful death claim and seek justice for you and your family. As wrongful death cases result in high damages, you'll likely need to file a lawsuit in Collinsville, IL 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, a lawyer can guide you through these issues 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 speak to one. Call Halvorsen Klote today at 866-382-4167.

What Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Collinsville, IL Do For My Claim?

If you do need a lawyer for your claim, they will be your legal advocate and handle of all of the negotiation and litigation for you. Here are a few ways an experienced Collinsville, IL 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 look over 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 dealing with injuries and other damages. 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 no money is left on the table.
• File a lawsuit — If your Collinsville, IL 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 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 front of a judge and jury. They can argue on your behalf and convince the jury to empathize with you.
• Provide legal advice — An attorney can provide legal advice and answer any questions you may have about the personal injury process. An experienced Collinsville, IL 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 Collinsville, IL car accident lawyer on your side can soothe any anxiety 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 invaluable aid after a car accident. If you've been involved in a car accident in Collinsville, IL, call Halvorsen Klote now.

Other cases we take on in Collinsville, IL 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 Collinsville, IL? Call Halvorsen Klote's Personal Injury Attorneys

A car accident can have a significant impact on your life, 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 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 Collinsville, IL injury attorney at 866-382-4167 or through our online contact form.

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