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

Farmington, MO

What to Do After a Car Accident in Farmington, MO

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What to do after a car accident in Farmington, MO. Car accidents are unfortunately commonplace in modern society. They can happen to anyone, at any time, and can cause considerable physical, emotional and financial damage. 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're wondering what you should do after a car accident in Farmington, MO, contact a personal injury attorney at Halvorsen Klote. We've pledged our careers to ensuring that those injured in Farmington, Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois have access to the same skilled legal advocacy that powerful corporations have. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online to discuss your case for free.

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

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

The moments immediately following a car accident can be confusing. However, it's important to stay calm 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 immediately and give first aid if you know how to.
  • 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 being hurt by oncoming traffic.
  • Don't leave 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 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. The point of this isn't 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 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 other driver(s) involved in the accident. Also get the info of anyone who saw the accident.
  • Document the scene — Get photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, 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 crucial pieces of evidence later on.
  • Don't admit fault — 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 but don't go into too much detail.

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

In the Days, Weeks and Months After Your Farmington, 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 compensation are legally entitled to. Those are:

  • Go to the doctor if you didn't immediately after the accident — Even if your injuries don't feel serious in the moment, 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 require you to file a claim within 30 days after an accident. Be honest and accurate when giving details about the accident, but don't accept fault 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 critical not only so you heal properly, but so you get the full compensation you deserve.
  • Keep records — Keep a file with all documents related to the accident, 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 speak to them without first consulting with a personal injury lawyer. They will try to use your answers against you.
  • Call a car accident lawyer — If you were injured by another driver, it's important to consult with a personal injury lawyer immediately. 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 downside for you in consulting with us, 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 is crucial in getting the financial recovery you deserve. 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.

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

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

If you've been in a minor car accident in Farmington, 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 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 fair compensation and defend your future.

There are many circumstances 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 Farmington, MO to hold them accountable and get the full compensation you deserve.
  • Liability dispute If there is a dispute over who caused accident, a lawyer can apply the evidence and relevant laws to win your case. The insurance adjuster 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 get you the compensation you deserve.
  • Multi-vehicle collisions If you were injured in a chain reaction accident, a lawyer can assign the appropriate amount of blame to each party, and look for as much insurance coverage as possible.
  • 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 claims result in high damages, you'll likely need to file a lawsuit in Farmington, MO to make a full financial recovery.
  • Legal issues — If complex legal issues come into play, 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 best way to know if you need a lawyer is to consult with one. Speak to a Halvorsen Klote Farmington, MO car accident lawyer today at 866-382-4167.

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

If you do need a lawyer to get fair compensation, they will fight on your behalf and handle of all of the negotiation and litigation for you. Here are a few ways an experienced Farmington, MO car accident lawyer can help your case:

  • Investigate the crash — A car accident lawyer can investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. 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 — Communicating 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 they're fair to you.
  • 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 full value of your claim to make sure no money is left on the table.
  • File a lawsuit If your Farmington, 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 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 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 Farmington, 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.
  • Offer peace of mind — Knowing that you have a knowledgeable and experienced Farmington, MO car accident lawyer on your side can provide peace of mind during this trying time. You can spend your energy on recovering from your injuries while your lawyer handles the legal details.

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

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

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

A car accident can have a significant impact on your life, and you need to know how to best protect your rights. At Halvorsen Klote, we pride ourselves on our high level of customer care and on giving high-quality 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 Farmington, 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.