What to Do After a Car Accident in Granite City, IL

Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers

---

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

What to do after a car accident in Granite City, IL. Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of the modern world. They happen without any notice, and can lead to ruinous physical, mental and economic damage. If you were injured by a negligent driver, it's important to know what to do next to protect your legal rights. If you're wondering what you should do after a car accident in Granite City, IL, reach out to a personal injury attorney at Halvorsen Klote. We've dedicated our practice to ensuring the average person in Granite City, Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois have access to the same skilled legal advocacy that large corporations have. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation case evaluation.

In the Moments Right After Your Car Accident in Granite City, IL

Getting injured in a car accident can be chaotic. However, it's important to stay calm and do the following:

• Check for injuries — Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt or non-responsive, call 911 right away and provide medical attention if you are able.
• Get out of the way of traffic — If possible, pull over to the side of the road or drive to a nearby parking area to avoid blocking traffic and avoid being hurt 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. Wait for the police to arrive. Both Missouri Revised Statute §577.060 and 625 ILCS 5/11-401 make it a felony to leave the scene of any accident that causes personal injury or death.
• Call the police — Even if the accident is minor, the police can write a report, and some jurisdictions require you to call the police. The point of this isn't to cause problems for the other person; you just need police to document the scene and the incident. Police know how to determine why an accident occurred and who is at fault. Their report is essential for recovering the compensation you are owed.
• Exchange information — Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. You should also ask for the contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
• Document the scene — Get photos of both vehicles, in addition to your injuries. Also take photos of the surrounding scene. Seemingly minor details, like tire marks – or the lack thereof – can be crucial pieces of evidence when filing your claim.
• 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 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 Granite City, IL or asking for an ambulance.

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

After the initial shock of the accident wears off, you still need to follow certain steps to ensure you get the compensation are owed. 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 at least get looked over by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as brain injuries, whiplash or internal bleeding, aren't noticeable immediately after the 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 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 for your physical recovery, but it will increase your financial recovery as well.
• Keep records — Keep detailed records of everything related to your injuries, including police reports, documentation of medical expenses and insurance correspondence.
• Don't give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company — If the other driver's insurance company contacts you, don't speak to them without first consulting with a personal injury lawyer. They may try to get you to say something that could hurt your case.
• Call a car accident lawyer — If you were injured in the accident, it's important to consult with a personal injury lawyer immediately. They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. We accept our attorneys' fees on a contingency fee basis, meaning there's no risk in discussing your case with us, and we won't take on your case if we don't believe you are entitled to much more money than the insurance company is offering.

Being being injured in a car accident can be an overwhelming occurrence, but knowing what to do in the aftermath is crucial in getting the compensation you deserve. By following our guidelines, you can help protect your future. If the insurance company won't be fair, call a car accident attorney at Halvorsen Klote immediately.

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

If you've been in a minor car accident in Granite City, IL with no injuries or minor injuries, it may be possible to get fair compensation if you represent yourself. But, if you're injuries require a lot of treatment, you'll likely need a lawyer to make the insurance company be fair. A lawyer can help you navigate the injury claim process, ensure you receive full compensation and protect your rights.

There are numerous situations 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 Granite City, IL 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 your injuries, a lawyer can apply the evidence and relevant laws to win 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.
• A denied claim — If you know your claim is valid and the insurance company denies it, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision and negotiate a fair settlement.
• Multi-vehicle accident — If you were injured in a chain reaction accident, a lawyer can assign the appropriate amount of blame to each party, and pursue all avenues for compensation.
• Wrongful death — If a family member passed away in 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 Granite City, IL to make a full financial recovery.
• Legal technicalities — 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, a lawyer 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 consult with one. Speak to a Halvorsen Klote Granite City, IL car accident lawyer today at 866-382-4167.

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

If you do need a lawyer for your claim, they will fight on your behalf and handle of all of the negotiation and litigation for you. Here are a few ways a knowledgeable Granite City, IL car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you are owed:

• 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 accident reconstruction experts and obtain other evidence like video surveillance to have the best case possible.
• 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 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 extent of all your damages to make sure no money is left on the table.
• File a lawsuit — If your Granite City, IL car accident lawyer cannot secure fair compensation in negotiations or mediation, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf to begin the process of the case going to trial.
• 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 see things from your point of view.
• Provide legal advice — An attorney can provide legal advice and assuage any concerns you may have about the personal injury process. An experienced Granite City, 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 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 Granite City, IL car accident lawyer on your side can provide peace of mind 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 crucial aid after a car accident. If you've been hurt in a car accident in Granite City, IL, call Halvorsen Klote now.

Other cases we handle in Granite City, 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 Granite City, IL? 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 future. At Halvorsen Klote, we dedicate ourselves to giving great legal representation 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 Granite City, IL injury attorney at 866-382-4167 or through our online contact form.

---

---

---