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

Lebanon, MO

What to Do After a Car Accident in Lebanon, MO

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What to do after a car accident in Lebanon, MO. Car accidents are unfortunately ubiquitous in modern society. They can happen to anyone, at any time, and can cause ruinous physical, emotional and financial hardships. If you find yourself in a car accident, you need to know what steps to take to protect your future. If you're wondering what you should do after a car accident in Lebanon, MO, reach out to a personal injury attorney at Halvorsen Klote. We've committed our careers to ensuring everyday people in Lebanon, Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois have access to the same high-quality 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 consultation.

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

Immediately After Your Car Accident in Lebanon, MO

Getting injured in a car accident can be confusing. However, it's essential to keep your wits about you and do the following:

  • See if anyone is injured — Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is severely injured 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 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 bodily 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; you just need police to document the scene and the incident. Police are trained on how to determine why an accident occurred and who is to blame. Their report will be vital for recovering the compensation you are owed.
  • Exchange information — Get the insurance and contact info of the everyone else involved in the accident. You should also get contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
  • Take pictures — Get photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, as well as any injuries. Also take photos of the nearby street and the entire accident site. Seemingly minor details, 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, as this can be used against you later. In interactions 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 Lebanon, MO or requesting an ambulance.

In the Days, Weeks and Months After Your Lebanon, 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 are owed. These include:

  • 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, 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 soon as possible to report the accident. Most insurance companies require you to file a claim within 30 days after an accident. Be honest and accurate when recounting the accident, but don't accept responsibility admit that you caused the accident.
  • Continue your medical treatment — Make sure to attend every treatment your physician recommends. This is important not only so you heal properly, but so you get the full compensation you deserve.
  • Document everything — Keep detailed records of everything related to the accident, including police reports, medical bills and communications with the insurance adjuster.
  • Don't give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company — When the other driver's insurance calls 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.
  • Consult with a car accident lawyer — If you were injured by a negligent driver, it's important to consult with a personal injury lawyer immediately. They can help you navigate the personal injury process and ensure the insurance company doesn't take advantage of you. We collect our attorneys' fees on a contingency fee basis, meaning there's no risk 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 in a car accident can be a devastating experience, but taking the right steps after the accident is crucial in getting the compensation you deserve. By following the above steps, you can help protect your financial well-being as it relates to the accident. If the insurance company is offering you the settlement you need, don't hesitate to reach out to a car accident attorney at Halvorsen Klote for help.

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

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

If you've been in a minor car accident in Lebanon, MO with no injuries or minor injuries, it may be possible to get fair compensation if you represent yourself. But, if you're injuries are significant, never accept a settlement offer without consulting with a car accident lawyer first. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, ensure you receive the best possible compensation and defend your future.

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 Lebanon, MO to hold them accountable and get the full compensation you deserve.
  • Disagreement about who is at fault If the other driver refuses to accept responsibility, 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.
  • Insurance company denial — If you know your claim is valid and the insurance company denies it, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision and get you the compensation you deserve.
  • Multi-vehicle accident If there are multiple parties involved in the 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 died as a result of the accident, a lawyer can help you pursue a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for your loss. As these cases result in high damages, you'll likely need to file a lawsuit in Lebanon, 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, a lawyer can help you navigate these issues 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. Call Halvorsen Klote today at 866-382-4167.

What Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Lebanon, MO Do For Me?

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 a talented Lebanon, MO car accident lawyer can help you:

  • Investigate the accident — 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 acquire other evidence like video surveillance to build a strong case.
  • Handle communication with insurance companies — Communicating with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially if you're dealing with injuries and other damages. A car accident lawyer will communicate with the insurance company for you ensure that they're fair to you.
  • Negotiate a settlement — Personal injury lawyers are talented negotiators and can work to get you a fair settlement for your car accident. They can determine the full value of your claim to make sure no money is left on the table.
  • File a lawsuit If your Lebanon, MO car accident lawyer cannot secure fair compensation in negotiations or mediation, your lawyer can file a lawsuit in court 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 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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon, MO car accident lawyer on your side can soothe any anxiety during a difficult time. You can focus on your physical recovery while we handle your financial recovery.

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

Other cases we take on in Lebanon, MO include:

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

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

A car accident can have devastating consequences, and it's essential to know how to best protect your rights. At Halvorsen Klote, we dedicate ourselves to giving the highest standard of 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, schedule a free consultation with a Halvorsen Klote Lebanon, 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.