What to Do After a Car Accident in Maryland Heights, MO

Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers

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

What to do after a car accident in Maryland Heights, MO. Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of today's world. They can happen in a heartbeat, and can lead to significant physical, mental and financial damage. If you were injured through no fault of your own, it's important to know what to do next to protect your legal rights. If you want to know what you should do after a car accident in Maryland Heights, MO, speak to a personal injury attorney at Halvorsen Klote. We've pledged our careers to ensuring everyday people in Maryland Heights, 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 online for a no-risk, no-obligation case review.

Immediately After Your Car Accident in Maryland Heights, MO

Getting injured in a car accident can be chaotic. However, it's crucial to keep your wits about you and take the following steps:

• Check for injuries — Check yourself and anyone else involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is hurt or non-responsive, call for emergency personnel immediately and give first aid if you are able.
• Get out of the way of traffic — If possible, move your car to the side of the road or stop in a nearby parking area to avoid blocking traffic and avoid getting hit by other cars.
• Stay at 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 obligate you to remain at the scene of any accident that causes bodily 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. You're not doing this 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 your insurance claim or if you need to file a lawsuit later on.
• Exchange information — Get the insurance and contact info of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. You should also ask for the 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 surrounding scene. Things that seem insignificant at the time, like brake marks – or the lack thereof – can later make or break your case.
• Don't admit fault — Do not admit fault 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, seek immediate medical attention by going to the nearest emergency room in Maryland Heights, MO or asking for an ambulance.

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

Once you've left the accident scene, there are still several things you should do to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Those are:

• Seek medical attention 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, 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 giving details about the accident, but don't accept responsibility 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 important 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 your injuries, including police reports, medical bills and insurance correspondence.
• 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 consult with with a personal injury 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 in the accident, you need to talk to a personal injury lawyer immediately. They can help you understand the injury claim process and ensure the insurance company doesn't take advantage of you. We accept our attorneys' fees on a contingency fee basis, meaning there's no risk in asking us to look over your case, and we won't take on your case if we don't believe we can add significant value to it.

Being in a car accident can be a traumatic 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 yourself. If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to a car accident attorney at Halvorsen Klote for help.

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

If you've been in a slight car accident in Maryland Heights, MO with no injuries or minor injuries, you may be able to 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 understand the injury claim process, ensure you receive full compensation and protect your future.

There are numerous situations 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 Maryland Heights, MO to hold them accountable and get the full compensation you deserve.
• Disagreement about who is at fault — If there is disagreement 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 argument 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 negotiate a fair settlement.
• Multi-vehicle accident — If multiple drivers were at fault, 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 died as a result of the accident, a lawyer can help you pursue 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 Maryland Heights, MO to make a full financial recovery.
• Legal issues — 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 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 speak to one. Speak to a Halvorsen Klote Maryland Heights, MO car accident lawyer today at 866-382-4167.

What Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Maryland Heights, MO 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 talented Maryland Heights, MO 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 review police reports, take depositions, consult with crash experts and acquire other evidence like video surveillance to build a strong case.
• Handle communication with insurance companies — Communicating 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 on your behalf 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 determine the extent of all your damages to make sure no money is left on the table.
• File a lawsuit — If your Maryland Heights, MO 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.
• 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 legal process. An experienced Maryland Heights, 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 your full damages after a car accident, including medical expenses, lost wages and non-economic damages.
• Offer peace of mind — Knowing that you have a knowledgeable and experienced Maryland Heights, MO car accident lawyer on your side can soothe any anxiety during this trying time. You can focus on recovering from your injuries while your lawyer handles the legal details.

A car accident lawyer can provide invaluable guidance after a car accident. If you've been involved in a car accident in Maryland Heights, MO, call Halvorsen Klote now.

Other cases we handle in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO? 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 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, discuss your case with a Halvorsen Klote Maryland Heights, MO injury attorney at 866-382-4167 or through our online contact form.

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