What to Do After a Car Accident in Sedalia, MO

Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers

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

What to do after a car accident in Sedalia, MO. Car accidents are unfortunately ubiquitous in modern society. They are always unexpected, and can cause considerable physical, emotional and economic burdens. If you were injured by a negligent driver, you need to know what to do next to protect your legal rights. If you're wondering what you should do after a car accident in Sedalia, MO, contact a personal injury attorney at Halvorsen Klote. We've pledged our careers to ensuring the average person in Sedalia, Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois have access to the same expert legal advocacy that massive 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 Sedalia, MO

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

• See if anyone is injured — Check yourself and anyone else involved in the accident to see if you or they have been hurt. If anyone is severely injured or unconscious, call 911 immediately and give first aid if you are able.
• Move to a safe location — If possible, pull over to the side of the road or stop in a nearby parking area to avoid getting in the way of traffic and avoid being hurt by other cars.
• 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 Revised Statute §577.060 and 625 ILCS 5/11-401 make it a felony to leave 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 get the other person in trouble; you just need police to document the scene and the incident. Police know how to determine why an accident occurred and who is to blame. Their report is essential for recovering the compensation you are owed.
• Exchange information — Exchange contact and insurance information with the everyone else 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, in addition to your injuries. Also take photos of the surrounding scene. Things that seem insignificant at the time, like tire marks – or the lack thereof – can be crucial pieces of evidence when filing your claim.
• Don't take the blame — 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 about how the events occurred, but don't over-share about what you did leading up the crash.

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

In the Days, Weeks and Months After Your Sedalia, 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 you deserve. 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 get checked out by a doctor. Some 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 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 responsibility admit that you caused the accident.
• Continue your medical treatment — Make sure to attend every treatment your physician recommends. 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 your injuries, including police reports, documentation of medical expenses and communications with the insurance company.
• 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 car accident lawyer. They may try to get you to say something that could hurt your case.
• Contact a car accident lawyer — If you were injured by another driver, it's important to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you understand the injury claim process and ensure the insurance company doesn't take advantage of you. We work 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 believe you deserve much more money than the insurance company is offering.

Being being injured in a car accident can be a devastating occurrence, but knowing what to do in the aftermath can make a big difference. By following the above steps, you can help protect your economic well-being as it relates to the accident. If the insurance company won't be fair, don't hesitate to reach out to a car accident attorney at Halvorsen Klote for help.

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

If you've been in a minor car accident in Sedalia, MO with no injuries or minor injuries, it may be possible to get fair compensation if you represent yourself. However, 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 maximum compensation and defend your future.

There are many circumstances in which you may need a lawyer 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 Sedalia, MO 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 help you gather evidence and argue your case. The other insurance company will take the side of their policyholder, so you'll need evidence and a legal argument 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 get you the compensation you deserve.
• Multi-vehicle accident — 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 family member died 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 Sedalia, MO 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, an attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you get the best possible compensation.

The best way to 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 Sedalia, MO Do For My Case?

If you do need a lawyer to get fair compensation, they will be your legal advocate and handle of all of the negotiation and litigation for you. Here are a few ways an experienced Sedalia, 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 demonstrate how the other party is liable. They can review police reports, take depositions, consult with crash experts and acquire other evidence like surveillance footage to build a strong case.
• Handle communication with insurance companies — Dealing with insurance companies can be incredibly frustrating, particularly if you're dealing with injuries and other damages. 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 talented 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 Sedalia, MO 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 assuage any concerns you may have about the injury claim process. An experienced Sedalia, 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.
• Provide peace of mind — Knowing that you have a knowledgeable and experienced Sedalia, MO car accident lawyer on your side can soothe any anxiety during this trying time. You can focus on your physical recovery while we handle your financial recovery.

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

Other cases we handle in Sedalia, 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 Sedalia, MO? Call Halvorsen Klote's Personal Injury Attorneys

A car accident can have a significant impact on your life, and it's essential to know how to best protect your rights. At Halvorsen Klote, we pride ourselves on our high level of customer care and on giving great legal advocacy to everyday people. If you were injured a car accident and want to know what to do next, schedule a free consultation with a Halvorsen Klote Sedalia, MO injury attorney at 866-382-4167 or through our online contact form.

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