What to Do After a Car Accident in St Clair, MO

Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers

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

What to do after a car accident in St Clair, MO. Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of the modern world. They are always unexpected, and can lead to devastating physical, mental and financial damage. If you were injured through no fault of your own, you need to know what to do next to get the full and fair compensation you're owed. If you're wondering what you should do after a car accident in St Clair, MO, contact a personal injury attorney at Halvorsen Klote. We've committed our practice to ensuring everyday people in St Clair, Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois have access to the same high standard of legal representation that powerful corporations have. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation.

In the Moments Right After Your Car Accident in St Clair, MO

The moments immediately following a car accident can be overwhelming. However, it's essential to stay calm and take the following steps:

• See if anyone is injured — Check yourself and anyone else involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is hurt or non-responsive, call for emergency personnel right away and give first aid if you are able.
• Move to a safe location — If possible, move your car 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 oncoming traffic.
• Don't leave the scene — Do not leave the scene of the accident, even if it seems minor. Wait for the police to arrive. Both Missouri law and Illinois law require 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. 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 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 other driver(s) involved in the accident. Also get the info of anyone who witnessed the accident.
• Document the scene — Get photos of both vehicles, as well as any injuries. Also take photos of the surrounding scene. Seemingly minor details, like tire marks – or the lack thereof – can later make or break your case.
• Don't take the blame — Do not admit fault 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 serious injuries were sustained, seek immediate medical attention by going to the nearest emergency room in St Clair, MO or asking for an ambulance.

In the Days, Weeks and Months After Your St Clair, MO Car Accident

After the initial shock of the accident wears off, you still need to follow certain steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. Those are:

• Seek medical attention if you haven't already — Even if you feel fine after the accident, it's important to at least get examined by a medical professional. 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 — 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 describing the accident, but don't accept responsibility admit that you caused the accident.
• Keep going to medical treatment — Make sure to attend every treatment your physician recommends. This is important not only for your physical recovery, but it will increase your financial recovery as well.
• Document everything — Keep a file with all documents related to your injuries, including police reports, medical bills and communications with the insurance adjuster.
• Don't talk 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 will try to use your answers against you.
• Call a car accident lawyer — If you were hurt through no fault of your own, you need to talk to a personal injury lawyer right away. They can help you understand the legal 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 we won't take on your case if we don't truly think you are entitled to much more money than the insurance company is offering.

Being in a car accident can be a devastating occurrence, but knowing what to do in the aftermath is crucial in getting the financial recovery you deserve. By following the above steps, you can help protect your future. If the insurance company is offering you the settlement you need, call a car accident attorney at Halvorsen Klote immediately.

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

If you've been in a minor car accident in St Clair, MO and your injuries are either non-existent or minor, you may be able to represent yourself. But, if you're injuries are significant, you'll likely need a lawyer to win your claim. A lawyer can help you understand the legal process, ensure you receive fair compensation and defend your future.

There are many 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 St Clair, MO to hold them accountable and get the full compensation you deserve.
• Liability dispute — 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 take the side of their policyholder, so you'll need evidence and a legal argument to support your claim.
• Insurance company denial — 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 negotiate a fair settlement.
• Multi-vehicle collisions — If you were involved 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 someone you love passed away as a result of the accident, a lawyer can file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for your loss. As these claims result in great amounts of compensation, you'll likely need to file a lawsuit in St Clair, MO to make a full financial recovery.
• Legal complexities — 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 guide you through the legal process and ensure you get the best possible compensation.

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 St Clair, MO Do For My Case?

If you do need a lawyer for your claim, they will stand by your side and handle of all of the negotiation and litigation for you. Here are a few ways a knowledgeable St Clair, 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 review police reports, take depositions, consult with crash 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 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 won't back down until you get a fair settlement for your car accident. They can calculate the cost of your medical bills, lost wages and other damages to make sure no money is left on the table.
• File a lawsuit — If your St Clair, 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 trial. They can present evidence to support your case and convince 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 St Clair, 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 non-economic damages.
• Provide peace of mind — Knowing that you have a knowledgeable and experienced St Clair, 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 assistance after a car accident. If you've been injured in a car accident in St Clair, MO, you should at least speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.

Other cases we take on in St Clair, 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 St Clair, 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 dedicate ourselves to giving high-quality 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 St Clair, MO injury attorney at 866-382-4167 or through our online contact form.

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