What to Do After a Car Accident in St. Louis County, MO

Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers

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

What to do after a car accident in St. Louis County, MO. Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of the modern world. They are always unexpected, and can lead to ruinous physical, mental and financial damage. If you find yourself in a car accident, 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 St. Louis County, MO, speak to a personal injury attorney at Halvorsen Klote. We've pledged our practice to ensuring that those injured in St. Louis County, Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois have access to the same skilled legal advocacy that massive corporations have. Call us today at 866-382-4167 or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation case review.

Immediately After Your Car Accident in St. Louis County, MO

The moments immediately following a car accident can be confusing. However, it's important to keep your wits about you and do the following:

• See if anyone is injured — Check yourself and anyone else involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is hurt or unconscious, call for emergency personnel right away and render 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 lot to avoid getting in the way of traffic and avoid getting hit 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 Revised Statute §577.060 and 625 ILCS 5/11-401 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, the police can write a report, and some jurisdictions require you to call the police. The point of calling the police isn't to get the other person in trouble; all they're there for is to write the report. Police are trained on 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 — Get the insurance and contact info of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. You should also get contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
• Document the scene — Get photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, in addition to your 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 crucial pieces of evidence later on.
• Don't admit fault — Do not take blame for the accident or apologize; you do not know all the facts of the accident yet. 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 St. Louis County, MO or requesting an ambulance.

In the Days, Weeks and Months After Your St. Louis County, MO Car Accident

After the initial shock of the accident wears off, you still need to follow certain steps to ensure you get the financial recovery you deserve. 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, such as 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 critical 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, documentation of medical expenses and insurance correspondence.
• Don't talk to the other driver's insurance company — When the other driver's insurance calls you, don't say anything before you speak with a car accident lawyer. They will try to use your answers to devalue your claim.
• Call a car accident lawyer — If you were injured through no fault of your own, it's important to consult with a personal injury lawyer right away. They can help you understand the injury claim process and ensure that your rights are protected. We collect our attorneys' fees on a contingency fee basis, meaning there's no risk in discussing your case with us, and there's no reason for us to take on your case if we don't truly think you deserve much more money than the insurance company is offering.

Being being injured in a car accident can be an overwhelming experience, but taking the right steps after the accident can make a big difference. By following our guidelines, you can help protect your future. 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 St. Louis County, MO Car Accident Claim?

If you've been in a minor car accident in St. Louis County, MO and your injuries are either non-existent or minor, you may be able to represent yourself. However, if you're injuries are significant, never accept a settlement offer without consulting with a car accident lawyer first. A lawyer can help you understand the legal process, ensure you receive fair compensation and defend your future.

There are several circumstances in which an attorney's services are required 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. Louis County, 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 help you obtain evidence and argue your case. The insurance adjuster will take the side of their policyholder, so you'll need evidence and a legal strategy 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 help you appeal the decision and get you the compensation you deserve.
• Multi-vehicle collisions — If you were involved in a chain reaction accident, a lawyer can determine how much fault each party shares, and pursue all avenues for compensation.
• Wrongful death — If a loved one passed away in the accident, a lawyer can help you pursue 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 St. Louis County, MO to make a full financial recovery.
• Legal issues — 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 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 speak to one. Call Halvorsen Klote today at 866-382-4167.

What Can a Car Accident Lawyer in St. Louis County, MO Do For My Case?

If you do need a lawyer to get fair compensation, 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. Louis County, MO car accident lawyer can help you:

• 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 obtain other evidence like surveillance footage to have the best case possible.
• Handle communication with insurance companies — Communicating 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 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 calculate the extent of all your damages to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
• File a lawsuit — If your St. Louis County, 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 before a judge and jury.
• Represent you 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 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 personal injury process. An experienced St. Louis County, 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.
• Offer peace of mind — Knowing that you have a knowledgeable and experienced St. Louis County, MO car accident lawyer on your side can provide peace of mind during this trying time. You can spend your energy on recovering from your injuries while your lawyer handles the legal details.

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

Other cases we take on in St. Louis County, 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. Louis County, 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 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 representation 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 St. Louis County, MO injury attorney at 866-382-4167 or through our online contact form.

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