Being involved in a car accident can be a terrifying experience, leaving you shaken and unsure of what to do next. If you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation in St. Louis, it’s essential to know the steps you should take not only for your safety but also to protect your legal rights.
Immediately after the accident, check on everyone involved to see if they are safe and call 911 if necessary. Even if no one seems injured initially, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible since some injuries may not manifest immediately. A prompt medical examination will ensure that any potential injuries are identified and treated promptly while also serving as proof of injury should you decide to file a personal injury claim.
Next, call the police. In St. Louis, Missouri law requires that all accidents resulting in injury or significant property damage must be reported to the police immediately. The officers will document the scene and create an official report which can be critical evidence when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.
While waiting for authorities to arrive, gather information about other drivers involved including their names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, license plates numbers and insurance details. Also collect evidence from the scene like photographs of vehicle damages, skid marks on roadways and traffic signs or signals nearby.
Once initial actions have been taken care of at the scene of the accident itself; notify your insurance company about what happened at earliest convenience even if you were not at fault for causing collision because this can help expedite processing any claims later on.
However important these immediate steps might be after experiencing a car accident; perhaps most crucially is seeking out expert legal advice right away especially when there are serious injuries or substantial financial losses involved due its complexity & potential long-term implications associated with such incidents.
Accident victims often face numerous challenges navigating through complex laws governing auto accidents & dealing with uncooperative insurance companies who usually try minimizing payouts by disputing liability or downplaying severity of injuries. Therefore, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer st louis attorney can be critical in protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Your attorney will guide you through the process, help gather additional evidence to support your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and if necessary represent you in court. They will also ensure that all legal deadlines are met since Missouri law allows only a limited time frame for filing personal injury claims known as statute of limitations.
In conclusion, while a car accident can be an overwhelming experience; knowing what steps to take afterwards can make a significant difference in how well you recover physically, emotionally & financially from it. So always prioritize safety first, collect as much information at scene as possible then seek out medical attention promptly followed by notifying your insurer & obtaining professional legal advice without delay.
Goldblatt + Singer, P.C.
8182 Maryland Ave UNIT 801, St. Louis, MO 63105
314-231-4100