Missouri Car Accident Tips :: Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Statistics indicate that millions of Americans are involved in car accidents every year. It is important that you know what to do in the event of an automobile accident. The following tips will prepare you and make handling the aftermath of a car crash a little easier.

Always call the police and file a police report. Many car accident victims have lost deserved compensation because they have decided not to call the police and they didn’t have a formal police report made. It is important after a Missouri car accident to stay at the accident scene until emergency personnel arrive. If you are able, give an accurate description of the car accident and make sure you have the Missouri police officer’s name and that he/she has your version of the automobile accident.
After the crash, exchange information with others involved in the and those nearby the accident scene. You should always get the names, addresses, driver’s license number and insurance information from the other drivers involved in the car accident or truck accident. It is important that you get the same contact information from individuals near the accident scene, who witnessed the accident. If there ends up being a dispute over the sequence of events leading to the car crash, third party witnesses will be an important tool in providing information.

Document the accident as soon as possible. This means, take photographs if you have a camera of the accident scene and surrounding areas, including roadway signs, traffic signals and road construction. Also take pictures of the vehicles that were in the car or truck accident. If you don’t have a camera, find paper and a pencil to write down the events while the incident is fresh in your mind. This proof will be important to your insurance provider as well as your Missouri auto accident lawyer in the event of a car accident claim.
Don’t accept fault (or necessarily blame the other party either). It is wisest to limit your opinions of the incident and to limit discussion about the accident in general. Stick to the facts. Most people after a car accident will be stressed out, so it is important to remain calm and avoid pointing a finger of blame, even if you think the other party is at fault. Additionally, do not admit any fault, even if you think you could’ve better handled the incident, because any admission on your part will likely be used against you. It is best to only speak to the police and your Missouri personal injury attorney about the accident.
Seek medical assistance (even if your injuries don’t seem serious enough to need immediate medical attention). Often times after a car accident, small injuries may worsen and cause significant damage. It is important to seek immediate medical attention after a car crash so that a medical professional has records of the injuries you suffered. No matter how small they seem, in the event that later complications arise from the incident, it is crucial your personal injuries are documented from the start. Without timely medical records, it will be increasingly difficult for your Missouri personal injury attorney to prove that the injuries complained of were the direct cause of the car or truck accident.
Seek the treatment the doctors prescribe to you. If your physician suggests you see a specialist or set up certain physical therapy appointments, make sure you go to them or seek an alternative medical opinion if you would like. In the event of a lawsuit, the opposing party can use the fact that you didn’t adhere to medical advice given as a means of showing that "your injuries may not have been so bad” or that you didn’t actually find it necessary to seek the treatment advised by your physician. Additionally, if you do not complete the treatment program suggested and it takes longer for you to heal, you might not receive enough from the compensation to pay for additional medical help that results from such postponements.
Contact your insurance provider, but be careful. You have to contact your insurance carrier after a car accident. However, even though your insurance carrier is supposed to be on your side, they are still trying to run a business and save money. Your insurance adjuster may use things you say against you or try to convince you to settle your case for less than you deserve. Make sure you call your insurance provider to give notice of the accident, and provide basic facts of the incident. It is a good idea to contact a Missouri car accident attorney before you contact your insurance company.
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer that aggressively handles automobile accident cases. Your most important decision will be the legal representation you choose. A car accident attorney will be able assess your situation, go over your legal options with you, and make sure you understand what courses of action are available to you. You personal injury lawyer will work for you personally, unlike your insurance provider. Your personal injury lawyer will be concerned with the steps necessary for your success over anyone else’s.

This website was created by Page Cagle, A Missouri Personal Injury Law Firm. Page Cagle is located at 1232 Washington Ave., Suite 220, St. Louis, MO 63103. John Page, a partner at the law firm, can be reached by calling 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.4658. Email john@pagecagle.com.

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