What You Should and Should Not Do After a Car Accident

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Today we are going to talk in depth about what you should and should not do after a car accident in St. Louis, MO.

Protect Yourself And Loved Ones First

If you or someone you care about has been in a car accident, we are very sorry for what you’ve gone through. Car crashes can be very upsetting and can leave you shaken, hurt, and unsure of what to do next. But it’s very important to take the right steps right after the accident to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from more harm.

The first thing to focus on should always be your safety and the safety of any passengers. If your car is still on the road, try to move it to a safe spot away from traffic if you can. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers know there’s an issue. Check on everyone involved to see if anyone needs emergency medical help, and call 911 immediately if someone is hurt.

Gather Important Information

Once the scene is safe, your next step is to collect as much information as possible about the accident. This includes:

• Police Report: Call the police and ask them to come to the scene to write an official report. This report will include details like the time, location, who was involved, and if any tickets were issued. The police report is very important evidence that can help with your insurance claim or legal case.
• Photographs: Use your phone to take clear pictures of the damage to all cars involved, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. These photos can help show what happened.
• Contact Information: Get the name, contact details, driver’s license number, insurance info, and license plate number of the other driver(s). You will need this to file an insurance claim.

At this stage, avoid admitting fault or making recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company. Anything you say could be used against you later. Politely refuse to give a statement and tell them you will work with your own insurance company instead.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t think you are seriously hurt, it’s very important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, might not be obvious right away. Waiting too long to get checked out can hurt your insurance claim or personal injury case later on.

If you don’t have health insurance or are worried about the cost, don’t worry. At Cantor Injury Law, we work with a network of doctors who can provide care without you having to pay upfront. They will get paid back from any settlement or court award you receive.

Make sure to follow your doctor’s advice and go to all follow-up appointments. Your medical records will be very useful as proof of your injuries, pain, and recovery, which can help your case.

File An Insurance Claim

After taking care of your medical needs, the next step is to file an insurance claim. This process can be complicated and stressful because insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible or deny claims altogether.

That’s why it’s so helpful to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side from the start. At Cantor Injury Law, we know the tricks insurance companies use to reduce or deny claims, and we will fight hard for you.

When you work with us, we handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing. We will also make sure you get the most money possible for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Avoid Common Mistakes

After a car accident, it’s easy to make mistakes that can hurt your insurance claim or personal injury case. Some common mistakes include:

• Not Calling the Police: Not calling the police and getting an official report can make it harder to prove what really happened later.
• Admitting Fault: Even if you think you might be partly responsible, avoid saying anything that could be seen as admitting guilt.
• Giving a Recorded Statement: Insurance companies might try to get you to give a recorded statement, which they can use against you. Politely decline and tell them to talk to your lawyer instead.
• Waiting Too Long for Medical Care: As mentioned before, delaying medical treatment can weaken your case because the insurance company might say your injuries aren’t serious.

Work With An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you care about has been in a car accident, the team at Cantor Injury Law is here to help. We have many years of experience helping accident victims like you deal with the legal and insurance issues, and we will fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

When you work with us, you get personal attention, strong representation, and a dedicated team working on your case. We handle all the paperwork, negotiations, and legal steps so you can focus on getting better. And we don’t charge any fees unless you win your case, so you can trust that we are truly on your side.

Don’t wait to get help. Call us today at 314-628-9999 or visit our contact page to set up a free consultation. We are here to protect you and your loved ones from more harm and loss.