What To Do After A Car Accident

What To Do After A Car or truck Accident in Missouri or Illinois – 6 Steps

Step 1: Get to Safety and Remain at the Scene

The first and most important priority after a car accident is to get yourself and any passengers to safety. If your vehicle is still drivable, carefully pull over to the side of the road or into a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If your car is not movable, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.

No matter what, it’s crucial that you remain at the scene of the accident. Leaving the scene, even if it’s just to get medical attention, can be considered a hit-and-run and result in serious legal consequences. Stay put until the police arrive to document the incident.

Step 2: Call 911 and Report the Accident

As soon as you’re in a safe location, the next step is to call 911 and report the accident. This serves a few critical purposes:

• It summons emergency medical assistance. If you or anyone else involved in the crash is injured, 911 will dispatch an ambulance to provide immediate care.
• It creates an official police report. The police report is a neutral, third-party record of the accident that documents key details like the location, time, parties involved, and any citations issued. This report will be essential evidence for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
• It alerts the authorities. Calling 911 ensures the proper authorities are notified and can respond to the scene, secure the area, and begin their investigation.

Be prepared to provide the 911 operator with information like your location, a description of the accident, and whether anyone requires medical attention. Remain on the line until the dispatcher indicates you can hang up.

Step 3: Gather Important Information

While you’re waiting for the police to arrive, take a few moments to collect as much information as you can about the accident and the other parties involved. This includes:

• The other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance details. You’ll need this information to file an insurance claim.
• Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Visual documentation can be incredibly helpful evidence for your case.
• Contact information for any witnesses who saw the accident happen. Witness statements can corroborate your account of events.

If you’re unable to gather this information yourself due to your injuries, don’t worry – the police report will contain many of these key details. Just be sure to obtain a copy of the report as soon as possible.

Step 4: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

One of the most critical steps after a car accident is to seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. There are a few important reasons why this is so important:

• Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Adrenaline and shock can mask the symptoms of serious injuries like internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord damage. Getting checked out by a medical professional ensures these issues are identified and treated right away.
• Prompt medical documentation is crucial evidence. The insurance company will be looking for any reason to deny or minimize your claim. If you wait to see a doctor, they may argue that your injuries weren’t that serious or were caused by something else. Getting checked out right away creates an official medical record of your accident-related injuries.
• Delaying treatment can worsen your condition. Many injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, require prompt treatment to prevent them from becoming chronic or debilitating issues. Seeing a doctor right away gives you the best chance at a full recovery.

If emergency responders recommend transport to the hospital via ambulance, it’s best to accept their advice. Otherwise, go to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic as soon as possible. Be sure to follow up with your primary care physician as well.

And remember, even if you don’t have health insurance, you should still seek medical attention. There are options available to ensure you get the care you need, like using your auto insurance coverage or working with a personal injury attorney to connect you with the right providers. Don’t let a lack of insurance stop you from getting the treatment you deserve.

Step 5: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Provider

Once you’ve taken care of your immediate medical needs, the next step is to report the accident to your auto insurance company. This should be done as soon as possible, as most policies require prompt notification of any incidents.

When you call your insurer, be prepared to provide details like the date, time, and location of the accident, the other driver’s information, a description of what happened, and an estimate of the damage to your vehicle. Your insurance company will then open a claim and begin the process of investigating the accident and determining liability.

It’s important to be truthful and transparent with your insurance provider, but avoid speculating about fault or making any recorded statements without first consulting a personal injury attorney. The insurance company will be looking for any opportunity to minimize their payout, so it’s best to have legal counsel on your side from the very beginning.

Step 6: Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Even if you think your case is straightforward, it’s always a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer after a car accident. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable guidance and protection throughout the claims process, ensuring your rights are safeguarded and you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.

At Cantor Injury Law, we’ve been fighting for the rights of accident victims across Missouri and Southern Illinois for over 31 years. We know the tactics insurance companies use to deny or lowball claims, and we’re not afraid to take them on. Our team will handle all communication with the insurers, negotiate on your behalf, and if necessary, take your case to court to get you the justice you deserve.

Don’t wait to call an attorney – the sooner you have legal representation, the better. Insurance companies will often try to take advantage of unrepresented claimants, pressuring them into accepting a settlement that falls far short of their true losses. With a skilled personal injury lawyer on your side, you can rest assured that your interests will be protected every step of the way.