Advice for Those Involved in Car Accidents in Missouri

Being involved in a car crash can be incredibly terrifying. Many victims are left feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.

Regrettably, accidents in Missouri take more than 1,000 lives annually while leaving over 55,000 people hurt. If you’ve loved one lost in a fatal car accident in Missouri today you will need to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to find out if you have the right to pursue compensation.

If you have been seriously injured in an accident in Missouri today, make sure you do these things to ensure that you have the best outcome if you do have to file a personal injury claim.

Get to a Safe Location

If you are able to do so, it is important that you move to a safe location. This could be a parking lot, a side street, or even the shoulder of the roadway that is not obstructing traffic. If your vehicle is operable, you should turn on hazard lights in order to alert other drivers that are passing through the area that something has happened.

Although you may feel like you should exit your vehicle and run to the side of the road, it is always important that you check for a traffic in the area in order to avoid being involved in a secondary collision. Far too often we see people injured or lose their lives as a result of accidents when they are trying to get to the side of the road after being involved in a previous accident. You should always check to make sure it is safe to cross the road before doing so.

Check for Injuries

After a car crash, it is important that you check to determine if you have suffered any injuries. Check for any signs of visible injuries or feel any pain or discomfort. Even if you do not notice anything right away, it is still wise to seek medical attention as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

You will want to look out for symptoms like dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe headaches or nausea, as these could indicate more serious injuries sustained during impact. You should also check on the condition of other people involved in the accident to determine if they have any injuries that need medical attention.

Call Law Enforcement

After a crash, you must reach out to law enforcement and request an officer to respond. This step is crucial regardless of how minor or severe the accident may seem. Not only does involving law enforcement help ensure an accurate record of what happened, but it also helps protect your rights and interests.

When you call the police, you will want to provide them with all relevant details about the accident, including location, description of vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. The dispatcher will send officers to your location who will assess the situation and document everything in an official report.

Having a police report can be invaluable when dealing with insurance claims or potential legal actions. It serves as concrete evidence of what transpired during the accident and aids in determining liability.

Get Information from Other Drivers

You need to exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. When exchanging information with the other driver, be sure to gather their name, phone number, address, and insurance details. Similarly, provide them with your own information. It is also helpful to note down the make and model of their vehicle as well as its license plate number. This information is important as it is needed to file any type of insurance claim or legal action.

Gather Evidence from the Scene

You need to gather strong evidence from the scene of the accident. Evidence that is found on-site tends to be the strongest, giving the most information when filing your case for compensation. This makes it important for you to take several pictures of all of the involved vehicles. You want to take pictures of traffic lights, stop signs, and road conditions at the time of the crash. Take pictures from several angles and distances to ensure you are fully capturing every detail of the crash scene.

If other people saw the accident occur, you should also get their names and write down their contact information. Witnesses can help to provide information that may be useful when building your case.

Additionally, if there are any surveillance cameras on homes or businesses in the vicinity where your crash occurred, or any dashcams on nearby vehicles, it can be helpful for you to obtain a copy of the recorded footage.

Seek Medical Care

Seeking timely medical care is important. Not only does it help to ensure that you are able to get the treatment that you need for any injuries that you have suffered, but it will also help to ensure you have proper medical documentation for your insurance claim. Having this evidence and information is critical when it comes to your ability to recover compensation for all of the medical expenses that you face, both immediately and long-term.

Seek Legal Guidance

When it comes to navigating the legal aftermath of a car accident, hiring an attorney is crucial. While not every accident will require legal representation, it's always wise to consult with a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling car accident claims.

An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. One of the key benefits of hiring an attorney is their ability to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. u due to the fact that insurance companies often do everything they can to minimize the amount of money they pay, having a knowledgeable advocate by your side can level the playing field and ensure you get all of the money that you need and deserve.

Additionally, an attorney will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf. They will handle all communication with insurers and other parties involved in the accident, allowing you to focus on getting the care you need and recovering from your injuries.

Taking these steps after being involved in a car accident can help to ensure your legal rights, your health and well-being, in your best interests are all protected as you move forward.