Taking the right steps after a car accident in St. Louis is crucial for both your physical health and any legal recourse you may decide to take in the future. What you do in the minutes and days following a crash can affect your ability to get medical care, protect your rights, and recover fair compensation for your injuries and damage. Our knowledgable St. Louis car accident attorney is prepared to fight for justice on your behalf.
Here’s what you need to do:
Ensure Safety at the Accident Scene
Your first priority after a collision is safety. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent more accidents. Turn on your hazard lights so approaching traffic is aware of the situation and can avoid the crash area.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Immediately contact emergency services to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Having law enforcement at the scene ensures that an official accident report is made, which can be crucial later.
Collect Driver, Vehicle, and Witness Details
Exchange names, contact information, driver’s license information, license plate numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. If there are witnesses, get their name and phone number as well, as witness accounts can be vital for clarifying what happened.
Photographs and Scene Documentation
Take clear photos of the entire accident scene, including your vehicle, all areas of damage, your injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs or signals. These pictures serve as valuable evidence for your insurance claim or any legal proceedings, and they can refresh your memory if you need to describe details long after the crash.
Avoid Discussing Fault at the Scene
Be careful not to admit blame or speculate about who was responsible, even casually. Avoid apologizing for the accident – anything you say could be used against you later when trying to establish liability, so it’s best to keep conversations factual and let your St. Louis personal injury attorney and insurance representatives handle questions about fault.
Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation and Document Injuries
No matter how minor your injuries might first appear, visit a doctor as soon as you can. Your health should be top priority, and having a medical professional document your injuries helps your claim. Follow all medical advice and keep records of your treatment and progress.
Report the Accident to Your Insurer
Even if you believe you weren’t at fault, promptly notify your insurance company about the accident. Providing accurate and timely information ensures your right to coverage is protected and allows your insurer to investigate the claim right away, which can help prevent delays or disputes in the claims process.
Be Cautious with Social Media
Anything you post on social media can be used against you by insurance adjusters or opposing lawyers. Avoid discussing your accident, injuries, or legal claims online, as even innocent remarks can be taken out of context.
Consult a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer
An experienced car accident attorney can help you avoid mistakes, gather important evidence, handle negotiations with insurers, and pursue full compensation for your injuries. This is especially critical if the other driver or the insurance company disputes your claim.
Following these steps will not only help keep you safe immediately after a crash, but will also protect your legal interests as your claim moves forward. For help, reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer.