With approximately 13 occurring somewhere within the United States every 60 seconds, car accidents are frequent occurrences that transpire spontaneously and within the blink of an eye. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were approximately 416,619 car accidents in the State of Missouri from 2020-2022. St. Louis County and St. Louis City ranked as numbers one and three, respectively, in the highest total amount of crashes with the nearby areas of St. Charles County and Jefferson County following closely behind, as numbers four and seven, respectively.

 

Car accidents are non-discriminatory. Even the most cautious and attentive driver can cross paths with someone who is inattentive to the road, distracted by their cell phone, speeding, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Accidents can lead to serious physical injuries, emotional and financial distress, lost wages, and insurmountable medical bills. The stressors associated with being involved in a car accident can feel unfair, especially if the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver and was no fault of your own.

 

When you are involved in a car accident due to the negligent, careless, or reckless act of another, you deserve to receive fair compensation. However, the journey individuals are forced to pursue after being involved in a car accident can be daunting, especially if trying to navigate legal complexities on your own. Insurance companies will oftentimes try to claim you were somehow at fault for the accident or minimize the extent and severity of your physical injuries. They do these things in an attempt to offer a settlement award that is much less than what you actually deserve.

 

Important Steps to Take After Being Involved in a Car Accident

 

Report the Accident.

• Call 9-1-1 and wait for law enforcement to arrive.

• Request a police report be created.

 

Exchange Contact and Insurance Information.

• While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, you can request the other driver(s) involved in the accident provide you with their: name; address; telephone number; insurance information; and driver’s license number.

 

Take Photographs.

• Take multiple photographs of the scene including: all vehicles involved in the accident before they are moved (if possible); nearby street signs; nearby traffic devices, such as stop signs, red lights, etc.; and skid or tire marks from the vehicles.

 

Obtain Witness Information.

• If anyone witnessed the accident, you may attempt to obtain their name, address, and telephone number. Also attempt to obtain their narrative of what caused the accident.

 

Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies.

• When involved in a car accident, it is best to speak with an attorney before you provide any type of statement to an insurance company. Insurance companies are not on your side and are not working in your best interest.

 

Seek Medical Treatment.

• Injuries are not always immediately apparent due to the adrenaline and excitement created from being involved in a car accident. Pain sets in for many people within the days immediately following the accident.

• Because pain can oftentimes be delayed, you should seek immediate medical treatment at a local urgent care, emergency room, or through a primary care physician.

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Contact an Attorney.

• One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your best interests following a car accident is contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

• An attorney can work with you to take care of immediate issues such as: receiving compensation for damage to your vehicle; ensuring you are receiving appropriate medical treatment; and representing you in any recorded statement an insurance adjuster may request be provided.

 

Keep Detailed Notes and Records.

• Be sure to keep all the documents and records you create and/or receive in a safe place.

• Schedule a Free Consultation

 

Attorney Roland E. Swanson Jr. is ready to stand by your side and fight for a favorable and just outcome while guiding you through the legal process. Having the ability to immediately begin working on your case following a car accident can be paramount, as it is essential to gather potential time sensitive evidence in order to establish liability and ensure you ultimately receive the compensation you deserve.

 

If you have been injured as a result of a car accident, call us today at (314) 492-2380 or send an email, to schedule your free consultation.