Being in a car accident can be a disorienting experience. It can leave you too shocked to think clearly, as a result of which you might not know what to do. Still – as any St. Louis personal injury lawyer can tell you – it is important to rein in your emotions and stay calm so that you can do what needs to be done to increase your chances of securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Here are five vital things you need to do after a car accident in St. Louis, Missouri.
1. Ensure Your Safety
The first thing you need to do if you are injured in a car accident is to make sure you do not sustain any further injuries. So, get out of your vehicle and move off the road so that you are not in the way of traffic. Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights to alert the oncoming vehicles. If you happen to have flares, you can set them up around the accident scene as well.
2. Report The Accident
This is one of the most important steps you need to take after a car accident. Under Missouri law, you are required to report any accident which results in injuries for the parties involved and/or property damage in excess of $500. Make sure you get a copy of the police report from the authorities, as it is one of the key pieces of evidence that your St. Louis personal injury lawyer can use to build a strong case against the at-fault parties.
3. Gather Evidence
One of the best ways to increase your chances of winning your personal injury case and recover the monetary damages you deserve is to gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. The more evidence you collect, the easier it will be for your St. Louis personal injury lawyer to get the settlement you deserve.
Given below is a brief list of evidence you should try to collect at the accident scene.
- Photos of your injuries and damage to your vehicle and other personal belongings
- Photos of the accident scene
- Contact information of eyewitnesses
- License and insurance details of the at-fault driver
4. Get Medical Help
Get yourself to a hospital and seek treatment for your injuries. Make sure you preserve all your medical records, as your St. Louis personal injury lawyer can use them to prove the extent of your injuries and maximize the value of your claim.
5. Watch What You Say
In the weeks following the accident, you should not say anything to anyone or sign anything that is put in front of you by anyone without consulting your lawyer first. Any slip-up on your part can jeopardize your chances of securing the restitution you deserve.
Looking For an Experienced St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer to Handle Your Claim
If you are injured in a car accident, the auto accident attorneys at Miller & Hine can help you. We can aggressively represent you, provide you with personalized legal advice, and offer the support you need to make the claim process as stress-free as possible. We will leave no stone unturned to recover the maximum possible compensation from the party that caused your injuries.
Call our firm today at (314) 413-2053 or fill out this contact form to schedule a free consultation (over the phone or in-person) with one of our automobile accident attorneys.