What to do if you were in an auto accident
The moment after you realize that you were just in a motor vehicle accident can be psychologically overwhelming. What just happened? Are the passengers my car alright? Am I alright? Your heart is pumping fast and after you have stopped moving you still feel anxious and overwhelmed. It is important after you have had a chance to collect yourself, to make sure you do everything you can to protect yourself legally- even if you are not responsible for the accident.
Here is a list of things to do after being involved in a Missouri car crash.
Call the Police
Calling the police will assist in investigating the circumstances of an accident, which will be important evidence later. Even if the other driver admits fault and is apologetic, or if you are running late it is important to contact the police and to get a police report after being in an auto accident in Missouri. Do not take any chances with your health and well-being.
Police reports are used to strengthen your case in court or to fight for a larger insurance settlement.
Gather Evidence
While you wait for the police to arrive you should begin to gather evidence. When you are not severely injured, it is important to begin to document the crash and the scene of the accident. Take pictures of all involved vehicles and objects from every angle; consider doing a video walk-around, too. Ask for witnesses’ names and phone numbers, because they may provide important testimony to determine who is at fault in the accident. Write down or record any comments made by the other driver at the scene so that you can use those records to refresh your memory if their story changes later on.
Go to the Doctor
Going to the doctor after an auto accident in Missouri. The adrenaline and shock of the accident may prevent you from noticing your injuries right after the crash, but once that wears off you may start to feel the pain of the injuries. You should always seek medical attention after an accident. It is important to be investigated for unknown injuries and it prevents other driver’s insurance company from claiming that the injuries occurred after the accident, or that you are just looking for a large settlement.
Do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company
You should never give a statement to the other motorist’s insurer—it could be used against you in court. Call an experienced personal injury attorney before speaking to the insurance company.
Call an attorney
After you have had a chance to recover from the initial shock and sought out medical attention, your car crash attorney should be the first person you call. Your attorney may be able to go and gather evidence if you were unable to gather it at the scene. An experienced auto accident attorney will begin compiling all the facts of your crash into a comprehensive case which can be taken to court or used to negotiate a better settlement from the insurance company.
Contact Us Today
It is important to take action sooner than later if you were involved in a Missouri car crash. Waiting to speak to an attorney may prevent you from bringing a lawsuit because the statute of limitations begins to run once you leave the scene. The other driver’s insurance company will do everything they can to get you to settle for less than you may be entitled to.
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