What to Do After a Car Accident in Missouri?

By Zane T. Cagle | June 24, 2024 | Car Accidents

Car accidents happen unexpectedly and have devastating effects on those involved. Every driver should know what to do after a car accident in Missouri and the value of having experienced legal counsel when it comes time to pursue compensation for their damages. A seasoned car accident lawyer can be an invaluable asset to have on your side for all the recovery efforts you attempt after your accident. They can protect you from insurance companies that don’t have your interests at heart.

First Steps After a Car Accident

The initial aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and uncertain. You may have been severely injured and feel panicked about your condition, or you may have only suffered minor injuries and experienced tremendous frustration in this situation. The first steps you take immediately following your accident can profoundly affect your ability to recover your losses, and any mistakes can be very costly to you, so it is vital to know what to do in this situation.

First and foremost, call the police immediately. Do not leave the scene of the accident. This is against the law in Missouri. Drivers are required to stop and contact the police after any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage. If you are able to do so safely, help anyone else involved in the accident and wait for first responders to arrive. Depending on the location of the accident, it may be necessary to place road hazard signs and/or flares to warn oncoming traffic of the stopped vehicles. Failure to call the police and have an incident report done for your crash causes many problems if you are injured and need to recover compensation.

Once the police arrive, they may arrange for medical transportation for those who need it and interview those involved in the accident and any witnesses. If you speak with police after a car accident, it is important that you choose your words carefully and do not say anything that they may interpret as an admission of fault. Even if you think you may have contributed to causing the accident, do not make any admissions of guilt as you answer their questions honestly.

You should be taken to an emergency room if you are seriously injured, but if you only sustained minor injuries and are allowed to leave on your own, you should seek medical treatment immediately. You may have sustained injuries that are not yet noticeable, and the adrenaline rush from the incident may have dulled the pain sensation. Seeking prompt care helps rule out serious injuries and creates a record showing that you sought treatment in a prudent and timely manner.

After the police have allowed you to leave, you have exchanged insurance details with the other driver, and you have received medical attention for your injuries, you should reach out to a car accident lawyer right away. They can handle your case against the auto insurance company for the other driver if they caused the accident. Working with an attorney greatly improves your chances of success with any recovery efforts you attempt after your accident in the state.

FAQs

Q: Do You Have to Report an Accident to the Police in Missouri?

A: Call 911 immediately. If the other driver discourages you from calling the police, you absolutely should call the police. You must report an accident to the police if anyone was injured or killed or if the accident resulted in property damage estimated to be more than $500. Failure to report an accident when required or leaving the scene of an accident are crimes in Missouri that can lead to fines, driver’s license suspension, and other penalties.

If you are injured or discover in the coming days that you have pain, you will wish you had completed a report. Furthermore, it can get very difficult to even resolve a property damage claim with any insurance carrier without a police report.

Q: Is Missouri a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: No, Missouri is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Proving fault will be necessary if you intend to claim compensation for your damages from any other party. You must prove fault before you can file an auto insurance claim against an at-fault driver, and you must be prepared to show that they directly caused your claimed damages. An experienced distracted driving attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to prove fault.

Q: What Is My Car Accident Claim Worth in Missouri?

A: The value of your car accident claim in the state depends on the total of your damages. You have the right to seek compensation for vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, lost income, and your pain and suffering. However, the amount you are legally allowed to claim and the amount you can reasonably expect to obtain in compensation may differ. For the greatest chance of maximizing your recovery, it is important to use an attorney to assist you with your case.

Q: Will an Accident Make My Insurance Premium Increase?

A: An accident could make your insurance premium increase based on the terms of your policy. If you were at fault for the accident, you can expect your insurance company to raise your premium rate. However, it is also possible for an insurance company to raise your premium after an accident when you were not at fault if they deem that you are a high-risk policyholder. In reality, insurance carriers never really need a reason to hike rates. Thus, if you have coverage and need to use it, you should. Refer to the terms of your individual policy to learn the ways in which your premium may increase.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Missouri?

A: You should hire a lawyer after a car accident if you are injured because you could be more likely to succeed with the recovery efforts you attempt when you have legal counsel on your side. The right attorney can make it easier for you to navigate your car accident compensation. An expert car accident attorney may find coverage and compensation you did not realize you could claim.

If you are wondering what to do after a car crash in the state, one of the most important first steps you can take to ensure your recovery is contacting an experienced car accident lawyer you can trust with your case. The Cagle Law Firm has the skills, resources, and experience to provide the legal representation you need in this difficult time, so contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about how we can assist with your recovery.

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard. Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death. Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin Islands Education: Washington University School of Law. Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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