Some car accidents are truly unpreventable and can happen at any moment when you are traveling along I-70, I-64, or in any crowded neighborhood in the city. Being in a car accident is truly scary, it leaves you confused and scared especially if you are a victim and your family is with you in the car. Although it is common to hear St. Louis accident news, it is still important to be aware of what actions you should take.
If the accident is minimal and the vehicles may still go, try to pull over to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights so approaching traffic knows to slow down. On highways especially, staying in the middle of traffic can be deadly, therefore relocating to safety is always a priority.
When involved in an accident, keeping calm is the very first thing that you should remember. Once you are already calm, conduct an inspection to yourself for injuries or bleeding. Once fully inspected and you have already an idea if anyone is harmed or not, call 911 right away. Make sure to get checked in the hospital even if you do not have any visible bleeding or injuries to ensure that there are no internal fractures.
Make sure that everything is documented. By contacting the police, they will create an official report of the incident which can be very helpful when dealing with insurance companies or if you need proof to provide in the court. Make sure to stick to the facts when speaking to a police officer. Make sure to tell them from the beginning before the accident occurs. Avoid guessing and blaming as it would create inconsistencies to the reports.
Information exchange with the other driver is also important. Make sure to get the necessary details with the other driver while waiting for the responders to come by. Asking for their name, driver’s license, and plate number can help you in securing that they will not run away. Asking for a bystander’s help is also important as it builds a strong case making them a witness to the accident. You can also take pictures of the scene to build a strong proof on what exactly happened in the scene, the collision, skid marks, and even the road on where exactly it happened. Even while these images might not appear vital at the moment, they might be crucial documentation if the accident is questioned.
Once recovered in the scene, make sure to seek out medical care even if you do not have any visible bleeding or injuries. Having a medical record that shows you sought care shortly after the accident makes a clear relationship between the event and any health difficulties you may develop. This can safeguard you if you decide to file a claim for medical expenditures.
Your insurance company should also be alerted as soon as possible. Be honest about what happened but avoid making statements that could be perceived as an admission of fault. Insurance investigations take time, and it’s best to let the procedure determine culpability than to guess at the scene.
This is why having a St. Louise Accident lawyer can give you peace of mind. Car accidents can lead to expensive medical bills, missed days of work, and ongoing stress. These lawyers will make sure to guide you through the case to ensure that you will be convenient in the claim process, negotiate the claims based on what you really deserve and fight for the right compensation. Consulting with a lawyer who has an expertise with car accidents who understands the system allows you to focus on recovery instead of legal details. If you cannot prevent it, you have to ensure that you have the right knowledge to seek out legal actions so you can get the maximum compensation due to the accident.