Being involved in a car accident is overwhelming—especially if you are injured, in pain, or dealing with insurance adjusters. Many people are unsure of the steps to take, their rights, or whether they even need a lawyer.
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If you are physically able, you should:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention—even if symptoms seem minor
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Take photos of the vehicles, scene, and visible injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses
Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the crash. Stick to the facts when speaking with police and insurance companies.
Yes. Many car accident injuries—such as whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries—do not cause immediate symptoms.
Delaying medical care can:
- Allow injuries to worsen
- Make treatment more difficult
- Give insurance companies a reason to question your claim
Seeking prompt medical care protects both your health and your legal rights.
You are typically required to notify your own insurance company that an accident occurred. However, you are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer.
Insurance adjusters may sound friendly, but their goal is to limit payouts. Speaking with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement can help avoid costly mistakes.
Missouri follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the damages.
If another driver was negligent, their insurance may be responsible for:
Fault is not always obvious, and insurance companies often dispute it.
If the at-fault driver has no insurance—or not enough insurance—your own policy may provide coverage through:
These claims are often disputed, even though you are dealing with your own insurer.
Not every accident requires a lawyer, but legal help is often important if:
- You were injured
- Medical treatment was required
- You missed work
- Fault is disputed
- The insurance company delays or denies payment
- You are being pressured to settle quickly
Even “minor” accidents can become expensive once symptoms worsen.
Every case is different. The value of a claim depends on factors such as:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Long-term effects
- Pain and suffering
- Available insurance coverage
Insurance companies often undervalue claims, especially early in the process.
Yes. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule.
This means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault—though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often exaggerate shared fault to reduce payouts.
Talk to a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have questions after a car accident—or if an insurance company is not treating you fairly—getting answers early can make a meaningful difference.
Free consultation • Available 24/7
Call (314) 361-4242 to speak directly with a St. Louis car accident lawyer.
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