According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there are hundreds of thousands of car accidents each year in Missouri. Car accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. A car accident checklist, tucked securely in the glove box along with registration and auto insurance information, can be a lifesaver in the chaotic aftermath of a collision. This car accident checklist can help navigate the immediate and long-term aftermath of an accident. A checklist is designed to keep one calm, focused, and aware of the steps to take to protect their health and rights. Especially when shock or uncertainty kicks in post-accident, this checklist may serve as a beacon of clarity amidst the confusion. Having a car accident checklist ready isn’t about expecting the worst, but about being prepared for it. This is a small step that can make a significant difference, potentially leading to a fair settlement or court verdict to cover all accident-related expenses. Although you can get started with a car accident checklist in the immediate aftermath of a car accident, you can also discuss your next steps alongside a Missouri accident lawyer. Call (573) 341.8336 to learn more about your legal rights following a Missouri car accident from the experienced personal injury attorneys at Steelman Gaunt Crowley.
Step 1: Don’t Leave the Scene
When a car accident occurs, it’s natural for emotions to run high. Confusion, distress, and physical pain might set in right after the crash. Amid this chaos, it’s crucial to remember one thing: Don’t leave the scene. Abandoning the place right after the collision can turn into a hit-and-run case, leading to serious legal consequences. According to the Revised Statutes of Missouri, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense.
Step 2: Check for Injuries
Starting with oneself, it’s critical to assess if there are any indications of injury. Simultaneously, if safety permits, checking on the other vehicle’s occupants exhibits not just moral responsibility but also aids in getting a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Remember to leave the care of injured parties to emergency responders who have the necessary skills and equipment.
Step 3: Call the Police
Making the decision of whether to alert the police can often seem subjective, largely depending on the severity of the accident. However, you’ll find that it’s important to make this call – if for nothing else, it’s for the sake of avoiding later disputes about fault. Apolice report stands as the unbiased voice ascertaining the facts and circumstances surrounding the accident. The report often includes valuable information such as driver statements, witness accounts, violation of traffic laws, and even the officer’s perspective of fault.
Such records prove indispensable during discussions with the insurance provider – whether it’s your insurer or the other driver’s – as they paint an objective picture of the event. Insurance adjusters regularly look to these official reports to help determine the claim’s validity.
Step 4: Consider Moving Vehicles (if Appropriate)
In general, if a car accident results in minor damage and no serious injuries, it’s recommended to move the vehicles out of the way of moving traffic. Additionally, this ensures the continuity of traffic flow and prevents possible secondary collisions. However, if you or the other parties have injuries, or if it would be more dangerous to move vehicles, you should leave them where they are and remove yourself from harm’s way.
Take Photos Before Moving Vehicles
Before attempting to move any vehicles, it’s crucial to document the scene thoroughly if it is possible for you to do so. Photos and video capturing all angles of damage and the vehicles’ positioning can be invaluable. This evidence plays an essential role in the insurance claim process, ensuring an accurate evaluation of vehicle damage by the insurance company’s qualified adjuster or appraiser.
Step 5: Exchange Insurance and Contact Information
Drivers should collect the other party’s name, contact information, and insurance details. Having access to this critical info helps when it’s time to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. If a driver doesn’t feel comfortable initiating this interaction, or if the other party refuses to cooperate, law enforcement on the scene can help facilitate the exchange of details.
Step 7: Be Careful With What You Say
The aftermath of an accident can be chaotic and stressful. You could say something unintentionally that could have significant consequences on any subsequent insurance claim or legal action. Remember, statements made at the crash scene could determine who is deemed at fault or who will bear the responsibility of the repair costs. Don’t embellish details, conjecture on the cause of the accident, or accept blame. Answer all of the police officer’s questions, but do not speak to any other parties unless absolutely necessary.
Step 8: Get Medical Care
Following a car accident, it’s critical to receive professional medical care. Often, severe injuries may not immediately present noticeable symptoms. Even a minor fender bender can lead to serious physical complications like concussions, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, with symptoms that don’t surface until much later.
Some injuries, particularly non-visible ones such as whiplash or soft tissue injuries, may not manifest until a few days following the accident. In some cases, x-rays or additional tests may be necessary to diagnose injuries accurately. Great care should be taken when dealing with children who’ve been involved in an accident. They might not be able to articulate their pain or discomfort properly, therefore, it’s essential to get them medically evaluated promptly.
Delaying medical attention can be detrimental to the recovery process and impact the legal aspect of a car accident claim. Swift medical attention acts as a safeguard for health and can significantly aid in any potential insurance claims or lawsuits.
Step 9: Write Out What Happened
After promptly receiving medical attention, the next crucial step on the car accident checklist involves meticulously documenting the incident. Writing out what happened can not only aid recalling the event accurately, but also assist in legal and insurance situations. Starting with the basic facts – where and when the accident occurred, the weather and road conditions, and the events leading up to the crash – do as best to provide a comprehensive description of the event.
It may be useful to include any immediate thoughts or reactions before, during, and after the collision. Emotional responses, though not typically used in a report, can sometimes offer valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding the accident. You can document your thoughts by simply filing yourself. Track how your life is different after the car accident, and if you have any limitations (either physical or emotional) as a result of your injuries or traumatic experience.
Step 10: Notify Your Car Insurance Company
You should promptly notify your car insurance company. This step is important not just to start the claim process but also to make sure you are utilizing your policy in the best possible way.
When you contact your insurance company, they’ll require the details of the car accident that you’ve documented. Be ready to provide information like the date and location of the accident, a thorough description of the incident, and details about the other party involved. Do not provide any additional information, and consider visiting with an experienced personal injury attorney at Steelman Gaunt Crowley before you visit with the insurance company to ensure your legal and financial rights remain protected.
Step 13: Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Missouri
If you suffered any injuries or experienced any losses as a result of a car accident, follow this car accident checklist and then content a dedicated and seasoned car accident attorney in Missouri to ensure your legal and financial rights remain protected. To book your consultation with Steelman Gaunt Crowley, call (573) 341.8336 today.
