You may not realize it, but protecting your rights after a crash in St. Louis starts the moment the collision ends. If you aren’t careful after a car accident, you could say or do something that hurts your legal claim and makes it difficult to recover the money you need. Here are some mistakes to avoid after a St. Louis car accident:
Leaving the Scene Too Quickly
Stay at the scene, check yourself and others involved in the collision for injuries, and exchange information with the other driver or drivers. Missouri law requires you to stop and provide your name, address, vehicle registration, and driver’s license number to the other driver or to law enforcement. If you leave without doing so, you risk a misdemeanor or even a felony when injuries occur or the crash causes more than $1,000 in property damage. Staying put protects your safety and a future legal claim.
Failing To Call the Police
Call 911 after any crash with injuries, potential injuries, or significant property damage. An officer’s accident report documents what happened and often preserves details you might forget later. Missouri also requires that a written crash report be sent to the Department of Revenue within 30 days when the crash involves an uninsured motorist and causes injury, death, or over $500 in property damage. Use Form 1140 to submit your accident report.
Not Getting Medical Attention Right Away
You may feel fine at the scene, but symptoms can develop hours or days later. See a doctor the same day as the crash if at all possible. Prompt care protects your health and creates clear medical records that link your injuries to the crash. Furthermore, attend all follow-up appointments and save your discharge papers, test results, and medical bills.
Admitting Fault at the Scene
When talking to the police or others involved in the accident, do not guess about what caused the crash, and do not apologize. Limit your statements to the specific facts that the officer requests. Wait until investigators review all the evidence before speculating about who or what caused the accident.
Not Collecting Evidence Before Leaving the Accident Site
If you can do so safely, photograph the vehicles, road surface, any skid marks you see, traffic signals, weather conditions, and your visible injuries. It’s also smart to get the names and contact information for any potential eyewitnesses and the other driver. Finally, ask for the responding officer’s name and the crash report number. This evidence often makes a significant difference in disputed claims.
Talking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Guidance
Expect the other driver’s insurance company to move fast with forms, requests for recorded statements, and early settlement offers. But remember, you control the timing in these cases. Review your policy, gather your records, and speak with a lawyer before giving any recorded statements or signing any releases. A short delay to properly prepare your claim can prevent mistakes that reduce your compensation.
Don’t Make a Mistake—Contact Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers for Legal Help
If you suffered injuries in a crash, you deserve strong legal representation from a team that knows how to take on the insurance companies. You can count on The Hayden Law Firm St. Louis Accident & Injury Lawyers to deliver clear communication, access to trusted medical and investigative resources, and a results-driven approach focused on your recovery. Firm founder Amanda Hayden is a lifelong St. Louis resident with a proven record in complex cases, and our firm understands how much is at stake for you and your family. We build every case with care, using our skills and extensive professional network to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Don’t risk your future after a crash because you didn’t hire a car accident attorney. Contact The Hayden Law Firm St. Louis Accident & Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation.
