Steps To Take After An Accident

Nobody plans to be involved in a motor vehicle accident. Most people have little experience with serious accidents. Accidents typically occur without any notice. For these reasons, most people feel lost after a wreck. In the confusion at the scene, without any real-world experience with accidents, victims often do not know what steps to take after an accident.

It is important to remain calm. Most people have a significant adrenaline rush after a crash. Even though the accident may be over, the scene can be dangerous with other motorists scrambling to get around the scene, or gawk at the crash site. Accident scenes are frequently overwhelming for accident victims.

A Personal Injury Firm That Cares

The Wilbers Law Firm LLC, has served the greater St. Louis community for 60 years. Our firm has strong ties to the community. We are committed to serving injury victims with strong representation to maximize compensation and help ensure that our clients receive the medical care they need.

Please continue reading the following tips to help you understand what steps to take after an accident:

• Safely remain at the scene: If you can move your car to a safe place out of the traffic lanes, do so. Be aware of your surroundings as secondary accidents can occur after an initial crash.
• Check passengers for injury: If others are in your vehicle, you should check to see if they have obvious or serious injuries.
• Notify law enforcement: It is important to notify police after a serious accident. Cooperating with police is important, but you should realize that you may not know all of the facts. Do not admit fault in discussing the accident.
• Gather information: Exchange insurance and identification information with the other driver. If you can do so safely, try to get the names of any witnesses in the area. If you have a smartphone, take pictures of the area. As always, do not place yourself in danger of passing motorists.
• Get medical attention: If first responders do not transport you to the hospital, that does not mean you do not need to see a doctor. With adrenaline pumping, and with the recency of the collision, you may not necessarily feel injured. Symptoms can be masked or delayed for a period of time. Some serious injuries may not show symptoms for days, or longer. Getting appropriate medical attention is vital after a collision.
• Consult an attorney: Insurance companies will not likely want to pay you for any serious injuries, or will try to pay you far less than you may be entitled to receive. A personal injury lawyer can listen to what happened, review your case, and provide you with guidance and aggressive representation if you have suffered serious injuries.

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If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call 314-667-4586 or contact us online. There is no fee unless we obtain compensation for you through settlement or verdict. Se Habla Español. We serve clients in St. Louis, Jefferson City, as well as throughout Missouri and Western Illinois.