A car accident can happen any day of the week and can promptly switch your life experience altogether. You may be frightened, hurt, or confused. What you do next can be very important in protecting your health, your financial future, and your rights. This guide will provide some simple steps to take after a car accident in Missouri, consistent with Missouri personal injury attorneys’ advice.
1. Move to Safety Right Away
If your car is in the way of traffic, try to move it. Turn on your hazard lights. If you can’t move, stay inside with your seatbelt on. Check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 even for minor crashes. Missouri law says to report crashes with injuries or major damage.
2. Call the Police and Emergency Help
Tell the dispatcher where you are. Say if anyone is hurt. Give basic facts, not guesses. Stay calm. When the police arrive, share what you know. Don’t argue or assign blame. Let them write the report.
3. Get Medical Help—Even If You Feel Okay
Some injuries take hours or days to show. A sore neck today can become worse tomorrow. Get checked right away. Tell the doctor how you feel. Be honest. Don’t hide pain to seem tough. Follow all the care steps they give you. Keep records of every visit, test, or bill. This helps prove your injury later.
4. Exchange Information
Get the other driver’s:
- Name and phone
- License number
- Insurance info
- Car make and model
- License plate number
Also, write down the names and numbers of any witnesses. They can help your case later.
Take photos of:
- All cars involved
- Road signs
- Skid marks
- Any injuries
- Traffic lights or signs
Use your phone. Take close-up and wide shots. More is better.
5. Don’t Talk Too Much at the Scene
Do not say, “I’m sorry,” or admit blame. That can be used against you later. Tell the police the facts. Don’t guess. Say what you saw and felt. Stay polite, but don’t overshare. If the other driver is upset, don’t engage. Wait for the police to handle it.
6. Report the Crash to Your Insurance Company
Call your insurer as soon as you can. Give them the crash details. Be careful with what you say. Don’t admit fault. Don’t agree to recorded calls without speaking to a lawyer. Let your lawyer speak to the insurance company for you if needed.
7. Call a Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer
Even if the crash seems small, it’s smart to talk to a lawyer. They can:
- Handle insurance calls
- Check all your costs
- Find crash video or witnesses
- Deal with paperwork
- Push for fair payment
Many personal injury lawyers work on a “no win, no fee” deal. You pay nothing unless they win money for you. Call a skilled and affordable personal injury lawyer in Kansas City today.
8. Know What You Can Get Paid For
A car accident can cost more than you think. You may be able to get money for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost pay from work
- Car repairs or replacement
- Pain and stress
- Therapy or rehab
- Long-term care
A lawyer helps count every cost, even the ones you don’t see right away.
9. Keep a Pain and Symptom Journal
Write down how you feel each day. Include:
- Pain level
- Where it hurts
- How it affects your life
- What you can’t do anymore
This helps show the full impact of the crash. Judges and insurers look at this as real proof.
10. Don’t Post Online About the Crash
Skip updates on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. A photo of you smiling can be used to say you’re fine—even if you’re not. Insurers and lawyers often check social media. Stay quiet to protect your claim.
11. Understand Missouri Laws on Fault
Missouri uses pure comparative fault. That means you can still get paid even if the crash was partly your fault. Example: If you were 30% at fault and your costs were $10,000, you may still get $7,000. Insurers may try to blame you for paying less. Your lawyer can push back and protect your share.
12. Hit by a Driver With No Insurance?
Missouri drivers must have uninsured motorist coverage. This helps pay your injury bills if the other driver has no insurance.
This won’t cover car damage, but it helps with:
- ER visits
- Surgery
- Lost wages
- Pain and stress
Your lawyer can file the claim and help you get what’s fair.
13. Hit by a Driver Who Ran Off?
This is called a hit-and-run. Call the police right away. Give them any details you remember.
Try to:
- Note the car’s make, model, or color
- Get part of the plate number
- Ask witnesses for help
Your uninsured motorist coverage may still apply here. A lawyer can help file this type of claim too.
14. Missouri’s Deadline to File a Lawsuit
You have five years from the date of the crash to sue in Missouri. But don’t wait. It’s better to act early.
Why?
- Crash proof can disappear
- Witnesses forget details
- Insurance games get worse over time
Call a lawyer soon after the crash. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
15. What If the Other Driver Was Drunk or Distracted?
If the other driver was texting, drunk, or speeding, that can help your case. These actions are more than careless—they’re dangerous. You may be able to ask for punitive damages. These are extra money amounts meant to punish bad drivers. Talk to your lawyer about this. It may raise your payout.
16. What If You Were a Passenger?
Passengers can file claims too. Even if your friend was at fault, you may be able to get paid. You shouldn’t have to suffer for someone else’s mistake. A lawyer can guide you through this process.
17. Do You Need to Go to Court?
Most car accident cases settle out of court. Your lawyer will try to get fair payment through talks with the insurer. If they won’t pay what’s fair, your lawyer may suggest a lawsuit. You decide whether to go forward. Most people never see the inside of a courtroom.
FAQs
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What if I feel okay after the accident?
You should still be examined by a doctor. Pain and/or injuries may present themselves a few hours or a few days after an auto accident.
Delaying to be seen by a physician may harm your case.
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Should I talk to the other drivers’ insurance?
No, you should absolutely not speak with the other driver’s insurance. You need to speak with an attorney. If you speak to them, they will warp your comments so that they do not have to pay you.
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Is it possible to sue if I wasn’t driving my own car?
Yes. If you are either a passenger or you were driving someone else’s car, your ability to make a claim is not affected.
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How long does an auto accident claim take?
It varies depending on the case. Some cases settle in a few months whereas others take longer to settle. Your attorney will explain the steps in the process.
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Do I need an attorney if it wasn’t my fault?
Yes. Even if it wasn’t your fault, the other insurance will try to pay you less, an attorney will be able to protect you.
Final Words
A crash can leave lasting pain and stress. But knowing what to do next helps.
- Get medical care.
- Keep records.
- Avoid posting online.
- Call a lawyer.
An experienced local Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer can guide you through every step. You don’t have to face this alone.
