Car accidents in the St. Louis area continue to be a major concern, with hundreds of lives lost and thousands more injured each year on local roads. In Missouri's latest data from 2021, 1,016 people died statewide in crashes. More locally, St. Louis City and County saw 178 traffic fatalities and over 14,000 injuries in 2021. For the fourth consecutive year, pedestrian deaths rose in the city, while the county also hit a concerning milestone with over 100 total traffic deaths for the first time on record.
With so many accidents occurring around St. Louis, it's important to know the proper steps to take if you're ever involved in a collision.
Contact Law Enforcement
The first thing you'll want to do after an accident is contact the police, even for minor fender benders. An officer will come to the scene to investigate, take statements from all involved drivers, and file an official report. Be sure to get the officer's name and badge number, along with their report number. The police report will be essential for insurance claims and possible legal action down the road.
Get Checked Out
Even if you don't notice any injuries right away, you should still get examined by a doctor after an accident. The adrenaline in your system may mask pain symptoms that show up later. Common delayed injuries include whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding. Go to the emergency room or visit your doctor to get thoroughly checked out. Describe all your symptoms and follow their treatment plan. Keep records of diagnosis and care.
Document the Scene
While waiting for law enforcement, use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene from different angles. Capture images showing the position of vehicles, skid marks, debris, weather conditions, traffic signs or signals, and any property damage. Also, photograph your own injuries. These pictures can help validate your account of what happened. You may think photos aren't necessary for a minor accident, but they could still provide useful evidence down the road.
Exchange Information
When it's safe, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Get their name, address, phone number, license plate, driver's license number, and insurance details including company name and policy number. Having this information is required for insurance claims and accident reports. Don't admit fault or make statements about the accident to the other parties.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance provider as soon as possible after an accident. Alert them to the situation and start a claim if necessary. Cooperate fully with their investigation. Your policy will determine the next steps, but you may need to bring your car in for damage assessment. Make sure to get a copy of the insurance company's report once complete. Save all communications you have with the insurer. If coverage disputes arise, this documentation will be key.
Consult an Attorney
For any serious accident with injuries or major vehicle damage, it's advisable to contact an experienced St. Louis automotive accident lawyer. They can deal with the insurance company on your behalf while you focus on recovery. An attorney may be able to negotiate a larger settlement that fully covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. In cases of wrongful death, permanent disability, or disputes with insurance, legal help becomes essential.
By staying calm and following these steps, you can ensure you get proper help after a crash. With the high accident rates around St. Louis, drivers should be prepared and know what to do if an unfortunate collision occurs. Stay safe out there!
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