The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports tens of thousands oftraffic crashes each year. After a collision, most people feel shock and confusion. The best first steps can protect your health, your rights, and your future insurance claim. This guide provides clear steps to follow at the accident scene and in the hours that follow. At The Granat Law Office, our St. Louis car accident lawyer helps drivers and passengers handle the aftermath of a car accident with care and focus.
Immediately after a crash, safety is the top priority, and legal protection follows closely behind. Use your hazard lights, watch for debris and skids on the road, and stay calm. Call 911 so police officers and emergency medical services can respond. Then, collect basic facts that support your accident claim and any future lawsuit. These steps help show negligence, liability, and damages if a negligent driver caused the collision.
Check yourself and passengers for bodily injury, pain, or signs of shock. If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder to avoid another accident. Keep damaged vehicles nearby for photos, but do not block traffic if it is unsafe to do so. Call for an ambulance if anyone needs immediate medical attention. Stay at the scene and wait for the police department and a tow truck driver if the vehicle cannot move.
Use your phone to call 911 and request police and medical assistance. Inform the dispatcher of the location, the number of vehicles, and any visible injuries. Ask for a police report or motor vehicle crash report number before you leave. This accident report supports your insurance claim under your auto insurance policy. It also helps show fault within the right jurisdiction for any personal injury case.
Use your phone to take photos and short videos of vehicle damage, the overall scene, and the road. Capture license plate numbers, VIN if visible, make and model, skids, debris, traffic signs, and the position of each auto. Photograph the driver’s licenses, insurance cards, and the insurance information page if the other driver agrees. Collect names, addresses, and contact information for all drivers, passengers, and witnesses involved in the incident. Note the police officers’ badge numbers, the tow truck driver’s company, and the owner of any towed vehicle.
Immediately after a crash, gather details calmly and avoid arguing. We collect the necessary information for the claim process without discussing fault or liability. We take pictures first, then exchange facts in a clear and orderly manner. We also note the location of nearby cameras or witnesses while we wait for the police to arrive. Even in a minor accident, these steps protect our clients and their families.
We exchange details steadily and straightforwardly. We request the driver’s name, phone number, and address, as well as the owner’s information if it differs from the driver's. We record the insurance company and policy number, and we photograph the insurance card. We record the driver’s license number and take a picture of the card, if permitted. We also note the vehicle model, color, and plate, and we save photos of both cars for our investigation.
We stay polite, but we choose our words with care. We never admit fault, guess, or apologize, because those words can be used later by an insurance adjuster. We give basic facts to the police and keep details for our attorney and lawyer. We continue to speak with the other driver, keeping the conversation brief and focused on exchanging information.
Some injuries may not show up for hours or days, so we treat them as urgent medical care. We see a doctor, even if we feel “okay,” and we follow the schedule for tests and follow-ups. We maintain medical records and bills because they document harm and support claims for pain and suffering. These papers assist with personal injury protection claims and any subsequent settlement negotiations. Once health is stable, we call a lawyer to guide the next steps.
The insurance company wants to pay as little as possible, even when lives are changed. We act as your personal injury lawyer and auto accident attorney from day one. We handle all calls, guide the claim process, and speak with the insurance adjuster. We lead the investigation, value your losses, and pursue a fair settlement or lawsuit if needed. We also assist with DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles issues and help you set a schedule that fits your family's needs.
Yes, call the police, even for a minor accident. Apolice report records facts, timing, and location. We also swap insurance and driver’s license details. These records help your insurance claim later.
Your uninsured or underinsured coverage may apply. We review your policy and claim history. We look for other coverage too. Our lawyer pursue every possible path to recover medical bills, repairs, and lost wages.
See a doctor as soon as possible. Delays can harm your health and your claim. We link care dates to the crash. Medical records and bills provide evidence of injuries, treatment, and pain.
Please speak with us before making any recorded statement. Adjusters may twist words to cut payments. We prepare you, attend calls, and set limits. Clear, brief facts protect you and your claim.
Taking the right steps after a crash protects your health, your claim, and your future. We handle insurance, bills, records, and investigations while you focus on your recovery. Our team values your case, explains the claim process, and fights for a fair settlement. Contact The Granat Law Office today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your police report, pictures, medical records, and driver’s license details, then schedule next steps and explain your options.
