5 Things You Should Do to Get Full Compensation After a Car Accident

Car accidents often leave victims in financial difficulties and dealing with the stress and pain of health recovery and legal matters. Car accident claims are often a first experience for plaintiffs, and it’s easy to imagine that they have certain insecurities regarding the whole process.

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to get an idea of what will happen during the claim process and what you can do to maximize your claim. 

Here are 5 tips you should follow to ensure you get the full amount of compensation you are legally entitled to.

Call the Police at the Scene of the Accident, and the Ambulance When Needed

Missouri law states that police should be called at the scene for any accident resulting in personal injury. Even if you believe at first that you are fine, there are certain injuries that can manifest days or even weeks later. If you want to ensure that your accident is documented by a valuable entity, then you shouldn't hesitate to call the authorities.

Call the ambulance if the injuries are clearly visible and you suspect having broken bones, neck and back injuries, head injuries, bleeding, or symptoms that affect your ability to walk, talk or be aware of your surroundings.

Gather Evidence from the Scene of the Accident

If possible, you or your passengers should collect evidence right after the accident. Get contact information from other drivers involved in the collision and eyewitnesses. Request insurance information from the other drivers. Take pictures of the vehicles, their position relative to the road, road signs, tracks on the road, your injuries, your property damage, and anything that might be relevant to the case.

Get Evaluated by a Doctor as Soon as Possible

In case you did not need an ambulance at the scene, don’t assume that you shouldn't go to the doctor either. Get checked even if you think you got out of the accident “without a scratch”. As mentioned before, some injuries have latent symptoms and your claim would suffer greatly if you go to the doctor when it’s too late.

Notify Your Own Insurance Company About the Accident

Even though the other driver is at fault and you will be filing a claim to their insurance company, your own insurer should be aware of the incident too. If, for example, you've been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your insurance company will typically be the one that compensates you.

Follow Through with Your Medical Treatment

Make sure that you get a correct diagnosis and treatment scheme and follow the latter thoroughly. Interrupting or ignoring the recommended treatment or medical referrals can directly impact your claim.

Learn more: What Happens If I Lose My Job Due to a Car Accident?

Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

Besides the tips above, it’s important to know what to say and to whom. In order to avoid the tactics insurance companies use to pay victims less than they should, you should stay quiet on social media and when dealing with insurance adjusters, and speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer who can guide you and deal with all the steps of the process.

Give us a call 24/7 for FREE legal advice: (314) 361-4242