General Checklist for Car Accident Victims
Suffering injuries in a preventable accident can be a difficult and confusing experience. Fortunately, there are certain steps that you can take to protect your legal rights and maximize the chances of getting the compensation you deserve. The most important of these is to call a St. Louis personal injury attorney at Bruntrager & Billings as soon as you can.
Do Not Leave the Scene of the Accident
In Missouri, drivers are legally obligated to remain at the scene of a car accident that results in a personal injury, death, or damage to another’s property, such as a wrecked car. Failure to stay at the scene can lead to penalties. Upon the police officer’s arrival, be sure to cooperate and provide requested information such as name, address, and insurance and license information.
Gather Documentation
If you are looking to pursue a legal claim against the negligent driver, then it is critical to have documentation and evidence that supports your claim. For example, if you have suffered physical injuries, then medical records of your visit to the doctor can help connect your injuries to your accident and establish their severity.
Additionally, such documentation can help to calculate your damages. For example, if you have costly medical expenses related to the accident, such as ambulance bills and hospital stay charges, then you should keep or request copies. Importantly, if your expenses are ongoing such as future appointments and surgeries, then you should ensure you keep track of this information.
Understand Your Coverage Options
It is important to understand the details of your insurance coverage and options to ensure you can have your car accident-related expenses covered. For example, if the negligent driver is uninsured, you may need to explore your own auto insurance options to see whether they will cover your expenses.
Missouri is an at-fault state for car accidents and for purposes of car insurance coverage. Under this approach, drivers must carry a certain amount of auto insurance liability. In cases where you are injured in a car accident by the negligence of another, their insurance should cover all of your accident-related losses.
Retain a St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney
If you are the victim of a St. Louis car accident, then you need an experienced personal injury attorney by your side. A personal injury attorney can utilize the documentation and evidence you collected to assess and calculate your damages. Under Missouri’s pure comparative fault rules, your damages may be reduced by the percentage you are at fault. An experienced St. Louis attorney will be familiar with Missouri laws that impact your case and can represent you in settlement negotiations with the insurance company.
Call a St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorney Today
The dedicated personal injury attorneys at Bruntrager & Billings, P.C have the experience and skills to defend your legal rights. Our attorneys possess extensive experience in St. Louis personal injury law and representing car accident victims. We possess the knowledge and skills to represent your legal interests and help you obtain the just compensation that you deserve. Don’t delay—contact us today at 314-646-0066.