St. Louis Insurance Claim Attorney
Bley & Evans, LC, is a pre-eminent personal injury law firm representing plaintiffs injured in motor vehicle accidents throughout Missouri. Our attorneys answer many questions from individuals who call to discuss their options for recovering financial damages for medical treatment.
Every accident injury or wrongful death claim is different, with a different set of details specific to the case. In general, however, there are some things you should do and some things you should not do following an accident. For more information, visit our information pages on getting medical bills paid and first steps to take after a car accident.
Things That You Should Do Following an Accident
- Give the police office a complete, honest report of the details of the accident, as you recall them. The police report is a sworn statement. Hiding information in an effort to cover up liability will not help your case and only add possible criminal charges to the damages.
- Seek medical attention. If you are not removed from the scene by ambulance, make an immediate appointment to seek medical attention from a licensed physician. This does not include a chiropractor or homeopathic medical practitioner. Your doctor may refer you to your own medical care practitioner upon full exam and diagnosis. If you are not able to get an appointment the same day, go to an emergency room or urgent care centre.
- Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney. You won't know if you have a claim for financial damages until you have an experienced litigation professional investigate your claim and determine liability. By having a lawyer on your side, you will be able to refer all insurance claims through your attorney's office. Make sure your attorney works on a contingency-fee basis, with no attorneys fees unless you win compensation in an insurance settlement or jury verdict.
- Follow your doctor's prescribed medical treatment. Your goal is to reach what medical and legal professionals refer to as maximum medical recovery. Following the prescribed treatment will not only be the most beneficial to your medical treatment, it will allow your legal claim to move forward more quickly. The insurance company liable for damages is waiting to jump on any deviation from your prescribed treatment.
- Provide all information, records and reports to your attorney in a timely manner.
Things That You Should NOT Do Following an Accident
- Do not apologize or admit any amount of liability to the other driver or passengers at the scene of the accident — even passengers in your own vehicle.
- Do not lie to the police officer taking the report or try to cover up any details you think may point to your liability. Be honest and be as clear and detailed as possible.
- Do not investigate the accident yourself by interviewing witnesses.
- Do not contact the other driver to try to negotiate a private settlement. If the other driver contacts you, do not engage in any conversation about reaching a private settlement.
- Do not make your own medical decisions about treatment. Seek alternative medical treatment only upon the recommendation or approval from your treating physician.
- Do not lie or hide details from your attorney.
Free Consultation · No Fees Unless You Recover Compensation · State and Nationwide
Call us to discuss the specific details of your motor vehicle accident injury or wrongful death claim. From our offices in Columbia, we represent clients in communities throughout Missouri and the United States. Contact our office today to discuss your personal injury claim with an experienced Columbia car accident lawyer. Wherever you are, you can reach us toll free at 866-920-4115 or by e-mail. We are available for a free consultation during regular business hours and by appointment evenings and weekends. We handle every case on a contingency basis, which means you don't pay any attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you.
