St. Louis Insurance Claim Attorney
Bley & Evans, LC, is recognized as a pre-eminent Missouri personal injury firm representing plaintiffs injured in car, truck and motor vehicle accidents throughout the state. We have a successful record of obtaining some of the most significant insurance settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of people who have suffered catastrophic injury or lost a loved one because of another driver's negligence or misconduct on the road.
We talk to people every day who call to ask us what steps they should take immediately following a car accident injury. Here are some basic steps that will help you protect your rights.
At the scene of the accident, talk only to the police officer taking the formal report
Many people make the mistake of getting out of their car and apologizing for the accident. After making sure the police have been notified and everyone's medical needs have been addressed, DO NOT SAY A WORD to anybody at the scene of the accident, except the police officer taking the official report. Anything you might say can be used as an acknowledgement of some amount of liability.
As soon as possible after you are released from the scene of the accident
Seek medical treatment or an exam from a licensed physician as soon as possible. Do not wait for symptoms of an injury to appear. If you do not have a regular doctor, contact Bley & Evans and we will put you in touch with an appropriate medical professional in your area. Even if you do not think you were injured, there are often injuries that take days or weeks for symptoms to appear. Brain injuries, in particular, often don't reveal symptoms until after the accident. Do not assume that a chiropractor or homeopathic practitioner is sufficient for your initial medical exam. Take careful notes about your doctor's diagnosis and recommendation for treatment. Follow the prescribed treatment to the letter. Attend all follow up appointments recommended by the doctor. Refer to our page on paying your medical bills for further information.
Following your medical exam
Immediately contact an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney. Our firm offers a free consultation and case evaluation. You will be under no obligation to retain us to represent you, but it is critical that you understand your legal options and the process for recovering compensation. In addition, it is possible that the other driver, insurance or legal representative will contact you directly in the days immediately following the accident. By having an attorney on retainer, you will be able to refer all insurance and claims matters to our office, including any settlement offers presented by the insurance company.
Follow the instructions from your doctor until you are fully recovered
Too many good personal injury cases are diminished or lost because the victim failed to follow doctor's orders precisely. Do everything possible to achieve maximum medical recovery (MMR) as quickly as possible. It is only after your doctor has signed off on MMR that your case can proceed forward in settlement negotiations or possible trial.
Let your attorney handle everything
A car accident injury or wrongful death claim won't be resolved overnight. Your Bley & Evans attorney will never rush you to accept a settlement until every piece of evidence is in place and the full extent of your injuries and financial damages are known. Don't ruin your case by rushing things, or trying to handle matters on your own. We will handle everything regarding your case. All you need to do is follow your doctor's orders. We will keep you fully informed about the progress of your case and you will always remain in control of accepting your final settlement, or taking your case to a jury trial.
Free Consultation · No Fees Unless You Recover Compensation · State and Nationwide
Call to discuss the specifics of your Missouri motor vehicle accident. 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 information lawyer. Wherever you are, you can reach us toll free at 866-252-0901 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.
