Being involved in a car accident is frightening, overwhelming and stressful. Even the most cautious drivers are now at risk when they drive on the road due to distracted driving and road rage. Young drivers who text while driving can also present a significant risk to others on the road. Those who fail to repair a car or drive in a recalled vehicle also pose a risk to others on the road. Federal and state government agencies that fail to repair roads are yet another factor that place people at risk for involvement in auto accidents. Traffic accident lawyers at The S.E. Farris Law Firm are experienced in handling your car injury claim in Missouri.
Important steps to take during a motor vehicle accident:
- Call 911 and cooperate when police arrive
- File an accident report, even if you do not have exterior vehicle damage
- If property damage is minor or if you need to leave the scene before police arrive, get witness names and pictures of cars, including license plates
- Take photos of the accident and the vehicles
- Get the complete contact and insurance information of all parties involved in the accident
- Don’t give a statement to anyone other than law enforcement and medical personnel until you speak to your car injury lawyer
You may also want to take your car to a local repair shop and get your own repair estimate. A mechanic can prepare a quote that details your car’s damage. This information will be helpful during negotiations to cover the cost of property damage.
It is imperative that all evidence is preserved properly, the accident is thoroughly investigated and that all witnesses are identified. Our car injury lawyers should also examine the crash report – Highway Patrol reports available online here.
Farris Law Firm, Experienced Car Injury Lawyers
We are experienced in dealing with adjusters and attorneys from insurance companies. Remember that insurance companies didn’t get rich by handing out money to victims. They profit by delaying claims, minimizing claims and denying claims.
Hiring independent representation can ensure that your best interests are represented at all times. Your traffic accident lawyer can guide you so that it may not be necessary to proceed to trial to resolve your claim.
You only have a limited period of time to file a claim after a car accident. Many states have a statute of limitations that only allows a claim to be filed a year or two after the date of the accident. By speaking with a personal injury lawyer today, you will ensure that you file a claim in a timely fashion.
If you have been hurt in a car accident and have other questions, contact The Farris Law Firm at 314-A-LAWYER (252-9937) today for a free consultation.