You've Just Been In A Car Accident. Now What?

It doesn't matter if it's your first wreck or your fifth - car accidents at the Lake of the Ozarks are always stressful. Regardless of who was responsible for the accident, you must now face hassles with your insurance company, expensive repairs for your car, potentially expensive medical bills for your injuries, and possibly even the death of your loved ones.

In the moments immediately following a crash, most people's minds go blank. They become stressed and overwhelmed, unsure of how to proceed. The team at McDuffey Law Firm is here to help you overcome your stress and maintain your calm with these simple reminders.

Step 1: Get Out Of The Way Of Oncoming Traffic.
The very first thing you must do is assess the situation to determine if you are still in danger. If your vehicle(s) are still in the middle of the road, you should move them off to the side if at all possible. At the very least, you should get yourself and all passengers out of the car and off of the road. Do not leave the scene of the accident. If you leave, you could be charged with a hit-and-run.

Step 2: Call The Police
Once you have secured safety for yourself and those around you, it's time to call the police. Even if the accident was minor, it is important to get a law enforcement officer involved. They will file a police report, and you will be able to use that police report when filing insurance claims.

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention.
If you are need of medical attention, it is important that you seek the care you need as soon as possible. Medical doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, and the emergency room are common places to seek help after car accidents, depending on the severity of your injuries. Your health should be your #1 priority; be proactive about getting a diagnosis and proper treatment.

Step 4: Open A Claim With Your Insurance Company.
It is important to get your insurance company involved as soon as you can. They need to know that you have been in an accident, and they need to know the truth about the accident and your injuries. Withholding or misrepresenting the truth about your accident can have serious consequences. However, if the other driver's insurance company calls you to ask for a statement (which they will), it is important to recognize that you are not legally required to give them a statement. You have the right to speak to an attorney first, should you choose to do so.

Step 5: Contact A Personal Injury Attorney.
If you have questions about the process or how to handle your communication with the insurance companies or the authorities, it is important to contact a Missouri personal injury attorney. At McDuffey Law Firm, we offer a free, no-risk consultation to all of our clients. If you have been injured in an accident, contact McDuffey Law Firm immediately to schedule your consultation.

McDuffey Law Firm, LLC
www.McDuffeyLaw.com
Ph. (573) 302-7211
Fax. (573) 302-7215

5754 Parkside Village Ct.,
P.O. Box 368
Osage Beach, Mo 65065
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