In the moments following an accident, drivers and passengers often feel confused and unsure of what steps to take. However, what you do in those initial moments can have a lasting impact on your case. Before doing anything though, contacting top-rated Missouri car accident law firm Beck & Beck is highly recommended.

Car accidents can be sudden and overwhelming. In 2023, Missouri experienced over 150,000 reported traffic crashes, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. 

From capturing photographs to exchanging accurate information, following the proper steps protects your rights. This guide covers the key actions that car accident lawyers in the state of Missouri recommend you take immediately after a crash to preserve vital evidence and strengthen your case.

Assess Safety First

If you have to document anything, your first concern should be safety for all. Assess for injuries and, if safe, relocate somewhere for safety. Ensure that safety is guaranteed and start gathering information, and knowing what to do immediately after a car accident includes ensuring safety, contacting authorities, and documenting the scene to protect your legal rights.

Collect Contact Information

Second on the list is obtaining contact details. Get the names, numbers, and addresses of all drivers and passengers. This data will be essential for insurance and legal action.

Record Vehicle Details

Record the make, model, color, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved in the accident. This information will assist in identifying the cars later for potential claims. If applicable, record the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Document the Scene in Photos

One of the best methods to document the scene of an accident is to take photographs. Take many pictures, including where the vehicles were located, damage to the car, skid marks, and any road signs or signals. Photos can tell an event's story, perhaps the only story.

Talk to Witnesses

If there are witnesses, jot down their contact information as well. Witnesses offer an impartial perspective of the situation, which can come in handy when blaming someone. Get their name and number and politely ask them what they saw in one or two sentences.

Monitor Road & Weather Conditions

Careless weather and road conditions often lead  to accidents. Record what the weather was like at the time, if it was raining, foggy, or clear. So, pay attention to the road conditions — were there any potholes, debris, or anything blocking the way? These details must also be documented, providing context for the accident.

Write a Personal Account

Describe in as much detail as you can remember an incident that you said would change your life, and write about it from a first-person perspective. Also include information such as the time of the accident, the direction of travel, and other observations, as above. Afterwards, this personal essay may shed light on what happened.

Exchange Insurance Information 

Exchange insurance information with the other driver(s). This information consists of policy numbers and the names of the insurance providers. With the correct insurance information, disputes can be avoided and the claims procedure can be sped up.

Report to Authorities

Call the police or other local authorities to report the incident. A formal report may provide a more authoritative account of the incident. When officers document what they see, it can be valuable in a court of law. Be sure to write down the officer's name and badge number.

Seek Medical Attention

It is a beneficial idea to get medical attention even if injuries appear to be mild. Not every injury is visible right away. If health problems develop later, medical records can be substantial evidence.

Review Documentation

Once you've left, analyze all the information gathered. Gather photos, notes, and contact information. This method guarantees completeness and facilitates the creation of a comprehensive report for insurance or legal matters.

Consult a Professional

Getting a professional legal opinion doesn't hurt if there's a question or complication. Lawyers can guide you on the next steps and protect your rights. Legal counsel can also help with navigating any complexities in the insurance dispute.

Conclusion

Being prepared and knowing what to document when you leave the scene of a car accident will ease your mind and allow common sense to prevail in resolving any issues. These recommendations would enable individuals to safeguard themselves and be equipped with the needed information for any measures taken thereafter.