Move to Safety and Check for Injuries
Activate hazard lights and, if safe, move vehicles out of traffic. Call 911 for any injury. Never leave the scene. Use cones or flares if you have them and avoid standing in live lanes.
Call the Police and Request an Official Report
Ask the responding officer to create a report and obtain the report number. Provide factual statements only; do not admit fault or speculate.
Exchange Information with Drivers and Witnesses
- Name, phone, driver’s license, and plate numbers
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
- Witness names and contact info
Photograph and Video the Scene
Capture wide shots and close-ups of all vehicles, plates, nearby signs/signals, skid marks, debris, weather/lighting, and any visible injuries.
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Tell providers you were in a motor vehicle collision so the mechanism of injury is recorded. Retain ER/urgent-care paperwork, imaging, and discharge instructions.
Notify Your Insurance — Stick to Facts
Report promptly without admitting fault or minimizing injuries. If unsure how to proceed, consult counsel before giving a recorded statement.
Preserve Evidence and Keep a Symptom Journal
- Store photos, witness info, medical records, and tow/repair receipts
- Record the police report number
- Maintain daily notes on pain, sleep, work limits, and activities missed
Consult an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Early legal intervention preserves evidence, manages adjusters, values damages accurately, and protects your claim under Missouri law.
