Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Missouri: Legal Advice from a Kansas City Lawyer

Car accidents can be unexpected events. One second you’re following the rules, staying safe and sound and the next second you could be looking at Doctor’s appointments, personal injuries, emotional injury and property damage. Once everything settles and you are physically alright, you need to think what you need to do next in the moments to come for your protection, protection of your rights, and mistakes that could cost you time and/or money. First, you need to know the steps to take after an accident, and in what order. Here is a list of things you should do after being in a car accident from a Kansas City attorney or lawyer on what will happen next. 

Step 1: Look for any injuries

First, check yourself. Then check your passengers. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. If someone is unconscious or bleeding, don’t try to move them. Even if you feel okay, get a check-up. Some injuries show up later—like whiplash or brain injuries.

Step 2: Get to a Safe Area

If your car is blocking traffic, then move your vehicle off the roadway, but only if that is safe! Turn on hazard lights. Stay by your car – just don’t go near the roadway. Don’t leave the scene. That may be a criminal act.

Step 3: Call the Police

Call the police right away. Don’t skip this step—even for a small crash. The police will make a report. That report helps in the legal process later if you file a claim or go to court. Get the name and badge number of the officer. Ask how to get a copy of the report.

Step 4: Exchange Information

Get the following from the other driver:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Address
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Insurance company and policy number

Give the same info to them. Stay calm. Don’t argue. Don’t say sorry. Just share the basics.

Step 5: Take Photos and Videos

Use your phone to take clear photos. Focus on:

• All cars from every side
• Damage to your car
• Damage to the other car
• Street signs or traffic lights
• Tire marks or broken parts
• Your injuries, if visible

A short video can help too. Say the date and time while filming. These photos could be your strongest proof later.

Step 6: Speak to Witnesses

Did anyone see what happened? A driver, someone on the street, or a person in a nearby business? Get their name and number. Write down what they saw. Their words could back up your assertion of what happened.

Step 7: Write down everything

Immediately after the crash or when you’re calm, write down everything:

• What time it was
• Where you were going
• What the other driver did
• What you felt or saw
• Weather and road conditions

Keep updating this document as memories come back, and all your notes will live on in one controlled location.

Step 8: Call Your Insurance Company

You will want to report the accident to your insurance. Just state the facts around the accident, do not speculate. If you are not doing well, say you are not. It is best to let your counsel handle the insurance of the other driver. Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance. The other driver’s insurance has the potential to use anything you state against you to either try and convince you the injuries are minimal or put you in a position which will entrap them to minimize their payment.

Step 9: Go to the Doctor Without Delay

Regardless of how you feel you need to go to the doctor as soon as you can. Very often injuries can be latent or hidden after the accident. Tell the medical personnel that you were involved in a car accident. Follow the advice provided, it is useful, especially in the initial stages of injury.

Keep records of:

• Doctor visits
• Tests and scans
• Bills
• Prescriptions
• Missed work due to injury

Step 10: Talk to a Kansas City Lawyer

You may think you don’t need help. But many people who wait lose their chance to get full pay.

A car accident lawyer can:

• Guide you through legal steps
• Talk to the insurance company
• Gather proof
• Help you get paid for bills, damage, and lost income

They do the hard work. You focus on healing.

Why Missouri Drivers Need a Local Lawyer

Each state has different rules. Missouri law has its own details. An experienced local Kansas City personal injury lawyer knows the local courts, judges, and traffic laws. They understand how local insurance firms work. They can also explain your rights in simple terms.

Missouri Is an At-Fault State

This means the driver who caused the crash must pay for damages. If the other driver was careless, their insurance pays. If you were both at fault, you may still recover some money.

Let’s say:

• You were 20% at fault
• The other driver was 80% at fault
• Your damage was $10,000

You could still get $8,000. This is called comparative fault.

Missouri’s 5-Year Rule

In Missouri, you have five years to file a lawsuit after a crash. This might sound like a long time, but don’t wait. Waiting makes it harder to gather proof. The sooner your lawyer starts, the better your case will be.

What Not to Do After a Crash

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t post about the crash on social media
• Don’t argue with the other driver
• Don’t admit fault, even if you feel bad
• Don’t take cash to settle the crash without a report
• Don’t ignore pain, even if it feels small
• Don’t wait too long to get legal help

How Lawyers Help You Recover

An accident lawyer works for you. They protect your rights and your money.

They can:

• Review your case
• Handle calls and paperwork
• Gather witness statements
• Talk to experts
• Go to court if needed
• Push for fair pay—not lowball offers

Many work on a no win, no fee basis.

What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?

This happens often. Some drivers break the law and don’t carry insurance. Check your policy. Most Missouri drivers have uninsured motorist coverage. It may cover your:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost pay

A lawyer can explain what’s in your policy and help file the claim.

What If It’s a Hit-and-Run?

If the driver fled the scene, call the police right away. Give them:

• The car’s make, model, and color
• License plate, if you saw it
• Where it happened
• Any witness info

Check nearby stores for cameras. A lawyer can help find footage and build your case. Your insurance might still cover you.

What If You Were a Passenger?

As a passenger, you still have rights. You can:

• File a claim against the at-fault driver
• File under the driver of the car you rode in

You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake.

What If You Were Driving for Work?

If you were driving while working, you might have two claims:

• A car accident claim
• A worker’s comp claim

Each one follows different rules. A local lawyer can help sort it out.

FAQs – Car Accidents in Missouri

1. Do I have to call the police after every accident?

Yes. Even small crashes should be reported. A police report can protect you later.

2. Can I still file if I wait to see a doctor?

Yes, but don’t wait too long. Delays can hurt your case. Go soon and explain why you waited.

3. What if I was partly at fault?

You may still recover some money. Missouri allows shared fault claims. Your payout may be reduced.

4. Will hiring a lawyer cost me money up front?

No. Most lawyers work on a “no win, no fee” plan. You only pay if they win.

5. How long will my case take?

It depends. Some settle in weeks. Others take months. A lawyer will help speed things up.

Final Thoughts

Car accidents are scary. But what you do next makes a big difference. Start by staying safe. Call the police. Take photos. See a doctor. Then, talk to a skilled and affordable Kansas City car accident lawyer. They’ll help you understand your rights and fight to get you what you deserve.