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What to do if you get into a car accident is a question no one wants to ask themselves—but thousands of Missouri drivers end up needing the answer every year. At Goldblatt + Singer, we understand how disorienting and overwhelming a crash can be. You might be dealing with physical injuries, emotional shock, and the sudden stress of legal and insurance decisions. Whether your accident was a minor fender bender or a serious collision, knowing the right steps to take can protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights. What you do in the moments and days following a crash could impact everything from the success of your injury claim to the compensation you ultimately receive.
Missouri law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop at the scene. Failing to do so could result in criminal penalties. But there’s more to protecting yourself than just stopping. If you’ve been in a wreck, here’s what to do:
Staying calm matters. Take a deep breath and assess the situation carefully. Sudden fear or adrenaline can cloud your judgment, so it’s important to ground yourself. Begin by checking yourself for injuries. Then look to passengers and others involved in the accident.
If someone is hurt:
Stay with the injured party until emergency services arrive. Even if no one appears seriously hurt, encourage everyone to get a medical evaluation. Some injuries, like whiplash or brain trauma, may not show symptoms until hours or days later. Documenting these early can support your legal and medical claims.
Yes, you should always contact the police, even if the accident appears minor. A police report will provide an official record, which helps if injuries worsen or damage estimates change.
Important reminders:
Documentation is key. Exchange full names, driver’s license numbers, plate numbers, insurance information, and contact details with all involved drivers.
Take photos of:
Talk to witnesses if anyone saw the accident and ask for their name and contact info. Their statement may be helpful later.
Do not admit fault. Stay polite, but don’t apologize or explain—you may not have all the facts yet.
Why call a lawyer? Because insurance companies don’t always have your best interest at heart.
A car accident attorney can:
You don’t have to go through this process alone. Having legal representation early makes a major difference in how your claim is handled.
Even in a fender bender, you should still report it, document everything, and talk to a lawyer.
It’s a common misconception that minor accidents don’t require much attention. But even at low speeds, your body can suffer whiplash or soft tissue injuries that don’t surface until days later. You may initially feel fine, only to experience pain, limited mobility, or headaches as time goes on. Similarly, vehicle damage can be more than cosmetic—underlying frame or suspension issues could cost thousands to repair.
Insurance companies are known to challenge fault in low-impact collisions. Without proper documentation, a neutral police report, and legal guidance, they may minimize your claim or deny it outright. You could be stuck footing the bill for someone else’s carelessness.
Play it safe. No matter how minor the crash seems, take every precaution: call the police, photograph everything, seek medical care, and contact an attorney. These steps will help protect your health and your right to full compensation.
Insurers evaluate damage based on photos, repair estimates, and their own assessment of fault.
In Missouri, the pure comparative fault system applies. That means your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault in the crash. For example, if your damages total $10,000 and you’re found 20% at fault, you may only recover $8,000. This structure allows insurers to minimize how much they pay out by assigning partial blame.
Insurance adjusters take multiple steps to evaluate damage:
Keep in mind that these evaluations are not always objective. Insurance companies often aim to protect their bottom line, sometimes undervaluing damage or disputing your account of events. If your car is declared a total loss, the insurer may offer less than its market value.
Disputes over fault or the cost of repairs are common. That’s why it’s essential to have an experienced attorney on your side—someone who can challenge lowball offers, present additional evidence, and advocate for your full financial recovery.
If you’ve been in a crash and aren’t sure what to do if you get into a car accident, we’re here to guide you through every step. At Goldblatt + Singer, our attorneys handle car accident claims every day, and we know what it takes to build a strong case. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Call us today at (314) 231-4100 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Jeff Singer, Managing Partner at Goldblatt + Singer for over a decade, is a seasoned personal injury attorney known for his compassionate yet tough advocacy. He has resolved hundreds of cases and recovered millions for clients. Recognized as a Missouri Super Lawyer and Top 100 National Trial Lawyer, Jeff also serves on the Missouri Bar’s Chief Disciplinary Committee and the Board of Governors for the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
This page has been created, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our thorough editorial guidelines. It was approved by our Founding Partner, Jeffrey Singer, who has over 30 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.
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