Ryan Bradley | June 20, 2025 | Car Accident
Key Takeaways:
- Your actions in the first minutes can make or break your case. Every move matters in the crucial first hours after a crash. From photographing skid marks before they fade to avoiding statements that sound like admissions of fault, what you do at the accident scene sets the tone for your case and recovery.
- Missouri’s reporting requirements are strict. You must file a police report within 30 days for any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $500. Missing this deadline could harm your insurance claim and legal case.
- Insurance adjusters look for ways to minimize your claim. While you’re still in shock and pain, insurers are already working on their defense, which is why documenting everything before leaving the scene of a crash is essential.
A screech followed by the deafening crunch of metal. Then silence. While the first moments after a crash can be disorienting and frightening, knowing what to do after a car accident in Missouri ensures you protect your claim and compensation.
Those split-second decisions you make now could result in either recovering pennies or maximum compensation for your injuries. Insurance adjusters will hunt for ammunition to devalue your claim. Your polite “I didn’t see you coming” at the accident scene transforms into negligence, and that single therapy appointment you missed while caring for your kids becomes evidence you’ve fully recovered.
Wondering what steps you should take immediately after a car accident before contacting an attorney? Discover the right actions that can help you secure full compensation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Missouri—The First 30 Minutes
Accident scenes are usually chaotic, and it can be tough to focus, but you’ll need to act fast to protect yourself. Here is a checklist of what to do immediately (within the first 30 minutes and 24 hours) after a car accident.
At the accident scene:
Call 911 if anyone is injured
Stay at the scene (required by Missouri law)
Move vehicles out of traffic if safe
Take photos of all vehicles, damage, and road conditions
Exchange driver information and insurance details
Get witness contact information
Request the police report case number
Within 24 hours:
Seek medical attention (even if you feel fine)
Report the accident to your insurance company
File a police report if officers weren’t present
Start documenting symptoms and pain levels
Avoid giving recorded statements to any insurer
The critical don’ts:
Don’t admit fault or apologize
Don’t accept quick settlement offers
Don’t post about the accident on social media
Don’t delay medical treatment
Let’s break down exactly what to do after a car accident in Missouri. Trial lawyer and Bradley Law’s founder, E. Ryan Bradley, walks you through his top ten steps to follow after an accident.
Ryan’s Step #1: Stay at the Scene
If you’re involved in an accident, Missouri law requires you to stay at the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense that can result in felony charges and potentially lead to prison time. Even for minor fender-benders, leaving before the police arrive or exchanging information is a misdemeanor that can haunt you for years.
Also, consider that fleeing screams guilt to everyone involved. Juries, judges, and insurance companies assume innocent people don’t run from the scene of a crash. Stay put, even if the accident seems minor or you’re late for work. And call 911 immediately if anyone is injured.
Missouri’s “Steer It, Clear It” Law
State law requires you to move your vehicle out of traffic when it’s safe to do so to prevent further collisions and keep roads clear. This is known as the “steer it, clear it” law. Before moving your vehicle, snap some photos of its position and the positions of other involved vehicles, as these can be essential evidence for your claim.
Ryan’s Step #2: Exchange Information—Nothing More
Unfortunately, being overly polite and courteous could harm your case. Our natural instinct is to apologize and discuss what happened after the initial shock of an accident. Don’t. Every word you say can and likely will be twisted against you later. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be construed as admitting fault. Keep small talk to a minimum and stick to collecting details from the other drivers:
- Full names and contact information of drivers and witnesses
- Driver’s license numbers
- Insurance company and policy numbers
- Vehicle make, model, year, and color
- License plate numbers
When law enforcement arrives, request a case number for the police report. In St. Louis, you can obtain your police report by visiting or calling the Records Service Center of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD).
Ryan’s Step #3: Document Everything Like Your Case Depends on It (It Does)
Don’t make the mistake of trusting your memory. In a few days, you might not remember whether that traffic light was yellow or red. Make notes and use your phone to record the vital evidence you may need to prove your claim. Take pictures of the entire accident scene, including:
- All vehicles from multiple angles
- Street signs, traffic signals, and road conditions
- Skid marks
- Weather conditions and visibility
- Property damage to guardrails, signs, or buildings
- License plates and VIN numbers
- Deployed airbags and seatbelt marks
- Visible injuries
Ryan’s Step #4: Don’t Argue
If the other driver refuses to provide information or seems belligerent or impaired, don’t argue with them. You could be putting your safety at risk. Instead, let the police handle them. Wait in your car, if possible, until law enforcement arrives.
Be cautious if the other driver wants to handle the crash “between the two of us” or even offers cash on the spot. This could be a sign they’re uninsured or know they’re at fault. Politely decline and insist on doing everything the proper way. Even if the offer seems generous, consider that your future medical bills and wage losses could far exceed whatever amount they offer.
Ryan’s Step #5: Seek Medical Help Immediately
Before you think about fault, insurance, or anything else, your immediate priority should be your health. Check yourself for injuries, but remember: your body might be lying to you immediately after the crash. Adrenaline masks pain like an anesthetic. What feels like minor soreness could be a herniated disc, and that slight headache might be a concussion.
If you refused medical assistance at the accident scene, see a doctor as soon as possible and tell them about every ache, pain, and symptom you’re experiencing. Failing to seek medical attention after an accident can make it challenging or even impossible to get a fair settlement for your injuries in the future. Insurers may argue that you weren’t injured because you didn’t go to the ER.
Symptoms to Watch Out for in the First 72 Hours After a Crash
Delayed injuries can show up days after an accident. Watch for “red-flag” symptoms like persistent headaches, dizziness, confusion, or memory issues, which could indicate a traumatic brain injury (TBI). If you’re experiencing neck stiffness and pain, you could be suffering from whiplash. Deep bruising or abdominal discomfort could signal internal bleeding, which needs emergency medical assistance.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness could point to nerve damage or a herniated disc. And not all injuries are physical: anxiety, sleep disturbances, or flashbacks could be signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Early symptoms can evolve into serious health issues, so don’t delay a visit to your medical provider.
Ryan’s Step #6: Notify Your Insurer
One of the first steps you should take immediately after a car accident, before contacting an attorney, is to inform your insurer. Waiting too long could cost you. Even if the other driver was at fault, your insurer needs to be aware of the incident to begin processing your claim.
However, be cautious when dealing with any insurance company, whether it’s your own or the insurer of the other party. Don’t provide recorded statements until you’ve spoken to an attorney. Insurance adjusters may seem caring and friendly, but remember: they are trained to minimize claims.
Ryan’s Step #7: Report the Car Accident to Police
Missouri law is crystal clear: even if law enforcement was not present for your accident, you must report a crash involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Consider that $500 in damage may mean nothing more than a cracked bumper. Remember: a police report is official, third-party documentation of what happened and can be vital evidence for your car accident claim.
When officers are present at your accident, give them your side of the story, but be careful to stick to facts and avoid speculations. If you’re hurt, tell the officer so they’ll note any injuries in their report. If the officer seems to be rushing through the report or misses key details, politely ask them to add observations, like the other driver running a red light or seeming intoxicated.
Ryan’s Step #8: Call a Car Accident Lawyer
A St. Louis car accident lawyer levels the playing field immediately and gives you the best chance of recovering what you deserve. They know whether that “final offer” is fair, and if it’s not, they can prepare your case for trial and fight for what you deserve.
Don’t let insurance companies convince you that hiring a lawyer is unnecessary or too expensive. They just want to protect their profits. Most car accident attorneys work on contingency, meaning they don’t get paid unless you do. A lawyer can maximize your recovery, especially if you suffered a severe injury or were involved in a complex accident, like a multi-vehicle crash. Here’s how they can help:
- Investigating Fault. Lawyers will analyze your case thoroughly and dig deep into police reports, witness statements, accident reconstructions, and video footage to prove liability.
- Negotiating with Insurers. An attorney can ensure that you’re treated fairly. If an insurance company refuses an adequate settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
- Handling Legal Paperwork and Deadlines. Injury claims require strict documentation and filings that your lawyer can manage for you while you are recovering.
Having an experienced lawyer in your corner reduces stress and provides you with stronger leverage. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better your chances of winning the settlement you truly deserve.
Ryan’s Step #9: Learn What Your Claim Is Really Worth
Insurers will always try to pay less than what your case is worth to protect their bottom line. But how do you fight back? By knowing the full cost and impact of your injuries. This includes not just medical bills but lost wages, pain and suffering, and future expenses.
Don’t let an adjuster frame your case as minor. Your long-term financial and physical recovery deserves full and fair compensation. The best way to avoid accepting less than you deserve? Consult with an attorney who understands what accident victims truly need for a fair settlement.
They can determine the full impact of an injury on your home life and career and calculate your damages accurately, including future expected expenses such as ongoing medical care and reduced earning capacity.
Ryan’s Step #10: What to Never Do After a Car Accident
When you’re wondering what steps to take immediately after a car accident and before contacting an attorney, remember: it’s just as important to know what not to do. The mistakes you make after a crash can jeopardize or even destroy your claim. Here’s what to know:
- Don’t automatically accept an offer from your insurance company. Insurers will likely make lowball offers that won’t cover all your losses. While it’s understandable that you’ll want to get your bills paid as soon as possible, don’t sign an early release as you may be leaving money on the table—and you can’t come back later asking for more.
- Don’t ignore time limits in your policy. Many insurance policies require proof of loss to be filed within a certain time frame. Make sure you meet this deadline, and don’t give an insurer an easy excuse for denying your claim.
- Don’t post details of your accident on social media. The other side’s insurance company will be fishing for information to delay or minimize your claim. Social media posts with photos showing you on vacation or at parties while seeking compensation for severe injuries and pain and suffering could jeopardize your payout.
- Don’t downplay your injuries to doctors or insurers. Saying “I’m fine” or failing to report symptoms can hurt your case, as insurers may argue that your injuries were minor or unrelated to the accident. Keep a journal in which you record your symptoms and their impact on your daily life.
- Don’t wait until Missouri’s statute of limitations is about to expire. In Missouri, you have a generous five years to file a personal injury claim, but waiting too long can hurt your case. Evidence disappears, and witnesses forget details. The sooner you start preparing for legal action, the stronger your case will be.
Bradley Law Fights Hard for Car Accident Victims
Those first moments after a crash are overwhelming, but knowing what to do after an accident is your best opportunity to protect your future. And you don’t have to go it alone: Bradley Law is here to protect your legal rights after an accident. From securing key evidence to standing up to insurance companies, we fight hard to give accident victims the best chance of recovering the compensation they deserve.
Our firm has secured multi-million-dollar settlements and hard-fought verdicts, holding insurers accountable when they try to undercut accident victims. We invest the time, resources, and expertise needed to build an airtight case because we know that your future and the future of your loved ones depends on it.
Contact Bradley Law for a free consultation today and take the first step towards getting justice and compensation.
Speak With An Attorney About Your Case
FAQs – What To Do After A Car Accident
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance in Missouri?
Missouri requires uninsured motorist coverage, so your own policy should cover you. However, you’ll need to act fast to preserve evidence. Document everything meticulously and consider hiring an attorney immediately. Uninsured motorist claims can be tricky, and insurance companies often lowball their own customers.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partly responsible. That said, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 40% at fault, your final settlement would be 60% of your total damages.
Beware of insurers’ tactics if you’re partially responsible for an accident. Insurance companies may exaggerate your responsibility to lower payouts, so having an attorney to push back on unfair fault assessments can be vital.
What should I do if the police report contains errors?
Police reports are important evidence, but they’re not infallible. If you spot incorrect details, such as the wrong location or missing injuries, contact the officer who wrote the report and request an amendment. If the police won’t correct it, your attorney can provide supporting evidence, such as witness statements or surveillance footage, to challenge inaccuracies during settlement negotiations or in court.
How can I prove lost wages after a car accident?
Lost wages aren’t just about missing work during recovery. Compensation should also include future earning potential if your injuries impact your career. To prove lost wages, gather pay stubs, employer letters, tax documents, and medical evaluations confirming work restrictions. If your injuries limit future employment, it’s best to work with an experienced attorney who can help secure compensation for diminished earning capacity.
Should I repair my car before settling my insurance claim?
Be cautious. Once your vehicle is repaired, key evidence may be lost. Insurers might argue that the damage was minimal or unrelated to the accident if photos don’t properly document the before-and-after conditions. Always get detailed photos, repair estimates, and a professional assessment before making repairs.
What happens if I miss a medical appointment after my accident?
Missing medical appointments can hurt your claim. Insurance companies may argue that you weren’t seriously injured or that your condition isn’t as severe as you claim. If you must reschedule, keep detailed records and explain why. If you already have gaps in treatment, your attorney can help provide evidence that you’re still experiencing pain and symptoms or have ongoing medical needs.