Vehicle Wrecked After St. Louis Car Accident
If your vehicle is wrecked after a car collision in St. Louis, here are some initial steps you can take:
Immediate Steps:
- Ensure Safety: Check yourself and others involved for injuries. If medical attention is needed, call 911 immediately.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, take pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved, including skid marks, weather conditions, and any traffic signs or signals.
- Exchange Information: Get contact details (name, phone number, insurance company, policy number) from all drivers involved, and any witnesses who may have seen the accident.
- Report the Accident: File a police report, even for minor accidents. This establishes an official record of the event. You can request a copy of the report later (see below).
Next Steps - Dealing with the Wreck and Insurance:
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company promptly and report the accident. Cooperate with their investigation.
- Have Your Car Towed: If your vehicle is not drivable, arrange for a tow truck to take it to a trusted mechanic or collision center.
- Get Estimates for Repairs: Once at the repair shop, get written estimates for repairs.
- Review Your Policy: Understand your coverage details, especially for collision and comprehensive insurance. These cover damage to your own vehicle, depending on the specific policy.
Additional Considerations:
- If Your Car is Totaled: If the repair costs exceed the car's value, your insurance company will likely declare it totaled and offer you a cash settlement. You might negotiate this settlement or choose to keep the car for its salvage value.
- Medical Attention: Get checked by a doctor, even if you don't feel immediate pain. Injuries can take time to surface. Keep all medical bills and receipts for potential compensation.
- Considering a Lawyer: For significant injuries, complex situations (multiple parties involved, unclear fault), or if the insurance company offers a low settlement for your wrecked vehicle, consider consulting a personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accidents.
Finding a Police Report:
- You can request a copy of the police report online through the St. Louis Police Department Public Records portal (https://www.slmpd.org/records.shtml). There may be a fee associated with this.
- You can visit the Records Service Center in person at 1915 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 (hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm). Bring a valid photo ID for verification.
Remember, this is a general overview. The specific actions will depend on the severity of the accident and your personal situation. If you have any questions or need further guidance, consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer familiar with Missouri laws.