Getting rear-ended on Manchester Avenue or T-boned at a busy St. Louis intersection can throw your life into chaos. In this episode, we walk through exactly what steps to take after a car accident — from medical care to dealing with insurance and legal protections — based on advice from The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., a firm with over 25 years of experience handling St. Louis car accident cases.
🎧 Listen to the Episode
🕒 Episode Timestamps
- 0:00 – Intro: Picture This
- 0:26 – What to Do Right After an Accident
- 1:06 – Medical Attention is #1
- 2:00 – Talking to Police (and What Not to Say)
- 3:00 – Keeping All Your Records
- 3:45 – Properly Documenting Car Damage
- 5:00 – Photos & Estimates 101
- 6:00 – Don’t Sign a Release Without a Lawyer
- 6:28 – Medical Records: Get It All In Writing
- 8:05 – What Goes Into a Settlement?
- 9:35 – Types of Damages You Can Claim
- 10:50 – What Affects Your Settlement Amount
- 12:22 – Why The Hoffmann Law Firm?
- 18:43 – Final Tips + How to Contact
📝 Full Transcript
0:00: So picture this. You’re cruising down Manchester Avenue in Saint Louis, maybe grabbing some lunch at one of the great spots down there, and—bam—you get rear-ended at a stoplight.
0:15: It’s that sudden jolt, the confusion, the pain, and then the whole headache of dealing with insurance.
0:21: Oh yeah, exactly. So today we’re going to equip you with the know-how to navigate those tricky waters after a car accident right here in St. Louis.
0:33: That’s right. We’re diving deep into the advice from a really experienced local firm, The Hoffmann Law Firm.
0:38: These guys are car accident specialists.
0:41: They are. They’ve been at it for over 25 years right here in St. Louis, and we’ve combed through their insights so you don’t have to.
0:46: Exactly. So you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
0:50: Think of this as your accident survival guide — St. Louis edition.
0:54: We’ll cover those crucial first steps right after an accident, how to protect yourself legally, and what makes The Hoffmann Law Firm the go-to for so many folks in St. Louis.
1:07: Sounds good. Let’s get into it.
1:08: But before we do, quick note: if you’ve already been in an accident, no need to panic. The Hoffmann Law Firm offers a free consultation 24/7.
1:17: That’s right. Call (314) 361-4242 or head over to hoffmannpersonalinjury.com.
1:26: Easy as that. So let’s say the unthinkable happens. What’s the absolute first thing you should do?
1:32: The Hoffmann Law Firm is really adamant about this — seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel only a little sore.
1:40: Why is that so important?
1:42: Two reasons: your health comes first, and it establishes a crucial link between the accident and your injuries.
1:49: If you wait weeks to see a doctor, the insurance company might argue your pain isn’t related to the accident.
1:56: Exactly. So get checked out right away.
1:59: Medical attention first and foremost. What about dealing with the police?
2:01: Definitely report the accident to the police, be cooperative, and provide an accurate account of what happened.
2:07: Stick to the facts.
2:08: Exactly. But here’s a big one — The Hoffmann Law Firm stresses this: don’t discuss fault.
2:16: Don’t talk about it with the other driver, passengers, or especially the insurance company?
2:21: Right. Anything you say can be used against you. Even if you’re not sure who’s at fault, you might accidentally admit something or speculate — and that could hurt your case.
2:33: So just stick to the facts.
2:35: Let the police do their investigation.
2:37: And what about keeping track of all the paperwork, all those bills and expenses?
2:42: Oh, that’s crucial. The Hoffmann Law Firm says meticulous record keeping is key. Keep every medical bill and receipt related to the accident.
2:54: Because those documents are your proof?
2:57: Exactly. When you’re filing a claim, you need evidence to back up your losses.
3:05: Got it. Now let’s talk about the damage to your car.
3:12: The Hoffmann Law Firm has very specific advice on how to document this properly.
3:19: Hit me with it.
3:22: First, you need a written estimate from a reputable source, like a dealership or collision center.
3:31: Not just from the insurance company?
3:34: Right, because they might try to lowball you. You want an independent, unbiased assessment.
3:42: Okay, what else?
3:46: Second, print out the Kelley Blue Book and NADA values for your car — ASAP after the accident.
3:55: Why the urgency?
3:59: Your car’s value depreciates quickly. You want to document its fair market value before it drops.
4:06: And number three?
4:08: Take lots of photos — not just a quick snap of a dent. Photograph the full exterior, interior, engine compartment, trunk, frame rails — everything.
4:22: Wow, they’re thorough.
4:28: They even have specific guidance depending on the type of accident: rear-end, head-on, side-impact (T-bone).
4:45: For rear-end collisions, they recommend shots from behind the car, angles across the bumper, open the trunk to check for crumples or suspension damage.
5:03: Exactly. And same with head-on — photos of the front bumper, open the hood, check the radiator and AC components.
5:30: And for T-bones?
5:36: Take shots down the side of the car, open the doors and photograph the door frame and footwell for hidden structural damage.
5:53: Now here’s a big one — don’t sign any release of claims without talking to a lawyer.
6:01: That’s a huge red flag. These forms can contain tricky language that might waive your right to pursue injury claims.
6:13: So have a lawyer look it over first.
6:17: Absolutely.
6:22: Let’s talk medical records — how do you make sure your injuries are properly documented?
6:29: The Hoffmann Law Firm says your medical records are the foundation of your injury claim.
6:38: So what should you do?
6:52: First, state that you were in a motor vehicle accident, give the exact date, describe the cause as you understand it, and list every single symptom, even if it seems small.
7:20: Like neck pain, radiating pain, or stiffness?
7:30: Yes — use those pain diagrams, mark the specific areas, draw arrows for radiating pain. And if your doctor uses electronic records, review them for accuracy before they’re finalized.
8:05: Let’s talk settlement — how is it calculated?
8:24: It’s based on damages:
- Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, car repairs)
- Non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment)
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
9:20: What about fault?
9:21: Missouri uses a pure comparative fault rule — if you’re 20% at fault, your settlement is reduced by 20%.
10:01: What else affects the amount?
10:08: The severity of injuries, need for future treatment, impact on quality of life, and potential loss of future income.
11:28: How can people maximize their settlement?
11:32:
- Document everything
- Don’t rush to settle
- Get expert opinions
- Gather strong evidence
- Work with a skilled lawyer
12:22: So why The Hoffmann Law Firm?
12:36:
- 25+ years of car accident cases
- Clients speak to the lawyers directly
- They’re respected by doctors and other lawyers
- Chris Hoffmann is also an accountant with a master’s in tax
- They’ve handled complex cases with major financial components
15:02: Clients say they feel relieved, supported, and in good hands.
15:33: And they go above and beyond — even helping with property damage when other lawyers wouldn’t.
16:00: Other lawyers even refer their own clients to them for high-stakes cases.
16:08: That says it all.
18:43: So to recap:
- Prioritize your health
- Don’t discuss fault
- Document everything
- Don’t sign anything without legal review
- Know your rights and call The Hoffmann Law Firm
18:54: Call (314) 361-4242, 24/7, or visit hoffmannpersonalinjury.com
20:04: Thanks for listening. Stay safe out there, St. Louis.
📞 Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in the St. Louis area, don’t wait.
Call (314) 361-4242 — available 24/7 for a free consultation.
Or visit hoffmannpersonalinjury.com to fill out their quick contact form.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.