What to Do After a Car Accident in St. Louis, MO

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:

  1. Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, car repairs)
  2. Non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment)
  3. 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.

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