What to Do After a Car Accident in Missouri or Illinois (Free Checklist)
- Schuenke Law Firm
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you've been in a car accident in Missouri or Illinois, what you do in the first 24 hours can directly affect your health and your financial recovery.
This simple checklist explains exactly what to do and what to do after a crash, so you don't accidentally hurt your case.
What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident in Missouri or Illinois
The steps you take right after a crash can protect both your legal rights. Here's what to do first:
Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt
Even if injuries seem minor, call 911 right away if anyone is injured or unconscious. Some injuries don't show symptoms immediately, and getting medical help protects both your health and your claim.
Move to a safe location if possible
If the vehicles can be moved and it's safe to do so, pull to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. Turn on hazard lights and stay visible.
Call the police and get an accident report
 A police report documents what happened and can be critical later when dealing with insurance companies or legal claims.
Exchange information with the other driver
Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing.
Take photos and document the scene
Use your phone to take pictures of vehicle damage, the scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be very important later.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible
Even if you feel ok, see a doctor within 24 hours. Delayed treatment is often used by insurance companies to argue that injuries weren't caused by the accident.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident
The actions you avoid after a crash can be just as important as what you do. Certain mistakes can seriously damage your insurance claim or legal case.
Do not admit fault or apologize
Even a simple apology can be taken as an admission of fault. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about what caused the accident.
2. Do not leave the scene without proper documentation
Leaving before exchanging information or without a police report can harm your claim and may even violate the law in some situations.
3. Do not delay medical treatment
Waiting days or weeks to see a doctor allows insurance companies to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
4. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company
Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that can minimize or deny your claim. You are not required to provide a recorded statement without legal advice.
5. Do not post about the accident on social media
Photos, comments, or updates can be taken out of context and used against you later, even if they seem harmless.
6. Do not accept a quick settlement without understanding your rights
Early settlement offers are often far lower than what your claim may actually be worth, especially before the full extent of injuries is known.
This checklist was prepared by Schuenke Law Firm, representing car accident victims in Missouri and Illinois. If you're unsure how an accident may affect your rights, a brief legal review can help.
Schuenke Law Firm has decades of experience handling serious injury and accident claims and provides straightforward guidance to help clients protect their rights from the very beginning.
No obligation. No pressure. Just answers
When to Speak With a Lawyer After a Car Accident
You should consider speaking with a lawyer if:
You were injured or sought medical treatment
The other driver denies fault
An insurance company is pressuring you for a statement or settlement
You're unsure what your claim is actually worth
A brief consultation can help you understand your rights and avoid costly mistakes, especially in the early stages of a claim.
If you were injured in a car accident in Missouri or Illinois and have questions about your rights, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you protect your claim.