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“Can a Lawyer Get Footage of a Car Accident?”

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Video recordings have a significant value in legal claims and are often used to decide cases. When it comes to car accidents, time is of the utmost essence.

Today, cameras are everywhere. From red lights to ATMs to privately owned businesses, these little eyes are everywhere, and anything and everything gets recorded. However, that does not mean you can get access to these recordings at your fingertips and at your convenience, especially when you’ve been involved in an automobile accident. 

camera footage of car accident in St. Louis

You will likely be refused access to such recordings by the business owner at an establishment close to the scene of an accident or even by relevant authorities. Therefore it’s important to act with a sense of urgency in such scenarios because recordings tend to be erased from memory after a certain period of time to make space for new recordings. If you are injured in a car accident it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney who can request acccess to any accident footage that may exist.

Why Accident Footage Matters 

Video footage from the accident scene could help determine if the other driver was speeding, driving between lanes, other motorists involved, whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and if the driver ran a red light. If a privately-owned business refuses to provide access to the recordings of their security cameras, your St. Louis car accident lawyer may issue a subpoena for the rights to the footage to prove your innocence and get you a fair settlement. 

Nowadays, there are no streets without red-light cameras. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), more than 50 percent of fatal collisions or accidents occur at or near intersections. This means that at least half of the time, there will possibly be some form of surveillance available to help determine liability.

Accessing Footage

If you notice a red-light near your crash site, you can ask your lawyer to request footage from the state. News companies often put up cameras at red lights to get traffic information and record accidents should they arise. Sometimes, footage may get captured by a police car dash camera if one is nearby, which can be requested again. Car accidents may also get captured by witnesses at the scene, in which case the footage can either be requested or procured by issuing a subpoena. 

There will be different procedures and regulations followed by each entity to release footage, and most will require a legal subpoena. If your personal injury lawyer can obtain video footage that clearly shows the other driver responsible for the collision, this piece of evidence will play a big role in convincing the other driver’s insurance company or a judge about the veracity of your claim.

It goes without saying that video recordings have a significant value in legal claims and are often used to decide cases. When it comes to car accidents, time is of the utmost essence. Ensure you reach out to a knowledgeable St. Louis car accident lawyer to secure the required footage that will determine the outcome of your case.

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“Does My Uninsured Motorist Policy Cover an Out-of-State Accident?”

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The stress of dealing with a car accident could increase significantly if the crash occurred while visiting another state.

You don’t know anyone, the surroundings are unfamiliar, and it can feel like you are on your own. If the other driver is also uninsured, you may go into panic mode, thinking that you will have to pay for your costs out-of-pocket.

Whether the accident took place in your hometown or out-of-state, it’s important to follow a few steps to ensure that you and those around you are safe. These steps will also help you when you file your claim. 

We know what you may be asking: if the accident happened out of state and the at-fault driver is uninsured, will my policy still cover me? 

The answer is generally yes. However, here’s what you will need to do. 

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Insurance companies generally extend their coverage to all areas within the United States. So, if you’ve bought insurance in Missouri (including uninsured motorist) but a driver hit you in Texas, then you will still generally be covered as stated in your policy. 

After you’ve ensured that everyone is safe from harm and have cleared your mind, you should contact your insurance company to tell them about the accident. Depending on the company’s policy, they could refer you to an adjuster from where the accident took place. 

If you need to spend time in the hospital in the area the accident occurred, your uninsured motorist will generally cover you as described in your policy. The coverage minimums are set at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

If you want to have your car repaired at a shop near the place where the accident took place, then the insurance company should be able to provide some assistance in this regard too. They can put you in contact with different towing companies and mechanics and help you fix your car even if you are hundreds of miles away from home. 

Speak With an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

As long as you have sufficient coverage, and your claim falls within your policy’s guidelines, you should be able to file a claim for an out-of-state accident. 

However, because insurance companies are for-profit organizations, they will try to take advantage of any mistake to minimize your claim. 

Get in touch with an experienced St. Louis auto accident attorney as soon as possible after an auto accident. They can tell you if the company is acting in bad faith and help you protect your legal rights moving forward.

When to See a Doctor After a Car Accident

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Because adrenaline can mask pain and serious conditions, it’s a good idea to see a doctor after a car accident, even if you feel fine.

A moving vehicle has an incredible amount of kinetic and momentum force. When a crash occurs, all this force needs to be absorbed, often leading to extensive damage and serious injuries. 

st. louis doctor after a car accident

Some car accidents are so destructive that emergency medical attention is required at the scene. In many cases, injuries are minor, or the victim may feel fine and decide that a visit to the doctor is not necessary. This assumption is often wrong.

When people face a dangerous situation, adrenaline will flood their bloodstream. This hormone will elevate their heartbeats, dilate their pupils, and make them sweat more. It will also mask pain as adrenaline’s purpose is to prepare you to escape a dangerous situation. That’s why adrenaline is also called the “fight or flight” hormone. 

Because adrenaline can mask pain and serious conditions, it’s a good idea to see a doctor after a car accident, even if you feel fine.

But, when exactly should you see a doctor after a car crash? 

How Soon Should You Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident?

The short answer is as soon as possible. 

Depending on your injuries’ severity, you may have to see a doctor immediately after the accident by going to the emergency room. The doctors there may refer you to specialists that can treat your condition. If your injuries are not that severe, you can give yourself a bit more time and visit the doctor the next day. 

Don’t wait too long until you schedule your appointment, though. The insurance company might use this against you in the claim and argue that your injuries are not that severe since you waited this long to seek medical assistance. 

What You Do After the Doctor’s Visit Matters Too

Be honest with your doctor during your visit and try to explain as accurately as possible what type of pain or discomfort you are experiencing. Don’t exaggerate your suffering, but don’t undermine it either, as the medical report will play a critical role in your compensation claim.

If you aren’t in any pain, explain to your doctor that you’ve been in a car crash and try to describe how the accident occurred. Your doctor will know what to look for to ensure you are ok. 

Follow the doctor’s recommendations to the letter. Failure to do so will give the insurance company a reason to reduce your claim or even deny it. 

You should also keep a copy of all your medical records as your lawyer will use it as evidence to build your case. 

Get in Touch with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer ASAP

If you have been injured in a car accident, get in touch with an experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you get fair compensation for your case.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Can PTSD Be Caused by a Car Accident?

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Ignoring worrying signs and changes in your emotional state can affect your life for years to come. 

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be more complicated than you expected. Besides suffering from property damage or personal injuries, you might be affected emotionally and mentally by such trauma. Many car accident victims have PTSD, a condition previously thought of being an exclusively military problem. 

The problem with PTSD is that its symptoms generally don’t appear right away. So, can you link it to your car accident and collect benefits? 

PTSD

What Is PTSD?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder triggered by a traumatic event that endangered the victim, putting them at risk of death or catastrophic injury. Symptoms of PTSD after such an event include: 

  • Re-living the event over and over
  • Avoiding triggers or situations that might be similar to the event
  • Emotional numbness and unresponsiveness
  • Physical manifestations like insomnia, irritability, mood changes, and so on 

It’s easy to understand how PTSD can dramatically affect one’s quality of life since it can be hard to control, and it’s so intense in its manifestations. It can also be hard to diagnose, especially if the victim needs some time to acknowledge the symptoms and connect them to the car accident.

Is It Difficult to Include PTSD in Your Car Accident Claim?

If you need compensation for your PTSD following a car accident, it’s crucial to provide evidence to support the diagnosis and its connection to the car accident. 

You should mention any emotional distress to the doctor you will see after the accident and follow their recommendation if they refer you to a specialist. Describe your symptoms to your doctors in detail and avoid exaggerating them or making them seem less than they are. 

Keeping a diary of your PTSD episodes is also very helpful, as it will prove how your life has been affected by the car accident. Avoid being too subjective in your diary entries and describe the signs you feel with accuracy. 

Based on such evidence, your St. Louis car accident attorney can make a case that your quality of life has been greatly diminished by PTSD and the other damages you have suffered. It might be included in the “pain and suffering” category or treated separately. What’s important to remember is that mental health is crucial and should undoubtedly be addressed by any victim. Ignoring worrying signs and changes in your emotional state can affect your life for years to come. 

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get Compensated for Your PTSD

To ensure your claim will bring you fair compensation, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who has dealt with PTSD cases before. They can guide you and build a strong case to support your claim, and you can start putting the ordeal behind you.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Understanding Your “Right to Sue” After a Car Accident

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Sometimes negotiating with the insurance company does not lead to the desired result, leaving the victims with no choice but to take the claim further by suing.

Car accidents may create health issues and limitations to a person’s quality of life. They may also be preceded by stressful legal battles and negotiations with insurance companies when the victim demands their right to compensation. 

Generally, car accidents are settled outside of the courtroom. However, sometimes negotiating with the insurance company does not lead to the desired result, leaving the victims with no choice but to take the claim further by suing. 

When Can You Sue After a Car Accident?

A lawsuit is not something one should jump to quickly. You should generally only use this right when you have exhausted other options. Here are some scenarios that might lead to a lawsuit after a car accident. 

The Other Driver is Uninsured

Suppose you were in a car accident with an uninsured motorist. In that case, it will not be possible for you to collect compensation from their insurance company since they do not have coverage.

In the state of Missouri, it is mandatory to carry an uninsured motorist coverage policy. Still, it might not cover all your damages if your injuries are serious or property damage is substantial. 

To get the difference left after making a claim to your own insurance company, you can sue the other driver for damages. They would have to pay you from their own pocket, so you might not get the amount you need fast. 

The Insurance Company Denies Your Claim or Offers Too Little

In other cases, the insurance company you make a claim to will fight back. Many victims are denied their claim or offered an amount lower than what they should receive. Insurance companies are expected to negotiate towards a lower amount to minimize their costs, but acting in bad faith is against the law and gives you the right to sue.

Statute of Limitation on Your Right to Sue

A crucial thing you need to have in mind if you decide to sue is that you have a limited amount of time to do it. 

Some exceptions do apply. In some cases, injuries or complications from injuries show up much later than the accident itself. Suppose you have a strong case to prove that the accident did, indeed, cause delayed health issues. In that case, you can be excepted from the statute of limitation rule, but it happens very rarely. 

Get in Touch with a Lawyer

If you believe that suing the other driver, their insurance company, or any other party, is needed, it’s a good idea to get in touch with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer. They can tell you if your case is worth pursuing and can help you build a strong case that will get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries, pain, and suffering.

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Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

9 Things to Do After a St. Louis Uber Car Accident

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Here are some general steps to take if you are ever involved in an automobile accident with a St. Louis Uber driver.

Where car accidents are concerned, Missouri is a comparative fault state. This means that if all parties involved are partially responsible for the incident, then they are all liable for damages. Liability is based on the extent of each party’s fault.

This law generally applies to ridesharing car accidents as well. Therefore, if an Uber driver is at-fault, then his insurance company will generally be liable to shoulder the damages. Fortunately, the company pitches in if its driver is under-insured. If you have been involved in a St. Louis uber accident it’s a very good idea to discuss the specifics of your claim with a knowledgeable Uber accident lawyer.

st. louis woman after uber accident

What to Do After a Car Accident Involving an Uber Driver

In many ways, Uber drivers are just like every other driver. As such, they are subject to the same human errors that lead to car accidents. Sometimes, they are even more vulnerable to making mistakes if ridesharing is their part-time job in addition to a full-time job. In an effort to make more money they may even ignore certain traffic rules like speed limits.

These are the steps to take if you are ever involved in an automobile accident with an Uber driver:

1. Turn off your car engine until you establish the extent of damage your vehicle sustained. If there is a gas leak, a running engine can spark a fire.

2. Call the police. As a precautionary measure, store emergency numbers on your cell phone. Don’t wait until an accident like this happens.

3. Survey the scene for property damage and injuries. When either or both are present, exchange the following information with the other driver: Name, address, driver’s license number, vehicle identification numbers, insurance company name, and insurance policy number. Provide all of these to the police when they arrive.

4. Do not admit fault, but maintain politeness towards the other driver.

5. If possible, speak with eyewitnesses and get their contact information.

6. Take pictures of the scene from as many angles as possible.

7. Write a summary of the incident, including pertinent details like street names, estimated times, and traffic flow.

8. Call your insurance company or agent immediately to report the accident.

9. Speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Filing a Claim

If you are not responsible for the accident, you don’t need to file a claim with your own insurer. All damages, including medical bills if you are injured and car repair or replacement, should be paid for by the other driver’s insurer.

Therefore, your next step would be to file a claim with the insurance company. If you did your due diligence in collecting all the information enumerated above and work with an experienced attorney, you have a good chance of receiving the compensation you are entitled to.

If you sustained serious injury and vehicular damage, you should be compensated for all the expenses entailed. However, insurance companies are notorious for playing hardball. Again, this is another reason working with an attorney is the course of wisdom.

Our experienced Uber accident lawyers are ready and available to help you get the amount you deserve. We offer a free consultation so you can decide how to proceed.

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Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242