As summer arrives in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas, more motorists are on the road. With the increased traffic comes the increased risk of an auto accident or truck accident. Auto accidents happen when least expected, so it is important to practice safe driving and keep a careful lookout when you are behind the wheel. It is also important to know beforehand what you need to do if you are in an accident. As personal injury attorneys, we know how to help and are experienced in working with our clients to protect your interests. Here are three steps that you should take after an auto accident or truck accident in Southeast Missouri:

1. Call the police or Highway Patrol. You need law enforcement to prepare an accident report. The accident report will the name and address of the drivers involved and the information for the respective insurance companies. A well written accident report will also provide a summary of the facts and details of the accident, including the weather, road conditions, location of the vehicles, debris and other physical evidence. The accident report will normally indicate the officer’s conclusions as to which driver was at fault. The officers are trained to do their job well and get pertinent facts to the accident. When you are involved in an accident, you may not be able to think clearly enough to record all of this vital information.

2. Medical treatment. Check to see if anyone involved in the auto accident needs medical treatment. Make sure emergency personnel are contacted if you think anyone needs immediate attention. Make sure that you describe all of your symptoms and pain to the medical providers and follow through with treatment.

3. Preserve evidence. If possible, use your smartphone to take photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles and yourself. Create a folder at home to save and organize your medical records, receipts and other paperwork related to the auto accident. Consider writing or typing a diary of events and record your daily activities until you are fully recovered.

Once you have dealt with the immediate needs arising from an auto accident, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. We’ve all seen the advertisements on billboards, TV and on the internet of attorneys wanting to represent you after you’ve been injured in an auto accident. Quality attorneys, like the personal injury attorneys at Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, will take the time to ask complicated and in-depth questions about your case in a compassionate fashion. Our lawyers will use their experience to help you feel comfortable about your case and set realistic expectations for your case results.

The personal injury attorneys at Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC are experienced with auto accident claims and can help you or someone you know who has been in a auto accident or truck accident. We have a track record of recovering significant settlements for our clients. Our personal injury lawyers are licensed in Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi. Please contact us at (573) 686-2459 to discuss your potential auto accident case.