Belleville personal injury law firm Hipskind & McAninch, LLC has released a public guide outlining important steps to take after a car accident, aiming to help local drivers protect both their health and legal rights in the chaotic moments following a collision.
The guide, based on the firm’s experience representing injured individuals, discusses practical measures that may help preserve evidence and support future legal claims. Hipskind & McAninch has recovered more than $50 million on behalf of clients, including a $20 million recovery involving a fatal rear-end collision and a $2 million settlement from a head-on crash.
“An accident can disrupt your life in an instant,” said co-founder John Hipskind. “While many people are understandably focused on their recovery, the steps they take at the scene and in the days that follow can affect their ability to pursue compensation. We hope this guide helps people make informed decisions during a difficult time.”
The guide emphasizes prioritizing safety and seeking medical attention immediately, noting that some injuries like whiplash or internal injuries may not show symptoms right away. It advises calling emergency services and checking for injuries, even if they seem minor.
Drivers are urged to report the accident to law enforcement to obtain an official accident report, providing factual information while avoiding speculation about fault. Documenting the scene is also critical: exchanging contact, driver’s license, and insurance information with all involved parties, photographing vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signs, and obtaining witness contact information where safe.
A key recommendation is to consider legal guidance before speaking with insurance companies. Insurance representatives may request recorded statements soon after an accident, and individuals may benefit from understanding their legal rights before providing detailed statements or signing documents. The guide reflects the firm’s approach to educating the public about the legal process following serious accidents.
Founding partners John Hipskind and Brady McAninch previously represented corporate defendants, experience that informs their work on behalf of individuals pursuing personal injury claims. Hipskind & McAninch represents clients in matters involving car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, and premises liability, and assists with navigating insurance claims and legal deadlines.
The firm, serving Belleville, St. Louis, and communities throughout the Metro East, has been recognized by Super Lawyers® Rising Stars and The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. For more information, visit Hipskind & McAninch.
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