What To Do After An Auto Accident

No one leaves their house expecting or wanting to be involved in a car crash. However, accidents can and do happen. Therefore, it is important to be prepared and to know what to do in the event that you or a loved one are involved in a motor vehicle collision.

The injury attorneys at Goldfine & Bowles, P.C., understand how scary it is to be in an accident. The following tips are intended to guide you through the immediate aftermath of an accident and protect your rights.

Immediately Following The Accident

The very first thing you should do is stop, as you may face charges if you leave the scene.

Next, assess yourself and other individuals for injury. If it appears that someone needs immediate medical attention, call 911. Injuries from accidents are not always readily apparent. It may be a good idea to see your family doctor if you are not treated by someone at the scene.

Why You Should Call The Police

In Illinois, the law requires you to call the police if anyone is injured or killed, or if there is property damage that exceeds $1,500. Even if you think the accident is minor, one advantage of doing this is that you will then have a written report of what happened. An officer responding to the accident can also help direct traffic and preserve the scene.

Gathering Evidence

If you can, take pictures of the scene, the damaged vehicles and anything else that you think may be helpful. All of the drivers involved in the crash should exchange information, including how to contact one another and insurance policy numbers. If there were any witnesses to the accident, speak with them and get their information as well.

Other Helpful Tips

As soon as possible, report the accident to your insurance company. When speaking to anyone about the accident, be sure to make only factual statements. Do not admit any guilt or accept blame for the accident.

Call Now. Statutes Of Limitation May Apply

If you suspect the accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, the law only allows you a limited amount of time to file suit. Schedule a free initial consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys by calling toll free at 309-740-9218. You can also reach us by sending us an online message.