What Should You Do After a Joliet Car Accident?
A Joliet car accident can happen when you least expect it. Whether you’re commuting to work or school or traveling, traffic accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.
There are plenty of ways to prevent car accidents, but not all are avoidable. Find out what to do after a car accident from the personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys.
#1: Stop, Breathe, and Check For Injuries
After any car accident, no matter how seemingly minor, it is imperative that you stop. Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and especially dangerous if you’ve been injured or someone else has been injured in the crash.
Immediately after an accident, stop, take a breath, and check yourself and your passengers for any apparent injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 for medical assistance as soon as possible. If you are able, check on the passengers in any other cars involved in the accident to see if they need medical attention.
#2: Assess the Scene for Safety
If the vehicles involved in the accident are still operational and the accident scene is presenting a clear and obvious safety hazard on the road, you may move your vehicle to the side of the road or an otherwise safe area.
If the accident does not present a safety hazard or your car is inoperable, it is preferable to leave your vehicle as it is. Turn off the engine, engage your hazard lights, and maintain a safe distance from oncoming traffic. If any vehicles are leaking fluid, smoking, or on fire, call 911 right away and get everyone as far away from the vehicle as possible.
#3: Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s)
Once you’ve established that no one needs urgent medical care and the scene is safe, exchange information with any of the drivers involved in the accident. Drivers are required by law to give their name, address, and insurance information after an accident.
If another driver attempts to leave the scene without exchanging information, try to take down their license plate number and a description of their vehicle and the driver. You may also want to ask potential witnesses for their contact information, but keep in mind they are not required to remain on the scene.
#4: Take Photos of the Damage
Try to take as many photos as possible of the accident scene, including damage to your vehicle, nearby property, the other vehicles involved in the crash, and any injuries you may have. Take photos from as many angles as possible, as this may help determine the cause of the crash and prove who was at fault when you submit an insurance claim.
#5: Report the Accident to Police
Any Joliet car accident which results in more than $1,500 in property damage, bodily injury, or death must be reported to the Joliet Police Department. While waiting for police officers to arrive, limit conversation about the accident with the other driver past exchanging information and checking for injuries. Avoid admissions of guilt or apologizing for the accident.
When police arrive, take down the name and badge numbers of responding officers and request a copy of the accident report. You may give a statement, but avoid saying anything that may suggest you were at fault.
#6: Follow Up With Your Doctor
Adrenaline is a powerful hormone that can reduce sensitivity to pain immediately after trauma. Even if you aren’t experiencing any pain, be sure to follow up with a medical professional after a Joliet car accident. Some injuries may not be apparent for days or even weeks after the injury occurs. Get checked out and follow up with your doctor frequently to monitor any lingering symptoms.
#7: Contact a Joliet Car Accident Lawyer
Car insurance companies are in the business of keeping their own costs down, which means accident victims often don’t get compensated fairly. A Joliet car accident lawyer can help you take on insurance companies and maximize your settlement.
You can schedule a free consultation with a Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys day or night by calling us at 708-222-2222, using our LiveChat service, or by sending us the details of your case online. We don’t collect a penny unless we make a recovery on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more.