The aftermath of an Illinois car wreck can be overwhelming, leaving you shaken and unsure of what to do next. The confusion and uncertainty can be amplified by questions about legal requirements and next steps. Is it necessary to call the police? Should you give a statement? What if you are injured? With so many variables, it’s understandable that many people don’t know the steps to take.
In this blog, the Illinois personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe explain what you need to do following a car accident in order to build a successful personal injury claim.
What You Should Do After an Illinois Car Wreck
After an Illinois car wreck, there are several important steps to follow prior to calling a personal injury lawyer. If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury in a wreck, some of these might not be possible. Even if you cannot take action at the scene, witnesses, medical personnel, and eventually, legal professionals can help ensure your rights are protected. If you’re able to, here’s what you need to do after a car accident.
Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone needs medical attention, call 911 immediately. Make sure to set the emergency brakes and turn on the hazard lights. Do not move the car or any injured people unless it is safe to do so.
Call the Police: Even for minor accidents, always call the police. They will file an accident report, which is crucial for insurance claims and legal matters. The police will gather witness statements from those involved in the accident and any bystanders.
Exchange Information: Safely swap contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Make sure to get names, addresses, and license plate numbers.
Document the Scene: Take photos and video of the vehicles’ damage, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. This will be valuable evidence for insurance and potential legal proceedings.
Seek Medical Attention: Don’t neglect even minor injuries. Some conditions, like whiplash, may not initially show symptoms. See a doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Keep a log of your physical and emotional state in the following days. If any new symptoms develop, see a doctor.
Gather Evidence: This might be the most important step to take after an Illinois car wreck. Gather and organize all accident-related documents, including police reports, the Illinois crash report, medical bills, witness statements, and repair estimates. They’ll be essential for navigating insurance claims and potential legal actions. Create a dedicated file or folder to store all your evidence securely.
What Not to Do After an Illinois Car Wreck
While knowing what to do after an accident is important, understanding what not to do can be equally crucial. Here are key actions to steer clear of after an Illinois car wreck.
Talk To An Insurance Company Before Talking To An Attorney: Insurance companies prioritize their bottom line before your best interests. Before engaging with them or their adjusters, consult a lawyer who can guide you and protect your rights.
Don’t Share Details: While exchanging information with the other driver is crucial, limit discussing the accident itself with anyone besides the police and your lawyer. Sharing details of the accident with others exposes you to potential misinterpretations and complications.
Don’t Leave: Leaving the scene without a proper investigation is illegal and can worsen your situation. Stay until the police arrive and complete their report, even for minor accidents.
Don’t Admit Fault: Even if you feel remorseful, never admit fault at the scene. Even a simple “I’m so sorry” can be misconstrued as an admission of guilt. This can be used against you later, regardless of who is actually at fault.
Avoid Social Media: Posting about the accident on social media can be used as evidence against you by the insurance company and the other party’s lawyers. Photos of you engaging in activities inconsistent with your injuries, seemingly positive updates, or even comments by friends and family can be twisted to undermine your case.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer Today
Depending on the situation, Illinois car wreck cases can get complicated. By following the tips above and gathering the correct evidence and information, you will be able to build a solid personal injury claim with the help of one of our attorneys. The car accident lawyers at Lerner and Rowe understand the complexities of these cases, how to fight insurance companies, and win the maximum compensation you deserve after an accident. If you or a loved one have been involved in a car wreck due to no fault of your own, we can help.
Contact us 24/7 for a free consultation at 708-222-2222 or through our LiveChat feature.
You pay no fees until we win your case. Our team has a proven track record of billion dollar results. We are ready to fight for your compensation.