What To Do After An Accident?

The actions you take immediately following a car accident can have a significant impact on your well-being and your legal rights. At Northern Illinois Injury Attorneys, we strive to share information about car accidents we think will be of use to the general public. Following are some of the most important things to do after a car accident:

• Stop: Never drive away from an accident, even if it seems like a minor one. If you leave, you could lose important rights and even face criminal charges.
• Protect yourself and nearby traffic: Make your presence known by turning on your hazard lights. If your vehicle presents a risk to passing traffic, move it to the side of the road. Otherwise, leave it where it is.
• Call the police: Police should be alerted about any accident, even if there are no serious injuries. If there are, it is even more important that the police arrive on the scene and file a report. Such reports often play a pivotal role in personal injury litigation.
• Tell only what you know: If police question you, it may be tempting to speculate about your injuries or the cause of the accident, but you should only tell them what you are certain of. If you are not sure whether you are injured or not, say you are not sure. If you tell them you’re fine and two days later experience severe neck pain, it will place an unnecessary hurdle between you and the compensation you need.
• Take pictures: If you have a camera or cellphone handy, take pictures of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles and injuries that you have sustained.
• Get medical treatment: If you have been injured, get medical treatment as soon as possible. If you are unsure whether you were injured or not, you should still see a doctor. Sometimes, the effects of a motor vehicle crash are not felt until days after the accident.
• Talk with an attorney: Talking with your own attorney is an important part of protecting your rights after an accident. Oftentimes, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will want a statement from the injured parties, but always talk with your own lawyer before saying anything on the record. The sooner you consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer, the better, because with every passing day crucial evidence can be lost.

The information presented on this page is general and does not necessarily pertain to the specifics of your case. For legal advice about your specific issues, call our law offices at 815-344-8860 or contact us online.