What Should I Do After an Illinois Car Accident?

 Posted on July 29, 2022 in Car Accident

A car accident is one of the most disorienting experiences a person can go through. You may find it hard to even think straight, let alone figure out the best course of action in the immediate aftermath, especially if you have been injured. However, the moments following an accident can have important implications for your health and safety, as well as for your chances of recovering compensation through a personal injury claim.

The better prepared you are for the possibility of a car crash, the more likely you may be to handle it in a way that leads to a more favorable outcome. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can be ready to protect yourself in the wake of a serious accident.

Steps to Take After a Car Crash

If you are injured in a car accident, try to keep these suggestions in mind to help you manage the situation:

• Get to a safe place. You should be sure to stay near the scene of the accident, but if possible, try to pull your car over to the shoulder or level ground near the side of the road so that you are out of the way of traffic. This will help protect you from further collisions and injuries while you assess the situation.
• Call 911. This is important not only to make sure that you and any other injured passengers can get emergency medical care but also to alert law enforcement so that they can file an accident report that will likely be useful evidence to support a personal injury claim.
• Collect information from other drivers. You should identify any other drivers involved in the collision and ask for their contact and insurance information. This can help you start the process of filing a claim, or decide whether an uninsured motorist claim may be a better option. In these conversations, be sure to avoid apologizing or admitting fault, as this may reduce your chances of success in recovering compensation.
• Start collecting evidence. It is a good idea to try to take pictures of your vehicle, your injuries, and the scene of the accident, as well as to identify witnesses to the crash, all of which can help you build a case for compensation.
• Reach out to a personal injury attorney. As soon as possible after your accident, you should reach out to a lawyer who can advise you on the best way to proceed in your pursuit of compensation for your injuries. Your attorney can help you continue to gather evidence and start preparing for settlement negotiations.

Contact a Cook County Car Crash Attorney

If you have been injured in a car crash, do not hesitate to contact the offices of Newland & Newland, LLP for guidance and representation in your personal injury claim. Call 847-797-8000 today for a free consultation with an experienced Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer. We know what it takes to get results, and we will work hard to help you seek the justice you deserve.

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/what-to-do-after-accident/

https://www.thebalance.com/i-had-a-car-accident-now-what-2645472