Five Key Steps to Take after an Chicago Auto Accident

Nobody is ever fully prepared for an auto accident. Those in physical pain are just focused on getting to an emergency room or seeing their physician. There’s a natural tendency to say or do nothing until the police arrive. With all the anxieties and frustrations that any type of auto accident brings, it is wise to be prepared in the event that a car crash happens to you or your loved one.

When an accident happens, the first priority is to ensure you are safe and out of danger of further harm. If it is possible and safe, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic. Contact your insurance company and the police. Your next steps should include the following:

• Do not leave the scene of the accident. Anyone who drives away from an accident scene, especially if there is even the possibility that someone was hurt, could be charged with a crime. Leaving the scene of the accident may also be used in court to suggest that the person who left was negligent or responsible for the auto accident.
• Examine if anyone was injured. It is imperative that anyone involved in the accident determines, to the best that they can, whether they, a passenger, or someone in the other vehicles was hurt. If there are injuries, then someone should contact the police. The police will arrange for any ambulances or emergency health assistance. The police or medical teams should be the ones to render medical assistance. If you were hurt, be sure to tell the police and have them direct you to the nearest emergency room or make arrangements to see your family doctor as soon as possible.
• Exchange necessary information. Drivers should exchange their insurance information, contact information, license plate numbers, and driver’s license numbers without getting into an argument about how the accident happened or who is at fault. Also, it is wise not to say anything about the accident until you speak with a Chicago auto accident lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you if criminal charges are brought. Statements can also be used against you in the civil court lawsuit and by insurance adjusters. The best option is to be silent and contact your attorney.
• Take photographs. In this day and age, most people have a cellphone with a camera. After the accident, if you can, take pictures of all the vehicles involved in the accident from as many angles as possible. Also take picture of the lanes of travel, any road debris or skid marks, any traffic signals or signs, bushes that may have obstructed views, and property damage. Photographs can be key in proving fault and the amount of physical damage that occurred.
• Speak with an experienced lawyer. Contact a reputable legal professional right away. He or she should be able to answer any questions and instruct you on anything else that must be done. An attorney reviews how the accident happened and works with your medical team to determine the full scope of your injuries. They negotiate with the insurance adjustors or proceed to move your case to a court trial.

Contact a strong Chicago car accident advocate immediately after the accident

Our Chicago car accident attorneys are ready to move quickly after an accident occurs. We will answer all of your questions and guide you through each stage of your medical recovery and the litigation process. For help now, please phone 312-600-9585 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.