What to Do After a Car Accident

What should you do when you’ve been injured in a car accident? The minutes following an accident are crucial

The aftermath of a car accident is usually chaotic. The people involved are frightened and possibly injured. In most cases, no one has any real understanding of what has happened. And it will take hours, possibly days, for these emotions to settle down to manageable levels. But the truth is the minutes that follow a car accident may be the most essential. And it’s easy to make a mistake such as admitting fault — which you should never do under any circumstances. Experienced Chicago car accident attorneys such as the lawyers at The Law Offices of Newman, Boyer & Statham, Ltd. understand what accident victims should and should not do in the wake of a motor vehicle accident.

Safety is the paramount concern

If at all possible, move any vehicles involved in the accident out of traffic to safe locations at the side of the road. Turn on hazard lights and put out flares, if you have them. If a car cannot be moved, everyone should remain in that car, with his or her seatbelt fastened, until help can arrive. And if anyone needs medical attention, contact 911 immediately.

Emergency kits

All drivers should keep emergency kits in their vehicles’ glove compartments in case of a car accident. In addition to a cell phone, the emergency kit should include the following:

Pen and paper
An index card with information about your medical allergies or conditions
A disposable camera

You should also keep emergency flares, cones or warning triangles in your trunk.

Document the accident scene

Take pictures of the scene of the car or truck accident using your cell phone camera or the disposable camera in your emergency kit. Pay particular attention to the damage done to all of the vehicles. Make sure your photos also show the overall context of the accident so your insurance representative understands what happened. Collect contact information from any eyewitnesses.

Exchange information with the other people involved in the accident

Be sure to record the following information about every driver involved in the accident:

Name
Phone number
Address

License plate number
Insurer and policy number
Driver's license number

Make particular note if the name of any driver differs from the name on the insurance policy of their vehicle. Also write down a description of each car, including the year, make, model and color.

File an accident report

Law enforcement officers may or may not respond to your accident scene. But you should always file an official report of your accident with the local authorities. Contact the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles or a local police station to do so.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers represent victims compassionately and passionately

If you require the services of a Chicago car collision or trucking accident attorney, look no further than The Law Offices of Newman, Boyer & Statham, Ltd. We understand Illinois personal injury law, and we fight for our clients as though they were family. If you are unable to travel to our offices, we will happily arrange a home or hospital visit to discuss your case. Contact us today online or by calling 312.443.1998 or 312.443.1998 to arrange a free initial consultation.