In the United States, a car accident happens every six minutes, on average. These accidents can result in serious damage, both to the vehicle and the people in it. It is therefore highly important to take the correct steps after an Illinois car accident so that compensation can be sought if needed. Here are some of the things people should do after an accident if they are able:
- Seek medical attention: The primary reason it is important to seek medical attention, of course, is for one’s health and well-being. But there can also be legal benefits to having a medical assessment as soon as possible following a car accident. A professional assessment will help create a paper trail of any injuries that may have been sustained during the accident. It can also help people identify injuries that may not be readily apparent at the time of the crash.
- Call the police: It is critical to stay on the scene of the crash and to involve law enforcement right away. A police report will help with the filing of an insurance claim and clarify who is at fault in the matter.
- Document, document, document: Documentation that could be helpful in a legal case includes photos of the scene, photos of damages to the vehicle and documentation of initial injuries. Getting contact and insurance information from the other party is also a critical step, though it is best to stop talking to the other party once these details have been shared.
Following a collision, drivers will most often reach out to their insurance company to see what restitution can be collected. There can often be some tension with the insurance company at this stage. In any car accident, particularly in serious collisions, it is advisable to speak with a lawyer about how to proceed with the insurance company in order to maximize compensation.