WHAT TO DO AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT
No one leaves their house expecting or wanting to be involved in a car crash. However, accidents can and do happen. Therefore, it is important to be prepared and know what to do in the event that you or a loved one are involved in a motor vehicle collision.
The injury attorneys at The Law Office of David Hunt, understand how scary it is to be in an accident. The following tips are intended to guide you through the immediate aftermath of an accident and protect your rights.
Immediately Following The Accident
The very first thing you should do is stop, as you may face charges if you leave the scene.
Next, assess yourself and other individuals for injury. If it appears that someone needs immediate medical attention, call 911. Injuries from accidents are not always readily apparent. It may be a good idea to see your family doctor if you are not treated by someone at the scene.
Also two important points:
When someone is hurt in a personal injury suit, it is important to immediately seek medical attention
Give your physician a good history on how you were injured.
Why You Should Call The Police
In Illinois, the law requires you to call the police if anyone is injured or killed, or if there is property damage that exceeds $1,500. Even if you think the accident is minor, one advantage of doing this is that you will then have a written report of what happened. An officer responding to the accident can also help direct traffic and preserve the scene.
Gathering Evidence
If you can, take pictures of the scene, the damaged vehicles and anything else that you think may be helpful. All the drivers involved in the crash should exchange information, including how to contact one another and insurance policy numbers. If there were any witnesses to the accident, speak with them and get their information as well.
Other Helpful Tips
As soon as possible, report the accident to your insurance company. When speaking to anyone about the accident, be sure to make only factual statements. Do not admit any guilt or accept blame for the accident.
Call Now; Statutes Of Limitation May Apply
If you suspect the accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, the law only allows you a limited amount of time to file suit. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling, or contact us online.