A car accident in Geneva, Illinois, can be overwhelming. Taking the right actions immediately after a crash can help you protect your injury claim and preserve your right to full compensation. As soon as you are well enough to do so, consider consulting with an experienced Geneva car accident attorney for assistance with your case.
1. At the Accident Scene
First, check yourself and passengers for injuries and call 911 to request emergency medical assistance if necessary. Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible and use hazard lights or emergency markers to warn others of the collision.
Call the police to report the accident. This is required by law if there is injury, death, or significant property damage. Police officers will respond to the scene and create an accident report, which your insurance company may require to process your claim.Â
You should also exchange contact and insurance information with the at-fault driver, and take photos of vehicle damage, the scene, license plates, and road conditions. This documentation will provide evidence for your claim later on.
2. Report the Accident Promptly
You should notify your insurer of the accident immediately, even if you weren’t at fault. In Illinois, you’re not required by law to report the crash to your own insurer, but most policies require insureds to report collisions in which they were involved.
3. Understand First-Party vs. Third-Party Claims
Illinois is an at-fault state. If another driver caused the accident, you can file a third-party claim with their insurer to recover compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and other losses. Alternatively, you may be able to file a first-party claim with your insurer, especially if you have collision or uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
4. Follow the “Do’s and Don’ts”
You should be aware of the following do’s and don’ts after an accident:
- Don’t admit fault at the scene.
- Don’t sign documents you don’t understand.Â
- Don’t accept the first settlement offer without consulting an attorney.
- Don’t post details of the accident on social media.
- Don’t wait too long to act (Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims).
- Do seek immediate medical attention to avoid worsening your condition and prevent the insurance company from claiming you failed to mitigate your damages.
- Do save medical bills, repair estimates, rental car receipts, and keep a recovery journal to record your injuries and how they affect daily life.
5. File Your Claim
Once you have followed all the steps above, you are ready to file your claim. When you report your accident to the insurer, they will provide guidance on how to initiate the claims process. You can typically start the claims process with your insurer via phone or online.
The insurance company will request documentation related to the crash, including accident reports, medical expenses, and other information about your losses. Once the insurance adjuster reviews the information and completes their investigation, they will (1) accept liability, (2) offer a reduced settlement, or (3) deny your claim.
6. Contact a Geneva Car Accident Attorney for Help Filing Your Claim
Dealing with insurance companies after a crash can be frustrating and overwhelming. Our knowledgeable Geneva personal injury lawyer can guide you through every step of the claims process, from gathering evidence and filing paperwork to negotiating with insurers and fighting for the full compensation you deserve. They can also help you protect your rights and avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim.
Contact Feagans Law Group today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you protect your rights and recover after your accident.