Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience. In the aftermath, it can be difficult to think clearly. However, the steps you take immediately after a crash are crucial for your physical well-being and for preserving your right to fair compensation. Our Geneva car accident attorney is ready to provide the quality legal assistance you deserve in your time of need.
If you’ve been in a car accident anywhere in Illinois, here’s what you should do to protect yourself:
Step 1: Call 911 and Report the Accident
Under Illinois law, you are required to report any motor vehicle accident that results in injury, death, or more than $1,500 in property damage. The best way to ensure compliance with this rule is to call 911 immediately after the crash.
Even if the accident appears minor, it’s in your best interest to have law enforcement arrive on the scene and file an official accident report. This report can serve as important evidence in your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
The report typically includes:
- Names and contact information of all involved parties
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- Notes on road conditions, weather, and traffic signage
- Preliminary observations regarding fault
You should cooperate with responding officers, but avoid admitting fault, apologizing, or speculating about the cause of the crash. Even casual remarks could be used against you by the insurance company.
Step 2: Exchange Information with Other Drivers
Once you’ve ensured your immediate safety and called for help, you should exchange necessary information with the other driver(s).
Illinois drivers must carry minimum amounts of auto insurance in the event of a car accident, including:
- $25,000 for injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person
- $20,000 for property damage
In addition, drivers must carry uninsured motorist coverage to protect themselves in the event of a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
To make a claim against one of these policies, be sure to collect:
- Full names and contact details
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Insurance policy numbers and providers
- Vehicle makes, models, and colors
Keep your conversation neutral and professional. Do not discuss who was at fault or get drawn into arguments. Let the insurance companies and investigators handle that determination.
Step 3: Gather Evidence and Identify Witnesses
If you’re physically able, begin documenting the accident scene. This evidence can strengthen your personal injury claim and help prove your case.
Use your phone to photograph or record:
- Vehicle damage from multiple angles
- Road conditions, weather, and lighting
- Traffic signs, signals, and skid marks
- Any visible injuries to yourself or passengers
You should also speak to potential witnesses, such as other drivers, pedestrians, or bystanders. Politely ask for their contact information in case you or your attorney needs a statement later.
Step 4: Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Some injuries, such as internal injuries or concussions, can take hours or even days to present symptoms.
Getting medical attention promptly serves two purposes:
- It protects your health and ensures you receive proper care.
- It establishes a clear link between your injuries and the accident, which is crucial for any insurance or legal claim.
Delaying treatment can not only worsen your condition but may also be used against you. The insurance company may try to argue that your injuries were unrelated to the accident or that you failed to mitigate damages.
Step 5: Consult an Illinois Car Accident Attorney
Once you’ve sought medical care, you should speak with a knowledgeable car and truck accident lawyer in Geneva, IL as soon as possible.Â
An experienced attorney can:
- Evaluate your claim and advise you of your legal rights
- Conduct an independent investigation of the crash
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Identify all potential sources of compensation
- Negotiate a fair settlement or prepare your case for trial
Importantly, an injury attorney can help you avoid mistakes that hurt your chances of recovering compensation. Having legal representation early in the process gives you the best chance at maximizing your recovery.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover After a Car Accident in Illinois
If another party was at fault for your accident, you may be entitled to compensatory damages under Illinois law. These damages are generally categorized into two types:
Economic damages are financial losses related to the incident, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate you for more subjective, non-financial harm, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (impact on a marital relationship)
Together, these damages are meant to make you whole after your accident.
What is the Deadline for Car Accident Claims?
You won’t have forever to file your car accident claim. The general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If your claim involves property damage only, you have five years to file suit.
If you fail to file within these timeframes, your case will be dismissed, and you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer for Help After a Crash
No one plans for a car accident, but knowing what to do in the aftermath can make a significant difference in your physical and emotional recovery.
At Feagans Law Group, our Geneva legal team has decades of experience helping injured clients recover what they’re owed after a car crash. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact Feagans Law Group today for a free consultation.