What Do I Do After an Illinois Car Accident?

 Posted on June 06, 2024 in Car Accident

Car accidents are serious, and injuries from car accidents can be long-lasting and catastrophic for victims. It is important to know what steps to take after a car accident to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome if you decide to pursue a claim against the other driver. An experienced Illinois car accident lawyer is also essential to helping you advocate for your rights and the compensation you deserve.

First Steps After an Illinois Car Accident

After you have been involved in an Illinois car accident, it can feel overwhelming to understand what to do next. The following first steps are important to keep in mind when it comes to receiving treatment for any injuries and collecting evidence regarding your car accident to be used in a personal injury claim.

• Get help immediately after a car accident, either by calling 911 or the non-emergency police line for your area, depending on the severity of the crash.

• Report your car accident to the police and make sure to obtain a copy of the traffic report as soon as possible.

• Document the scene of the car accident including taking pictures of your car, the other driver’s car, and the surrounding area.

• Exchange contact information with the other party, including insurance information.

• Do not overreact at the scene, do not admit fault or assign blame, and cooperate with police as needed. State all facts of the accident calmly and answer questions honestly.

• Contact a car accident lawyer quickly, as securing legal counsel is vital if you wish to pursue a claim against the other driver.

• Report the accident to your insurance company, without admitting fault or discussing details that are not essential. 

Additionally, you should refrain from talking about your case with non-family members, and do not put details about your car accident online. You should also direct calls and communication from the other driver’s insurance company to your lawyer.

When Do I Need a Lawyer for an Illinois Car Accident?

If you have been injured in an Illinois car accident, the chances are you will need a lawyer to help you pursue your claim against the other driver. The state of Illinois uses modified comparative negligence to assign fault in a car accident, and you can pursue a claim against the other driver as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. This is something your lawyer can help you prove.

Even if you have not been injured and you are simply dealing with damaged property and insurance claims, it can be helpful to have a lawyer by your side. Your lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies and advocate for you to receive the maximum compensation possible after a car accident.

Contact a Cook County, IL Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents are traumatic and challenging to recover from, and people in car accidents need the representation of an experienced Chicago, IL car accident lawyer as they pursue a claim against the other driver.

At Adler Law Offices, LTD, Attorney Charles Adler is dedicated to fighting for his client’s rights and going up against large insurance companies as needed. Call 312-236-2700 for a free consultation about your case.