What to do After a Car Accident in Illinois

After you have been in an auto accident, it is important to take the proper steps to protect yourself and your potential personal injury claim. If someone else caused the accident, you have the legal right to bring a claim for compensation. Taking the right steps after an accident can help you build a stronger case for damages. One of the most important things you can do after an auto accident is to contact an experienced Rockford auto accident attorney who can help you pursue the damages you deserve. 

Contact the Police

Even if you do not believe your injuries are serious, you should contact the police after an accident. You want a police report to present with your claim for damages. A police report can help with liability disputes and ensure that the scene is protected. If you are not severely injured, make sure you speak with witnesses and get all their contact information in case one of them leaves before the police arrive. Also, make sure you obtain all contact information and insurance details for the other party.

Preserve the Scene 

If you are not severely injured, and it is safe to do so, take photos of the scene. You want to get photos of all vehicles involved. You want to get photos of the conditions of the road and any hazards that may have contributed to the accident. Was a stop sign covered by bushes? Was it raining or foggy out? If there are skid marks, be sure to capture those, as well. By taking photos of the scene and the resulting damage, it can help prove liability against the other party.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Reporting the accident to your insurance is also important. You have vehicle damage that needs to be dealt with while there is a liability investigation into who will be responsible for your vehicle repairs. You will want to give your insurance company all the information about the accident, including the police report number and contact information for the other party.

Seek Medical Treatment

If you are not taken from the accident scene via ambulance, it is important to make an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible. You may think your injuries are minor, but a doctor can determine if there are more serious injuries you cannot see. Perhaps you sustained a concussion or other type of closed head injury. If you delay in getting treatment, it can hurt your case as the other side will use that against you. They may argue that your injuries are not serious because you waited weeks to see a doctor, or that your injuries were not actually caused by the accident. 

Contact a Rockford Auto Accident Attorney 

Contacting an attorney early on is very important. It should be your next call after making your first doctor appointment or getting home from the hospital. Your attorney will help protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Getting an attorney involved from the start can help you preserve evidence and prepare the strongest case possible. Contact Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd. today to schedule an initial consultation.