6 Steps You Should Take After a Car Accident
Whether it is a minor bump or a major fender bender, a motor vehicle accident can be a traumatic experience. In the immediate aftermath of an automobile collision, it is understandable to feel shaken up and unsure of how to proceed. However, it is important to take steps to not only treat injuries and resolve details related to law enforcement, but also to protect your ability to seek compensation for injuries caused by someone’s negligence. After an accident, be sure to take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention - Check for injuries to drivers, passengers, and anyone else involved in the accident. Be sure to offer aid to anyone who needs it, and if necessary, call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
- Contact the police - While it may seem like a good idea to avoid involving law enforcement, it is best to have an officer come to the scene of the collision to make an accident report.
- Exchange information - Be sure to get the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance company, and insurance policy number from other drivers or anyone else involved. However, do not discuss the cause of the accident or admit fault.
- Gather evidence - Get as much information as you can at the scene of the accident. Take pictures of the vehicles, the damage which occurred, and people’s injuries, as well as any other relevant information, such as street signs, road conditions, or skid marks. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses and check nearby businesses to see if they have security camera footage of the accident. Be sure to write down any other observations, such as the time of day, the weather, and any other factors which may have been involved in the accident.
- Obtain a police report - Contact the police department to obtain a copy of the report filed by the officer who came to the scene of the accident. This record can be used to demonstrate how the collisions occurred and the circumstances which led to the accident.
- Contact an attorney - A skilled attorney can review the details of the accident, determine the liability of negligent parties, and help you understand whether you are likely to be successful if you pursue compensation for your damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact a Kane County Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be able to seek financial compensation that will help you pay for the costs of medical care and rehabilitation, recover lost income, and address your pain and suffering. The experienced Aurora personal injury attorneys at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. can help you determine your best options for obtaining the compensation you deserve. Call our office at 630-907-0909 to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/12/17/7-steps-to-take-after-a-car-accident
https://www.allstate.com/tools-and-resources/car-insurance/in-case-of-a-car-accident.aspx
https://www.thebalance.com/i-had-a-car-accident-now-what-2645472
