What To Do After A Car Accident In Illinois

If you’re involved in a car accident in Illinois, taking the right steps afterward is crucial to protecting your rights, building a strong claim, and ensuring you’re prepared for the road ahead. This guide offers clear, actionable steps to take immediately after an accident to safeguard both your health and your potential claim to compensation.

Keep reading to learn about…

• What to do immediately following an Illinois car accident.
• What to say and not say at the scene of the accident.
• Evidence to collect to support your claim.

What Is The First Step I Should Take Immediately After A Car Accident In Illinois?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Illinois, your first priority should be ensuring that you gather key information about the other driver and any witnesses, if you’re physically able to do so.

If your injuries are minor and you’re able to move around, it’s important to contact the police and request a police report right away. This report can be critical for documenting the details of the accident. If the accident is serious, it’s essential that someone calls 911 so that emergency responders can arrive quickly to assist with injuries and ensure the scene is documented properly.

While the police will often collect information from those involved, it’s always a good idea to gather as much as you can yourself. Get the name and contact details of the other driver, and if there are witnesses, make sure you ask for their names and phone numbers as well.

I’ve seen many cases where a client didn’t have this information, and the police report didn’t capture everything, either. By collecting these details yourself, you’re taking an important step to protect your rights.

Remember: if you’ve been seriously injured, your health comes first. Seek medical attention immediately—don’t hesitate to get to the emergency room or request an ambulance if necessary. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s crucial to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible, both for your health and to document any injuries related to the accident.

Attorney Alexander Memmen is an accomplished personal injury lawyer serving Illinois. For nearly 20 years, he’s helped clients just like you get the help, answers, and effective representation they need following a car accident.

Have questions, or in need of quality legal help? Reach out to Sharks At Law at (312) 586-2820 for a free initial consultation today.

What Should/Shouldn’t I Say To The Law Enforcement Officers At The Scene?

Give the police a basic description of how the accident occurred. This description should be honest, simple, and accurate – stick to simple information, and only repeat details that you are sure of.

For example, mention if someone ran a red light and then T-boned you. If someone merged into your lane without signaling, describe this, and describe the result of their action, such as your being run off the road.

Should I Seek Medical Attention Even If I Feel Fine?

Yes, it’s important to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you feel fine initially. Often, injuries aren’t immediately obvious due to the surge of adrenaline that comes with the shock of an accident.

This adrenaline can mask pain and other symptoms for hours or even days. Many injuries, particularly internal ones or soft tissue damage, might not show up right away but can still have serious consequences if left untreated.

It’s always a good idea to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Not only does this protect your health, but it also ensures that any potential injuries are documented, which is crucial if you need to pursue a personal injury claim later on.

Even if you feel okay at first, seeking medical attention early on can help prevent minor issues from becoming more serious and gives you peace of mind knowing that you’ve addressed any hidden injuries.

How Soon Should I Contact A Personal Injury Attorney After A Car Accident?

It’s critical to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident. The sooner you reach out, the faster your attorney can start gathering crucial evidence and sending out requests to preserve important information for your case.

For example, your lawyer can secure police body cam footage, or video recordings from nearby businesses that might show the accident. Acting quickly helps ensure that this evidence is not lost or overwritten, which can be vital to building a strong case.

An experienced attorney will also guide you through the medical treatment process, helping you understand what care you may need, while explaining each step of the legal process so you’re never left in the dark.

Importantly, there’s no cost to speak with a lawyer early. At Sharks At Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. By getting in touch sooner rather than later, you can get the help and answers you need, along with a thorough review of your case, giving you the best chance of securing the compensation you deserve.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started? For more information on What To Do After A Car Accident In Illinois, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (312) 586-2820 today.