Car accidents are a common occurrence in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Unfortunately, some car accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities. If you are involved in a car accident, it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Knowing what steps to take can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here are the steps you should take if you are involved in a car accident in Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois:
1. Stay at the Scene
If you are involved in a car accident, even if there is very little property damage, it is important to stay at the scene until the police officers arrive. Leaving the scene of an accident, even a minor one, can result in criminal charges.
2. Check for Injuries
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. If you are able to do so safely, check on the occupants of the other motor vehicles involved in the accident.
3. Exchange Information
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance policy numbers. Having this information will be helpful when you file a report with your insurance company.
4. Gather Evidence
Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles, the location of the accident, and any injuries. If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information.
5. Report the Accident
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Be honest and accurate when describing what happened. Do not admit fault or speculate on who caused the accident.
6. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it is important to seek medical attention after a car accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Delaying medical treatment can make it more difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.
7. Contact a Car Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to consult with a car accident attorney. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex process of filing a personal injury claim and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If a Car Accident Results in a Fatality
If you have been involved in a fatal car accident in Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois, the steps you should take are similar to those you need to take in any accident, but there are some additional considerations.
First and foremost, if a loved one has been killed in a car accident, you should seek the advice of an experienced wrongful death attorney. A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that seeks compensation for the damages suffered by the deceased person’s surviving family members.
In addition, if the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, it may be necessary to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. An attorney can help you navigate this process and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Summary
If you have been involved in a Naperville, Glenview, or West Chicago car accident, or an accident anywhere else in Illinois, it is important to take these steps to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Remember, even if you feel fine after the accident, it is important to seek medical attention to ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
After following the above recommendations, contact the Zimmerman Law Offices in Chicago for help with your car accident case. Attorney Tom Zimmerman has years of experience successfully representing clients in personal injury cases, including car accidents, and he can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
