Frequently Asked Questions

Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

This is general information based upon Illinois law. Because every case is unique, you should always consult an experienced and knowledgeable Illinois auto accident attorney for legal advice on these issues. For more than 25 years, the attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., have helped Illinois car accident victims and their families.


  1. What information should I get after a car accident?
  2. Should I contact the police?
  3. Should I go to the doctor?
  4. Should I contact an attorney?
  5. Should I contact my insurance company?
  6. Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company? What if they call me?
  7. What should I do if I think the accident was at least partly my fault?
  8. What else should I do?
  9. What makes a successful claim?
     

  1. What information should I get after a car accident?

    If you have been in a car accident, there is certain information that can be very useful in protecting your rights. After the police and any necessary medical help have been summoned, write down the following:

    1. The full name, address, phone number, driver’s license number and insurance information for all drivers.
    2. Whether any of the drivers appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
    3. The full names, addresses and phone numbers for all passengers, pedestrians, witnesses and vehicle owners.
    4. Location, date and time of the accident.
    5. A detailed description of the accident, including which direction the vehicles were going, weather conditions, time of day, what happened, any injuries and what was damaged.
    6. Any problems with vehicles not caused by the accident, such as broken lights or worn-down tires.

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  2. Should I contact the police?

    Yes. Contacting the police provides proof of the accident and allows for an immediate investigation of the scene. Even in seemingly minor accidents it can be beneficial to call the police instead of trying to settle matters with the other driver. 

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  3. Should I go to the doctor?

    The simple answer is yes. Even if you think you are not hurt, it is best to have that fact confirmed by medical professionals. The doctor may recognize injuries, sometimes serious, that are not apparent to you. Too many people treat initial symptoms as unimportant, only to seek medical help later. Delaying treatment is not only bad for your health, it also makes it more difficult to prove that you suffered an injury in the accident. Remember to be honest when describing your health and try to neither exaggerate nor minimize your symptoms.

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  4. Should I contact an attorney?

    Generally speaking, yes. An attorney who is experienced in handling personal injury matters should be contacted if fault is clearly an issue, the police report is incorrect, the limits of your liability insurance are low, you have no insurance, or the injuries were serious, likely to be permanent, or resulted in death. Legal advice can also be useful if you have questions about the settlement value of a claim, your insurance policy’s terms, or suspect bad faith on the part of your insurance company. Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., to discuss your case.

    5.  

  5. Should I contact my insurance company?

    Yes. You have a duty to cooperate with your own insurance company. Most insurance companies require their policyholders to promptly report every auto accident so that they can gather basic information. In fact, failure to provide information to your insurance company in a timely manner can result in loss of coverage for the accident.

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  6. Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company? What if they call me?

    No. If you are contacted, politely decline to talk. Insurance companies' claims adjusters are professional negotiators with extensive experience and are well trained to ask questions in a manner designed to hurt your claim. You should seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney, who can determine the best way to proceed. Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., before you speak to any insurance company representatives. 

    7.  

  7. What should I do if I think the accident was at least partly my fault?

    Despite your honorable intentions, be aware that you are probably not in the best position to figure out how or why the accident happened. There are many possible causes for an accident. Accepting blame and apologizing to another driver can be used against you later. Instead, talk to a lawyer who can investigate and evaluate your accident. Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., to discuss your case.

    8.  

  8. What else should I do?

    The more information you can gather, the easier it will be for an attorney to help you. Items you can gather include:

    • Pictures of the vehicles involved;
    • Pictures of the scene of the accident;
    • A copy of your vehicle's repair estimate;
    • A copy of the accident report;
    • Information about the person who caused the accident and about his/her insurance company;
    • Your medical records and bills.

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  9. What makes a successful claim?

    You have a valid personal injury claim if your injury is a direct result of the car accident and the other motorist was at fault. If you can establish that the accident was caused due to another person’s negligence, you can recover compensation for:

    • Medical expenses incurred in the treatment of your injuries;
    • Future medical costs;
    • Actual loss of wages;
    • Loss of future wages;
    • Loss of enjoyment of life;
    • Pain and suffering.