Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Cook County recorded 156,289 motor vehicle accidents in a recent year, according to Illinois Department of Transportation data. These collisions injured nearly 30,000 people and killed over 400, making Cook County and greater Chicago the most dangerous place to drive in Illinois by a substantial margin.
Given the high number of collisions in Chicago, knowing the steps to take after a car accident is essential. The actions you take following an auto collision not only have an impact on your health and your recovery, they also help safeguard your legal rights. Chief among these actions is contacting an experienced car accident attorney who can help you seek compensation and accountability. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we have recovered over $2.5 billion for our deserving clients.
Contact our office today for a free consultation.
Consulting with a Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt in a vehicle collision, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may have a lot on your plate, including numerous doctor’s appointments and physical therapy sessions. You may be unable to work while you heal from your injuries, which can create financial strain, especially when medical bills start to pile up. Plus, we also understand your other responsibilities don’t disappear just because you’ve been hurt.
When you’re up against so many challenges, you need practical, compassionate representation. The legal process is complex and time-consuming — and it’s something you shouldn’t have to navigate alone. A car accident lawyer can advise you on the most important steps following a collision and handle every detail of your legal claim, allowing you the time and space to focus on your health.
The dedicated attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have over 40 years of experience representing car accident victims and helping them seek the financial relief they deserve. We’ve recovered over $2.5 billion for our clients, including the largest personal injury compensatory verdict award for an individual in Illinois state history. Let our diverse team of litigators put its skills and resources toward fighting for your rights and interests.
At the Accident Scene
Knowing what to do after a car accident is the best way to ensure you’re prepared if the situation arises. If you’ve been involved in a collision, here are the key steps to take at the accident scene:
- Move your vehicle off the road and away from traffic if it is safe to do so.
- Check on the other parties involved in the crash to determine whether anyone needs emergency medical care.
- Call 911 to get police and emergency medical technicians to the scene.
- Document the accident scene, taking pictures and video of vehicle damage, your injuries, road or weather conditions that contributed to the collision, traffic signs, and other pertinent evidence.
- Exchange contact info, including insurance details, with the other parties involved.
What you do in the immediate aftermath of a collision is critical in protecting your legal options for seeking compensation, whether through a car accident claim or a lawsuit.
Seeking Medical Attention
While it’s critical that you seek medical attention immediately following a collision, it’s just as vital that you follow through with the treatment plan prescribed by your provider. This treatment plan may include surgery, physical therapy, prescription medication, regular follow-up visits with the doctor, and other steps designed to aid in your healing.
When receiving medical care, keep all the paperwork associated with your treatment. This includes bills, invoices, notes from the doctor, receipts, communications from your insurance company, and anything related to your injuries. These documents will be of critical importance to your attorney.
Reporting to Your Insurance Company
Your auto insurance policy probably requires you to report any collisions to the insurance company within a specific timeframe. Failure to promptly report a car crash could jeopardize your ability to file an insurance claim.
When you call to report the collision, the insurance representative may ask you various questions about what happened. Be honest but stick to the facts and don’t overshare, assign blame, exaggerate, or otherwise say anything that might put your auto collision claim at risk. Who is at fault in an accident is important, but it’s not for you to decide.
It is often best to consult a car accident attorney before speaking with your insurance company.
Keeping Organized Records
There could be a substantial amount of paperwork associated with a collision, particularly one that causes injuries. Keep all of this paperwork — medical bills, letters from health and vehicle insurance providers, vehicle repair records, etc. — in one place, and keep everything organized. You’ll also want to keep track of any communication from your employer, including documentation of lost wages.
Finally, you should also keep a recovery journal. You can use this to record a day-by-day account of your medical treatment, tracking how you’re feeling, what progress you’re making, and any setbacks you’re facing.
Exploring Options for Financial Recovery
If you’ve been injured in a collision, you may have multiple options for recovering compensation. One option is to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s car insurance company. A car accident attorney at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can guide you through this process.
If the insurance company denies or minimizes your car crash claim, you might need to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover the compensation you deserve. The threat of a lawsuit may prompt the insurance company to return to the negotiating table. However, if the insurer refuses to settle, going to trial may be the best option for seeking maximum compensation.
Your attorney can advise you on the best option for pursuing compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses you’ve experienced due to the collision.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
After an auto collision, you likely have many questions about what to do next. You may also wonder whether you can recover compensation for the financial and personal losses you incur due to the crash. The legal team at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can evaluate your options and advise you on the best path forward. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
