What to Do After a Car Accident
Car accidents, whether major or minor, can be traumatic for everyone involved, and knowing what to do after a car crash is very important. When you’re shaken up, it can be difficult to think about what comes next. Here, the experienced Chicago car accident attorneys at Rubens & Mulholland go over the steps to take after a major or minor accident to help you be prepared in the unfortunate event that you’re involved in one.
What to Do After a Car Accident Checklist
Minor Accidents
Some examples of minor car accidents include a fender-bender at an intersection or someone backing into your car in a parking lot. Here’s what you should do after a minor car accident:
- First and foremost, check to see if you or your passengers need medical attention. If so, call an ambulance right away.
- If you’re in stable condition, pull your vehicle over to a safe spot. You don’t want to stray too far from the scene of the accident, but you also don’t want to block traffic.
- Call the police. Even if the other driver suggests that you don’t need the police for a minor accident, you should still call. It’s best to have an official report documented, and your insurance company may require it.
- Exchange contact information. Get the phone numbers, email addresses, and insurance policy information of the other driver or drivers involved. It’s also smart to get a photo of their driver’s license, license plate numbers, and insurance card. If there were any witnesses to the accident, you should also ask for their contact information.
- Document your vehicle’s damage. Take detailed photos of the damage to both your vehicle and the other vehicle or vehicles involved. If possible, you should also get a photo of the accident scene.
- Call your insurance provider. The sooner you tell them the details of the accident, the sooner the claims process can begin.
Major Accidents
Major accidents differ from minor accidents in that they result in serious injuries or fatalities. The steps to take following a major accident are a bit different:
- Call 911 right away. If you’re seriously injured, you should alert emergency personnel or have someone call on your behalf immediately. The police should come along with an ambulance to assess the scene and damage. If you need immediate medical attention and cannot document important information on your own, don’t fret: the police should interview all parties involved in the accident and record everything that’s necessary, including license plate numbers, insurance information, driver’s license numbers, and personal contact information.
- Contact your insurance provider. Even if someone already filed the claim on your behalf while you were receiving medical attention, you should follow up with your insurance provider on your own to answer any questions they may still have for you and receive an update on the status of the claims process.
- Follow up with your physician. If you’re still feeling any pain after the accident and after being treated by emergency personnel, you should visit your regular physician for additional help.
Contact an Experienced Chicago Car Accident Attorney Following a Major or Minor Accident
- You should contact an attorney whether you’ve experienced a major or minor car accident, and you should do so immediately.
- Do not give a statement to the other party’s insurance company. You can contact your own insurance company.
- Remember that no one will be looking out for your best interests until you retain an Illinois car accident lawyer.
Consult Rubens & Mulholland After a Car Accident
If you’re in a car accident in the Chicago area and are searching for an experienced attorney to help, turn to Rubens & Mulholland. Auto insurance companies do not have your best interest in mind, but our dedicated team is here to ensure you receive proper compensation. We have a track record of success with personal injury cases of varying circumstances, and we’re prepared to help you, too. Contact us today with any questions or to request a free consultation.