It’s important to understand the steps to take after an accident on the South Side. Follow these steps after a crash to get the help you need.
Are you injured? Seek medical care
First thing you need to do is check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for visible injuries. If you do see any signs of injury, call 911. You need medical personnel on the scene for anyone who is seriously hurt. Remember – even if you feel fine after the crash, some injuries may not reveal themselves until days later. If you have not had medical attention immediately after the crash, it can be impossible to connect the injuries to the accident. Head injuries and whiplash, as well as internal injuries may not be present right away.
Should you call the police?
A police report can go a long way toward helping you solidify your version of events. If insurers see a police report about the accident supporting your story, it can help a great deal if your South Side car accident case ends up moving forward. It helps clarify what really happened, which can make it easier for you to show the other driver was negligent in his or her actions.
How do you preserve evidence at the scene?
If you are able to remain at the scene after the crash, try to collect as much information as possible. Take photos of the location of the accident, as well as the vehicles involved. Get contact information from witnesses to the crash. See if there are any businesses nearby that may have had cameras recording the accident, or note if any witnesses had dashcam recordings that they can make available.
What should you say to others in the accident?
Other drivers may come to you and ask you what happened or how you are feeling. Do not admit fault – even if you think you may have caused the crash. Do not tell the drivers you are fine or alright/not seemingly injured. Why? What you say at the scene can come back to haunt you. Telling the other driver you are okay is a problem if you later suffer internal injuries that were not apparent at the time of the accident. Also – do not talk to an insurance company representative – even your own insurance agent – until you have spoken to an accident lawyer.
Should you contact a lawyer after a South Side car accident?
From the moment the accident happens, the things you do can have a real impact upon your ability to recover fair compensation. You do not have to fight the insurance companies alone while trying to put your life back together as a result of an injury.
AtFlanagan Injury Group, we know that no one driving in Chicago plans on getting into an accident – yet they happen time and time again each day. Our South Side injury lawyers will be there with you to help you recover the compensation you deserve.