Steps to Take after a Car Crash

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

No matter what the circumstances surrounding a car accident may be, one thing is certain: Everyone is stunned in the moments following a collision. Whether you were alone at the time of the impact or you were the passenger in someone else’s car, shock takes over as you begin to process what has just taken place. Even the most minor fender-bender can wreak havoc on one’s nerves, but minor and severe accidents alike all require the driver - and any passengers involved - to be vigilant immediately after the crash. More often than not, your attentiveness in the moments following the accident can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your rights later on.

Acting Quickly

Understandably, not every driver is able to make sharp observations or think critically in the moments directly after a crash. Due to the shock and any immediate needs that demand your attention, such as moving the car off the highway or tending to injuries, you may not have the chance to assess the scene and take notes. A few simple observations, however, can help tremendously in your case, should you experience injury of any kind.

If possible, make the following three observations the moment you are hit:

1. The make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle that hit you - Laws in the state of Illinois require that any driver at fault for a collision stay at the scene of the accident, and furthermore, that they exchange information with the driver they hit. Fleeing the scene can result in criminal charges. This is because financial and safety responsibility laws must be upheld in the event of a crash. If someone hits you, obtaining the at-fault driver’s information is your best bet for defending your rights in a court of law, and this starts with gathering the most basic details, such as the make and model of the driver’s vehicle, their license plate number, and a physical description of them, in the event that they choose to not cooperate and leave without filing a police report.

2. The presence of witnesses - Witnesses are valuable at the scene of an accident. Whether they were personally involved in the collision or not, anyone and everyone who witnessed the accident unfold can provide useful information to you, the police, and any other driver involved. If possible, attempt to scan your surroundings and see if there are any opportunities to speak with bystanders who may be willing to give a personal account of the collision.

3. Signs of Injury - Many times, car accident injuries are not easily detectable. You or your passenger may feel fine in the moment, only to discover later on that muscle sprains - or even serious, internal bleeding - have occurred due to the impact. PPost-traumaticstress disorders are also commonly triggered by automobile accidents, and signs of the disorder do not manifest themselves immediately. In the moments that follow the initial impact, look for the most obvious signs of injury and report them right away to a medical professional, your insurance agency, and the authorities.

Should an injury develop later on or should you discover one some time after the accident, speak to a knowledgeable Lake County car accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected in court and that you receive any compensation you may be entitled to for the damages. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP at 847-662-3303 for your personal consultation.

Sources:

https://www.isba.org/sites/default/files/publications/pamphlets/Auto%20Insurance.pdf

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/trauma/other/traumatic-stress-vehicle-accidents.asp https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a112.pdf