If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, you understand all too well the sudden and severe impact it can have on your life. Beyond the immediate physical injuries, which can range from minor to catastrophic, the effects of a car accident can ripple through every aspect of your existence.
Many victims face not only physical recovery but also the emotional and psychological aftermath of such a traumatic event. Personal injury, financial burdens from medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and car repairs can create an overwhelming strain on anyone.
At Crosby & Crosby Law, we recognize the enormous impact motor vehicle crashes can have on your daily life. As Rockford car accident lawyers, we are here to assist you in every way possible to get the compensation you deserve.
After Your Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident, taking the right steps immediately afterward can be crucial for your physical well-being, as well as for any legal action you might consider later. Here is a comprehensive guide on what to do, the information to collect, and further steps you should take following a car accident:
1. Assess Injuries and Ensure Safety
- Check for Injuries: Before anything else, check yourself and others involved for any injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
- Move to Safety: If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move vehicles to the side of the road, away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Call the Police
- Regardless of the accident’s severity, you should have an official report. Police documentation is crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
3. Exchange Information
- Gather the following information from all parties involved in the accident:
- Full names and contact details
- Car insurance details (company and policy number)
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Type, color, and model of vehicles
- Eyewitnesses’ contact information, if available
4. Document the Scene
- Take Photos: Use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and the overall environment.
- Make Notes: Write down or record on your phone what happened while it’s fresh in your memory. Note the date, time, weather conditions, and any immediate facts or details about the accident.
5. Seek Medical Attention
- Even if you feel fine, you should visit a doctor after an accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, might not be immediately apparent.
6. Notify Your Insurance
- Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the information you’ve collected and cooperate fully, but remember, it is wise not to admit fault or make statements that could be used against you later.
7. Keep Records
- Keep all documentation related to the accident organized. This includes medical records, receipts, a copy of the police report, and communications with your insurance company.
Illinois Car Accident Reporting Requirements and the Statute of Limitations
In addition to all the above, it’s also important to remember that all drivers in an accident must file a report with the state of Illinois in accidents involving death, bodily injury, or property damage of more than $1,500.00 – if all drivers involved are insured.
If any involved driver does not have insurance, that reporting threshold drops to $500.00.
In addition, if you’re seeking compensation for the damages you’ve suffered, under Illinois law, you have two years to file your claim.
Initially, two years may seem like a long time, but collecting all the information needed to support your claim for damages can be a long, drawn-out process. That means you should collect the essential information as quickly as you can and file your claim as soon as possible.
How Crosby & Crosby – Rockford Auto Accident Lawyers – Can Help You
After a vehicle accident, you might think, “I can handle this myself.” In reality, dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be challenging. There’s much more involved than repairing your car and getting it back on the road.
The aftermath of a vehicle accident is also about making sure you’re treated fairly and getting what you deserve for your troubles and any injuries. That’s why having a Rockford car accident attorney by your side is so important.
Our team at Crosby & Crosby knows the ins and outs of vehicle accident cases. Based on our extensive experience and expansive knowledge of Illinois law, here’s what we can do for car accident victims like you:
- Speak for You: Talking to insurance companies can be overwhelming. We’ll be your voice, making sure you’re heard loud and clear.
- Understand the Fine Print: Laws and rules can be confusing. We know them like the back of our hand and can help you navigate them to protect your rights.
- Fight for Fair Compensation: Whether it’s for medical expenses, lost wages, or repairing your car or truck, we work hard to help you get what you deserve.
- Give Peace of Mind: With a trusted Rockford auto accident lawyer assisting you, you can focus on getting better while we handle the legal and financial issues involved in a car accident settlement.
Contact Crosby & Crosby and Let’s Talk – It’s Free!
If you’ve been in a vehicle accident in Illinois, you might feel stuck in a tough spot. It’s like trying to solve a giant puzzle, but somehow the pieces just don’t seem to fit. That’s why trying to handle everything on your own can be hard, and that’s where the attorneys at Crosby & Crosby step in to help you put the pieces back together.
The experienced Rockford car accident lawyers at Crosby & Crosby are ready to walk with you and your loved ones every step of the way.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident in Rockford, don’t wait. Contact our law office at 815-367-6432 to schedule a free initial consultation. We’re here to listen, understand, and fight for you. Let us help you find the right way forward.
