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A car accident can happen in an instant, but the impact on your life can last much longer. Whether you’re dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, or financial burdens, it’s critical to know what steps to take after a crash to protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you should do after a car accident in Illinois:
Your safety—and the safety of others—comes first. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and request medical assistance.
If an accident occurred in a traffic lane and the vehicles are still operable, move them to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Staying in the roadway can lead to additional accidents or injuries.
Illinois law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or more than $1,500 in property damage. Even if the crash seems minor, always call the police so that a report can be filed. This documentation may become a crucial part of your personal injury claim later on.
Exchange the following information with all drivers involved:
Also, ask for contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
Use your phone to take photos or videos of:
This evidence can help establish faults and support your claim.
Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s essential to get checked out by a doctor. Many injuries—like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or internal bleeding—aren’t immediately noticeable. Prompt medical treatment also creates a record that connects your injuries to the accident.
Report the accident to your insurance company but stick to the basic facts. Avoid making guesses or accepting faults, even casually. What you say may be used to limit your claim or deny coverage.
Before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company or accepting any settlement offers, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Insurance companies are not on your side, they want to settle quickly and for as little as possible. An attorney will protect your rights and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At HSPRD, our personal injury team understands how overwhelming the aftermath of an accident can be. We’re here to support you at every stage—from filing insurance claims to negotiating settlements or litigating in court if needed. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
We primarily focus on cases where clients face significant injuries, life-altering impacts, or considerable financial burdens. If your case requires extensive support and skilled advocacy, we’re here to stand by you every step of the way.
