Knowing what steps to take after a vehicle accident can help the process of filing an injury claim go more smoothly when you choose an Elk Grove, IL personal injury lawyer residents trust. But knowing what to do can be confusing. In this post, we will provide a general overview of what you should do if you are injured in a crash. According to our friends at Therman Law Offices, LTD, for more detailed information that may apply to your situation, you should contact a seasoned personal injury lawyer.
Seek Medical Attention
If anyone has been seriously hurt, call 911 for emergency assistance. This also applies to you. If you choose not to be checked out by EMTs, then you should either visit an emergency room or visit your own primary care physician. There are many types of car accident injuries that have delayed symptoms so it is important to be medically evaluated as soon as possible.
Contact Police
If no one called for an ambulance, you should still contact the police while you are at the scene. In many states, this is required under certain circumstances. Even if it is not required, you should still call the police. An accident report from law enforcement can be a very strong piece of evidence for your personal injury lawyer to use in your injury claim.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
It is critical to not leave the accident scene without exchanging contact and other information with the other driver. If you do leave, you could later be accused and charged with a hit and run. Make sure you obtain the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license and registration, VIN number of the other driver’s vehicle, and proof of the other driver’s automobile insurance coverage.
Limit Your Statements
You only have to provide necessary details to the police officer on the crash scene. Do not offer any information except exactly what is asked. Once you get home, you should contact your own insurance company to report the accident, however, do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company until you have consulted with your own attorney, regardless of what they tell you.
Insurance company adjusters have been known to use manipulating tactics to get victims to say things that could jeopardize their claim. The adjuster may tell you they are required to get a recorded statement from you within a very limited amount of time. Just let them know you cannot make a statement until you have spoken with your attorney. Once they find out you have an attorney advocating for you, many insurance adjusters realize they will not be able to manipulate you.
File an Accident Report with the Police
If for some reason you did not contact police at the crash site, or they never showed up, you will want to make sure you file a report within the required amount of time the state has set for a deadline. Your lawyer can provide that information based on the state you had your accident in.
Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you have sustained injury in a crash caused by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. To learn more, call an experienced personal injury attorney.