It is an unfortunate fact that nearly everyone – including those who live in Chicago – will be involved in at least one car accident in their lifetime. On average, a typical driver experiences three collisions during his or her life, and those accidents can range from the minor to the severe and even fatal.
It takes only a moment for a crash to take place but the fallout from a collision can last much longer. With little or no warning before a large number of accidents, those who are involved in one are often left surprised, dazed, and even unsure of what to do next, where to turn, and how to get help.
Through our practice as personal injury attorneys serving the greater Chicago area, the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. suggest that you keep the following in mind if you are the victim of car crash:
– Remain at the scene: If a car accident takes place in Illinois, state laws require all motorists involved in that crash to remain at the scene until they are cleared to leave by local authorities. The exceptions to this rule are very narrow and generally apply only in the case of serious or life-threatening injury so drivers who experience an impact should stop their vehicles, remain at the scene, and wait for authorities.
– Evaluate yourself and those in your vehicle: If you are hurt or if someone in your car is injured, call 911 for medical help. If you can, describe the area where the accident occurred and the nature of the injuries that were sustained. It can help paramedics arrive at the scene quickly and evaluate the injured in an efficient and effective manner if they have an idea of some basic facts from the beginning of their call.
– If you are not in need of emergency medical treatment, alert the local police: Some car accidents do not leave anyone hurt or in need of medical care. If you are confident that you are uninjured, you should still alert the police so that a report can be made and so that you comply with all applicable laws. But if you are unsure of your injury state, err on the side of caution and request emergency assistance.
– Get contact information: If you are not injured, make sure you get the contact information for the other driver or drivers involved in the collision, including any insurance information they possess. Also get contact information for any witnesses to the accident and any police officers who may arrive at the scene. Make sure you provide the officers with the names and phone numbers of the witnesses so that those witnesses can be contacted if necessary. Often, you will receive a motorist report from a police officer but if you do not, ask for a report number so that you can easily get the police report once it is completed.
– Be polite to those involved: While you may be angry or frustrated, it will not help the situation to confront another driver, even if that other driver was at-fault. Try to remain as calm as possible and let the authorities do their job during their investigation.
– Do not ignore your symptoms: If you believe you are hurt, make sure you do not ignore your symptoms. Prompt medical attention can make a drastic difference in the injuries that occur and the prognosis for those who suffer from them. If you initially believed you were not hurt but then begin feeling pain, seek treatment as soon as possible to protect yourself and your health.
The attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. hope that you are one of the lucky few who avoid a car accident during their lifetimes. However, if you are involved in a collision and you suffer injuries as a result, know that we are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call and to help you.
You can reach us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 where we will offer you a free, no-obligation case consultation regarding your accident and your rights. At Abels & Annes, P.C., there is no fee unless we make a recovery in your case and we will fight for the best possible outcome for you that is possible. If you need help, call us today and let us get to work for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Alcohol Suspected in Waukegan Car Crash, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published August 19, 2015.