What to Do Immediately After a Serious Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

Most drivers in Illinois will experience an accident at some point in their lives. Some are only minor fender benders that result in a bruise or two, if any injuries, while others result in serious harm that requires weeks or even years of care. While it can be difficult to think about being involved in such an accident, knowing what to do if you are can improve your chances of recovering both physically and financially. Below are some of the most important steps to take to ensure that your medical needs are addressed and your right to a fair insurance settlement isn’t infringed upon.

1. Ensure Safety and Call for Help

The number one priority in any car accident is to ensure the safety of yourself, the other driver, and any bystanders. If you or anyone else has sustained injuries following the accident, the first step is to contact 911 and request an ambulance. If safe to do so, you’ll also want to move your vehicle away from traffic to avoid a secondary collision and stand away from the road while you wait for paramedics to arrive.

2. Exchange Information with Other Parties

The next step is to exchange information with both the other driver and any witnesses who may have seen the accident take place. Be sure to get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance details. Then, without leaving the scene of the accident, approach any bystanders who may have seen the collision and ask for their names and contact information as well.

If you’ve contacted 911, law enforcement will arrive at the scene to create a police report and collect witness statements and other evidence. If you didn’t contact 911, Illinois law still requires you to report the accident to the police if it resulted in more than $1,500 in property damage. Regardless, it’s in your best interest to obtain a police report, as you may be able to use it as evidence when filing an insurance claim.

Throughout all interactions at the accident site, whether it’s with police, the other driver, or witnesses, it’s important to try to remain neutral. Avoid making any statements that may be interpreted as apologetic or admitting fault. Instead, simply relay the facts of how the accident took place.

3. Document the Accident

Witness statements and traffic reports are both essential pieces of evidence in car accident cases. But just as important is physical evidence. While you wait for first responders to arrive, there’s no such thing as taking too many pictures or videos to document the scene, provided that it is safe for you to do so. Specifically, you’ll want to capture imagery of the vehicles themselves, your injuries, license plates, skid marks, traffic signs, weather conditions, and the surrounding area.

4. Provide or Seek Medical Attention

If your injuries didn’t require emergency intervention, you’ll still want to follow up with your healthcare provider and get a medical evaluation. The reason why is that car accident injuries don’t always present symptoms immediately. For example, a concussion or spinal injury may take days or even weeks to show up, and by then, these conditions may require more advanced treatment.

Medical documentation can also play an important role in an insurance claim. Whether you’re filing a claim with your own insurer or the at-fault driver’s, the company will look at how quickly you sought care and whether you followed your doctor’s recommendations. Gaps in treatment or missed follow-up appointments may give them grounds to minimize or even deny your claim.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Another time-sensitive and required step following a car accident is contacting your insurance company. You’ll want to do this within 24 hours of the accident. Many insurance companies have a 24/7 accident line for this exact purpose. As with all statements made regarding the accident, you’ll want to make sure to avoid saying anything that may be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. Even statements such as “The other car came out of nowhere” or “The sun was in my eyes” can prove problematic. Instead, only stick to the facts such as where and when the accident happened, the level of damage, and the insurance and contact information of the other driver.

6. Keep Track of All Accident-Related Expenses

Throughout the claims process, one of the most important things you can do to maximize your chance at a fair settlement is keep track of any documentation and records related to your accident. This may include medical records and bills, treatments, transcripts, prescriptions, mechanic bills, and any communication between you, your insurance, your doctors, witnesses, and the other driver. All of this will be valuable evidence when it comes time to calculate the damages and present your claim.

7. Avoid Posting About the Accident On Social Media

Social media has become one of the most common ways we share updates with friends and family. After an accident, however, it’s important to be cautious about what you post. Insurance companies may look for online activity that can be used to challenge your claim. Even well-meaning updates like “I’m feeling better” or photos from a social outing can be taken out of context and used to downplay your injuries.

Keep in mind that privacy settings are not foolproof. Posts may still be seen through mutual connections or, if your case goes to court, may be requested as part of the legal process. To avoid unnecessary complications, the safest approach is to limit or pause your social media activity until your case is resolved.

8. Consider Hiring a Lawyer

If the accident wasn’t your fault and you’re dealing with serious injuries, getting in touch with a lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take. While it’s understandable to hope for a quick and easy settlement, insurance companies will always put their own interests first, and that often means pressuring accident victims into accepting settlements that are far too low to meet their needs or even denying their claims outright.

A car accident lawyer serves as your personal advocate, handling all communication with the insurance company and other parties, investigating the crash, preserving critical evidence, and working with experts to determine the true value of your damages. In short, a lawyer gives you the best chance to recover full compensation while also removing the stress of having to handle the complex legal process on your own.

What To Remember After a Serious Accident

While car accidents have the potential to become life-changing, sticking to the steps above can ensure that your health needs are met and that your right to fair compensation is protected. Throughout the process, remember:

• Prioritize your safety and the safety of the other driver and witnesses
  
  
• Call 911 or the police immediately after the accident, and your insurance within 24 hours
  
  
• Be honest but factual in all statements, avoiding any admission of guilt
  
  
• Follow up on any treatment plan administered by your healthcare provider
  
  
• Maintain detailed records and evidence that relates to your accident
  
  

Finally, while you may be dealing with significant injuries and trauma in the weeks and months following your accident, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to friends and family or a mental health professional, and consider a lawyer if you need help shouldering the burden of your case.