Should You Call 911 After a Car Crash?

Monday, June 7, 2021

Should You Call 911 After a Car Crash?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Knowing what steps to take after being involved in a car crash can impact your physical and financial recovery. Sometimes it might not make sense to call 911 or the police, but it can be in your best interest to do so. 

Most people grow up knowing only to call 911 if there is a genuine emergency, and you might even get in trouble for calling for the wrong reasons. Sometimes, it’s hard to determine if a situation you are facing warrants such a call or not. This often happens in car accidents. Calling 911 after an accident might seem like overkill but not calling might seem wrong. According to experienced Chicago car accident lawyers, here are some quick assessments to make at the scene of the accident to decide if you should call 911 or not. If you suffered injuries in an accident and want to know about your legal rights and options, do not delay in consulting with our legal team directly today.

Are there Injuries?

If anyone is injured in a car accident, call 911. Even if you think they are minor injuries, it’s best to get medical professionals on the scene as soon as possible. You never know when minor injuries could actually be serious. Just because an ambulance comes to the scene of an accident doesn’t mean that anyone must leave in it. Paramedics can examine victims on the scene and make a recommendation as to whether they need immediate medical care and should go to the hospital in the ambulance.

How Significant is the Damage to the Vehicles?

If no one is hurt, and there isn’t significant damage to either vehicle, you may not need to call 911. If both vehicles are driveable, you can exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver and file a police report on your own. On the other hand, if there is a considerable amount of damage or the accident is blocking traffic or creating a hazard to others, you should call 911. If there is glass, gasoline, or other debris on the ground that might create a risk for other motorists or pedestrians, contact 911. Police will come and keep traffic away from it and arrange for it to be cleaned up

Are Other Drivers Showing Signs of Drug or Alcohol Intoxication?

Suppose another driver hits you, and they show signs of being intoxicated, such as slurring their words or lack of coordination. In this case, you should call 911. The last thing you need is a drunk driver getting back into their car and going on their way. If they are intoxicated, they need to be detained. This also provides you with evidence of the other driver’s fault and can help later on with your legal claim. Don’t hesitate to call 911 if you suspect the other driver is driving under the influence.

Reach Out to an Experienced Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Today

Many times, calling 911 will help create evidence that can be used in support of your claim. Whether you call 911 or not after your accident, you can always reach out to an experienced Chicago car accident attorney for help pursuing your injury claim. Call (312) 629-0099 today or use our online contact form to schedule your case review with the seasoned car accident attorneys at Malman Law.