Your First Accident

Friday, May 10, 2013

Your First Accident

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

When we get in our cars to go to work, to visit friends, or to run errands, we generally drive with the hope that we won’t be involved in an accident. Many people are lucky enough to never experience hitting someone else or being hit, but plenty of us have gotten into an accident once or twice in our lives, be it a minor fender bender or a more serious crash. If you’ve never gotten into an accident before, you probably wouldn’t know what to do if you did, so here’s a few things to remember if you’re ever involved in a car crash. 

File a Police Report

The first thing most people do when they get into an auto accident is call the police. This is helpful because, especially if the accident occurs on a busy street or expressway, the police can help block off a portion of the roadway while the damaged cars are moved off to the side. Filing a police report on the accident also lays groundwork for insurance companies and can outline who was at fault (if there was a clear person-at-fault). This can also be helpful for a car accident lawyer who needs to build a case. The more information about an accident available, the better. 

Get Everyone’s Information

Auto insurance is mandatory in most states, so it’s important to always carry your insurance ID cards with you when you’re driving. Regardless of who is at fault for the accident, exchange information with all people involved so that the appropriate phone calls can be made and, when you notify your insurance company of the accident, you’ve got all the information you need. If you need to contact a Chicago car accident attorney based on the outcome of the accident, you’ll be glad you got everyone’s information at the scene. 

Seek Medical Attention If You Need It

If you’re injured in the accident, it’s important not to ignore those injuries. Go to a doctor or the hospital, and keep records of medical bills in case you need to contact a car accident lawyer to help get compensation for your injuries later on. Not attending to small, seemingly non-serious injuries can sometimes lead to long-term conditions that can be even more costly.

Contact a Lawyer

If you find yourself needing to seek legal help to deal with the aftermath of the crash, a Chicago car accident attorney can help. They are trained to fight for your case and many work only on contingency, which means you don’t pay them unless you win your case.