Auto Accident Scene: Immediate Subsequent Actions

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If you are viewing this article, perhaps you may have been involved in a car accident. Accordingly, if you have reviewed our related articles concerning the auto accident scene, you may be wondering what steps should be taken next. Our experienced team on injury attorneys want to protect the legal interest of those injured in an automobile collision. Consequently, this guide is provided by the Chicago accident lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. to motorists to promote awareness as to the appropriate subsequent steps to take following an auto accident.

• Tip 1. Contact the Insurance Companies. It is often necessary to contact both your own insurance carrier, as well as that of the other driver. In fact, your own insurance policy typically requires notification within a specific period of time following an auto accident. Also, do not assume that the other driver will contact their own insurance carrier. Use the information obtained from the other driver during your exchange of information, or the police report, to contact the other motorist’s insurance carrier. By doing so, you will ensure that the accident has been properly documented. The insurance carriers for each party involved will provide you with a claim number, and will then immediately assign an adjuster to the incident, or will do so within a short time thereafter. Be sure to record this information for your records. Most important when dealing with insurance companies is that you (1) Do not provide any written or recorded statements; and (2) Do not sign anything.
• Tip 2. Seek Medical Treatment if Necessary. Even if emergency medical treatment was not sought at the scene of the accident, it is important that medical treatment is sought as soon as you become aware of a potential injury. This is important not only for health and safety reasons, but also serves to protect your legal rights.
• Tip 3. Maintain a Record of All Relevant Information. Begin by taking detailed notes regarding the accident itself, rather than rely on the police report, which may include only a brief summary or contain inaccurate information. You should also document any time or expenses involved in pursuing your claim. This includes any time spent speaking with insurance carriers, mileage to medical providers, as well as any other out of pocket expenses. Even seemingly insignificant expenses such as ice packs or over the counter pain relievers should be properly documented. Also, be sure to document any wages or time that you have lost from work as a result of the accident.
• Tip 4. Protect Your Legal Rights. If you were injured as a result of an auto accident, it is important that you seek consultation from a personal injury attorney specialized in the area of automobile accidents, as soon as is practical following an accident. If you have been injured and are unable to seek legal assistance, a licensed attorney may be able to provide consultation in your home or hospital room.

Contact the Chicago auto accident attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. today for a FREE personal injury consultation at 773-516-4100, or online at our website.