Getting into an accident on the road can be a frightening experience, especially if you weren’t at fault; if you have been involved in a car accident and believe that you were not responsible, you may be able to recover compensation to cover expenses related to injuries and car repairs which is why you should contact a Chicago car accident lawyer. However, it’s important to keep in mind some things that could invalidate your claim or make it harder to win your case. Here are 5 things to do after you have been in a crash according to our friends at Disparti Law Group.
Call 911
Dialing 911 from your phone will allow an operator who will route the call according to where you are and the severity of your emergency. The dispatcher is trained to handle all sorts of emergencies so no matter what happens, they will provide guidance and let you know that help is on the way. No matter what, it’s best for everyone involved if you can remain calm and give them as much information as possible. As soon as you have the opportunity, it’s important that you call your loved ones to let them know that everything is ok. For some people this might not be necessary but it never hurts to check in with people that are close to you and reassure them of your safety.
Document Your Injuries with Photos
It’s always good to document your injuries with photos. Pictures are worth a thousand words and they can provide important evidence of the damage and pain you sustained in the accident. It is also wise to document your symptoms with notes including whether it worsens at night, how much pain is felt, any numbness or tingling, and what activities aggravate it. It is crucial for all involved parties (i.e., both parties of the accident) to get examined as soon as possible. This will help identify if there are injuries that were not seen at the time of impact.
Document the Crash Scene
You should take photographs of the crash scene in relation to the physical evidence and the amount of damage done. This includes skid marks, damage done, debris that has been thrown around, traffic signs or lights that are no longer operable because of the crash and other relevant things. You should also make sure not touch anything that is broken or damaged at the crash site as you will want as much physical evidence intact as possible in order to build your case later on.
Get Treatment from Medical Professionals
After a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention. Check your symptoms and make sure you’re okay – sometimes people can experience delayed pain or discomfort. If there are any physical injuries, contact your doctor immediately.
Call a Lawyer
If you are in an accident and someone is injured, even if you don’t think it’s serious, call the police. Give them your name and contact information and the names of any witnesses. If you are hurt or injured report this to the hospital at the time so that they can document what happened. The same goes for any vehicle damage (regardless of whether it’s your fault). The next morning, call your insurance company and file a claim by giving them as much detail as possible about what happened including where it happened, who was involved (including witnesses), how many people were injured, how badly they were hurt, etc.
Most importantly of all, contact a lawyer as soon as you are able to represent your case.
