Car accidents are a simple fact of driving. Statistically, most drivers in the United States will, unfortunately, experience a car accident. Therefore, it is important for drivers to know what to do in the instance of a car accident. From something as simple as involving the police to understanding if they should seek legal advice for their insurance claim, it’s critical that Illinois drivers understand the steps to take. In this article, McClintock Law will explain several different steps that every driver should consider if they are ever involved in a car accident.
You Should Get The Police Involved If You Are In A Car Accident
After a car accident occurs, one of the first things that an individual should do is call the police, no matter the severity of the accident. Police officers can provide assistance for every party involved in the accident as well as bring a sense of security to an often high-stress situation. Additionally, if either party becomes frustrated or irate during the situation the police officers can act as peacekeepers and will help diffuse any rising tensions. Citizens should be aware of their individual rights when interacting with the police to ensure that their rights are respected.
In addition, police officers will properly document the accident. While it is important for the driver to document any damage, the police will write a formal report. This official report will be important as it provides evidence for any legal situation and you insurance company. You can see having law enforcement present for documentation and monitoring the situation should emotions run high can be very helpful to all parties involved. That’s why it’s so important that the police officers are called as soon as an accident occurs no matter how severe.
Do Not Admit That You Made A Mistake When You Have An Accident
There is one thing that a driver should never do after an accident, and that is admit fault. After an accident, a driver may feel compelled to admit that “they thought they had more space” or “they thought they had more time.” It’s natural that a driver may have heightened emotions and feel anxious, but they should still attempt to avoid unnecessary admissions of guilt. This is an important factor because any admission of guilt could be used against them. What should you say on the scene of an accident? Remember to state only the facts of what actually happened and avoid any speculation. It is not for the driver or any witnesses to determine who is to blame for an accident. Let the legal system and the insurance agency determine who is at fault for the car accident.
Visit a Doctor Immediately After A Car Accident
After an accident, it may not immediately become evident if a driver has suffered injuries. For this reason, it is important for victims of a car accident to seek medical attention immediately after the incident. It is not uncommon, even in minor car accidents for people to suffer from an injury after the event. Protect yourself and your health and consider seeking medical attention after you have been in a car accident.
Secondly, it’s essential for victims to consider seeking medical advice in order to document proof of injury. Documentation from a medical provider may allow the victim to claim personal injury against the at-fault driver. That means it may be possible to receive insurance coverage. However, if an injured victim waits too long to seek medical attention, and they end up with medical expenses, then it could lead to severe and frustrating complications when filing a claim. Seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident is a critical step that individuals need to take to ensure that they get the proper care necessary.
Seek Legal Advice While Dealing With Insurance Claims
After the accident has taken place, the driver will have to get into contact with their insurance provider, but this can often be a complicated process to handle. It can quickly become overwhelming as they have to face the intricacies of filing a claim and even potential legal actions. That’s why it’s a good decision to hire a local defense attorney to help work through the process. When an individual hires a defense attorney to help deal with the aftermath of a car accident, the law team will advocate on their behalf to ensure the victims get proper assistance and, if possible, compensation. By consulting an attorney early on, drivers are better positioned to gather essential evidence, build a robust case, and achieve the best possible outcome, whether that’s through a negotiated settlement or, if necessary, representation in a courtroom.
Key Takeaways: After a car accident, an individual must take several steps to ensure that they receive proper compensation and representation.
- The police should be contacted immediately. They will help the process run smoothly and ensure the legal procedure is followed.
- The driver should not admit that they made a mistake or were at fault. This is because it can later be used against them in any legal proceedings.
- The people involved in the accident should seek medical attention immediately. Even if it doesn’t seem like they have been injured, it may become apparent later in time.
- When dealing with insurance claims, it is advisable to hire a defense attorney to help with any complications and if it leads to legal proceedings.
At McClintock Law, we are committed to providing the best representation for each of our clients. That’s because we understand that every client deserves to have someone in their corner, and that’s exactly what you get when you hire McClintock Law. We’re here to help our clients through every stage of the process to ensure that they get the desired outcome. So if you’re looking for quality representation, contact us today for a free consultation! Our number is (309)719-7181 or visit our website at https://www.scottmcclintocklaw.com/.
