Although car accidents are
more prevalent during the winter months, what you need to do
after an accident never changes. Obviously it’s hard to
think clearly following a car crash so it’s important to
know before you get into an accident what to do first and
what questions may need answered. This checklist will help
you know what to do after a car
accident. It’s best to review it now and then keep a copy of
this newsletter with you in your car.
1) Determine the Extent
of Injuries or Damage: Please try to stay calm. Panic
can make others panic and the situation worse. There needs
to be a calm person to determine the extent of damage and to
determine if there are any injuries that need immediate
medical attention.
2) File a Car Accident
Report with the Police: Even in a minor accident it is
important to make sure there is a legal accident report. Do
not leave the scene until the police file a full report.
3) Discuss the Car
Accident Only with the Police: With everyone all shook
up it can be hard not to talk about what just happened, but
that can also lead to you not thinking clearly and
accurately about what happened. It is important to limit
your discussion of
the accident and not to admit any fault or liability. You
should talk about the accident with the police and your
insurance agent only.
4) Get the Facts:
This is the part most people know to do, but often forget to
after the accident for one reason or another. It is
important to get names, address, and phone numbers of
everyone involved in the accident. A description of the car
and license plate number can also be helpful, but make sure
you also get their insurance company and the vehicle
identification number of their car. Don't just assume the
license plate number will do because most insurance
companies only record the type of car and the vehicle
identification number, not the license plate number.
5) Call Your Lawyer As Soon As Possible: Call our
office immediately, remember that you want to protect your
legal rights knowing that your car and medical bills will be
paid by the party how caused the accident. Sometimes
following an accident you’re upset yet you want to remain
calm and collected at all times. This can save you a lot of
time and aggravation while waiting for your claim to be
processed.
Experience counts. Results matter.
FRANKS & RECHENBERG, P.C. 1301 Pyott Road, Suite 200
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 847-854-7700
Fax: 847-854-7848
Franks & Rechenberg, P.C. handles McHenry County
Automobile accident cases, Personal injury cases including but not limited to
construction accident cases, product liability cases, medical malpractice cases
and, dog bite cases in the following Cities, towns and villages in McHenry
County, Illinois: Algonquin, Barrington, Bull Valley, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox
Lake, Fox River Grove, Harvard, Hebron, Holiday Hills, Huntley, Island Lake,
Johnsburg, Lake in the Hills, Lakemoor, Lakewood, Marengo, McCullom Lake,
McHenry, Oakwood Hills, Port Barrington, Prairie Grove, Richmond, Spring Grove,
Union, Wonder Lake and Woodstock. If you were injured in McHenry County call
Franks & Rechenberg, P.C.
Franks & Rechenberg, P.C. handles Lake County Automobile accident cases,
Personal injury cases including but not limited to construction accident cases,
Product liability cases, medical malpractice cases and, dog bite cases in the
following Cities, towns and villages in Lake County, Illinois: Antioch,
Barrington, North Barrington, Lake Barrington, Fox Lake, Gurnee, Grayslake, Lake
Villa, Ingleside, Lindenhurst, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights,
Round Lake Park, Waukegan, Wauconda, Zion, Highland Park, Libertyville,
Mundelein, Long Grove. If you were injured in Lake County call Franks &
Rechenberg, P.C.
