Auto accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury accidents. In fact, it is estimated that the average driver will be in an auto accident once every 17.9 years. Whether minor or severe, any auto accident is upsetting and confusing. The Chicago auto accident lawyers at Cogan & Power, P.C. are dedicated to helping Chicago motorists deal with the aftermath of a car accident, and the following are some tips on what to DO and NOT DO after an auto accident.
After an auto accident, you SHOULD:
- Pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and contact the police. Do not attempt to flee the scene of the accident, regardless of how minor the car accident seems.
- Check for injuries and seek medical attention, if necessary. You may wish to seek medical attention even if you do not have any noticeable signs or symptoms of injuries since some injuries, like whiplash and back injuries, are not immediately apparent.
- Once the police arrive, communicate only the facts about what happened.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including the names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information.
- Obtain names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- Take notes or photos of the accident scene.
- Inform your insurance company of the accident.
- Obtain and maintain all important information regarding the auto accident, including police reports, medical records, and all receipts.
- Consult with a knowledgeable auto accident attorney.
After an auto accident, you SHOULD NOT:
- Make any statements about liability or draw any conclusions about who is at fault for the accident.
- Sign any insurance documents, give recorded statements to any insurance company, or meet with any insurance company representative without first contacting an auto accident lawyer.
- Discuss the accident on social media. Information displayed on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, is public information. The safest thing to do is avoid all social media interactions for a period of time following a personal injury accident, but if you must continue using social media, you should take great care to control the content that is on your own profile and the content that is linked to you.
- Wait too long to meet with an auto accident lawyer. There are strict time limitations on when a claim can be filed for an auto accident. If you wait too long to contact a personal injury lawyer, you may waive your legal rights. Moreover, an auto accident lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence for a personal injury lawsuit and waiting too long to contact a lawyer can result in the loss of pertinent documents, information, and evidence.
Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer
The Chicago auto accident attorneys at Cogan & Power, P.C. are dedicated to keeping Chicago motorists safe and helping the victims of auto accidents obtain full and fair financial recovery. If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, do not hesitate to contact us at (312) 477-2500 to receive a free case evaluation.