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What to Do in the Event of an Automobile Accident

Written by: Charles V. Falkenberg III

Reputation Level 7

Posted about 3 years ago. Applies to Illinois, 1 helpful vote, 0 comments

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Notify The Local Police.

Immediate notification of the local police will assist in documenting the circumstances surrounding the accident at a time when the events are fresh in everyone's mind. Additionally damage to the vehicles and pain complaints will be documented so advise the officer if you have pain.

Immediately Follow Up With Medical Care If Injured.

Nothing makes a case more difficult than delayed treatment. If you hurt, then see a doctor and follow up as advised. If you simply wait to see if you improve for a week or two, it will look as if something happened in the interim to cause the injuries. Defendants love to argue that if you were really hurt, you would have seen a doctor and there is some appeal to the argument. Get medical help when injured!

Contact Your Insurance Company.

Always notify your insurance company when you have been involved in an accident. There may be medical pay benefits you have and/or property damage coverage available. Additionally, if the driver who hit you has no insurance, you may be covered by Uninsured Motorists Coverage through your own policy. That coverage will compensate you if the other driver has no insurance. (Everybody should review their own insurance policies and make sure that have uninsured and underinsured coverage. It is usually quite inexpensive and will come in very hand if a driver who hits you has no insurance.)

Don't Give A Statement To The Defendant's Insurance Company If You Are Going To Hire An Attorney.

The purpose of the statement will be to hurt your case and not help it. If you are going to hire an attorney, which is recommended, do so before you provide information to the insurance company for the other driver. Their objective is to keep their money in their accounts. It is not to give it to you.