Many people think they’ll never be involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, car accidents are more common than you’d think. Hopefully, you’ll never be involved in an accident. But it’s important to know what steps to take after being in an accident. So let’s take a look at a few important steps to follow and how to decide when to call an Illinois car accident attorney.
First Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After being in an accident, you should always receive medical attention. Even if it was a minor accident and you don’t feel hurt, medics can check for internal damages or warning signs of injuries that may show up later on. Additionally, having records showing you received medical attention will be crucial if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit. Along with receiving medical attention, it’s important to have a police report filed and take pictures of the scene if possible. And last but not least, make sure you exchange information with everyone involved in the accident so you can remain in contact for future insurance purposes or personal injury claims. Overall, it’s important to gather as much information as possible regarding the accident.
When to Call a Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been in a very minor accident, you may not think to call a personal injury attorney. But there are a few instances where you should absolutely find an attorney as soon as possible.
- Someone was seriously injured: If anyone involved in the accident was seriously injured, whether it’s you, the other driver, or a passenger, it’s important to contact an attorney. Personal injury settlements can become complex and you’re going to want someone with experience in the field to be by your side.
- There was a fatality: Unfortunately, some accidents can be so bad that someone dies from the crash. If this happens, you’ll need the help of a lawyer. The deceased’s family may be entitled to compensation, which an attorney can help get.
- Fault is unclear: Car accidents can happen very quickly, which can sometimes make it difficult to know who is at fault. There are a lot of different factors to consider when determining fault — 32% of car crash fatalities are caused by drunk driving, with 31% from speeding, 16% from distracted driving, and 11% due to the weather. An attorney can help determine who was at fault and fight for fair compensation.
Hopefully, this article was helpful in knowing when to call a car accident attorney. If you ever are in an accident, you can trust Steigmann Law to pair you with an Illinois car accident attorney who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.