Vehicle accidents have various causes in and around the Chicago area, and the aftermath of a crash can become confusing for those involved. This is particularly true when there are multiple vehicles involved in a single collision. Here, our team of Chicago car accident attorneys want to discuss steps you can take after being involved in a multi-car crash in Chicago. These steps can help ensure that you are treated fairly, that your claim is properly processed, and that you obtain the compensation you deserve after a collision.
Steps You Need To Take After A Multi-Car Collision In Chicago
The aftermath of any vehicle collision is going to be a confusing and scary experience. However, there are steps that victims can take immediately following a collision as well as in the days afterward to help ensure they are treated fairly and that they receive the compensation they deserve.
- Seek medical care. The most important step you can take in the aftermath of a crash is to seek medical care immediately. Right after a crash has occurred, evaluate yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries. Remember, the signs and symptoms of some car accident injuries may not become apparent until hours or days after the crash occurs. It is always better to let a doctor evaluate you soon after a crash occurs so they can make a determination of the extent of your injuries.
- Contact law enforcement. Nearly every vehicle accident that occurs in Illinois must be reported to law enforcement. Somebody needs to call 911 and ensure that police and emergency services are on the way to the crash. Police officers will conduct their initial investigation into the crash, determine liability, and complete their accident report. This information will be invaluable for your car accident claim with the insurance carrier.
- Gather evidence. If you can safely do so at the scene of a crash, gather as much evidence as possible. If you have a cell phone or another camera, use this to take pictures of vehicle damages, injuries, debris lying around the crash, causes of the crash, traffic and weather conditions, and more. You also need to get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses and other passengers and drivers involved. Make sure to get the driver’s license number and insurance information of other drivers directly involved in the collision. If you cannot safely get this information, make sure the police officers do.
- Report the incident to the insurer. You need to report any vehicle accident to your insurance carrier as soon as possible. You do not have to go into significant detail when making your initial report, but they do need to know that the incident occurred. Failing to report a collision in a timely manner to the insurance carrier could result in a claim delay or denial.
- Speak to an attorney. If you are involved in an accident caused by another driver’s actions, you should consider working with a skilled Chicago personal injury attorney. An attorney will be able to get involved in the case early and handle every aspect of the claim for you.
- Continue medical treatment. It is vital that you continue any medical treatment plans prescribed by your doctor in the aftermath of sustaining a crash injury. If you discontinue medical treatment before your doctor says you have reached maximum medical improvement, the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier could use this as a reason to delay or deny your claim.
Stay Calm And Be Smart After A Chicago Multi-Car Crash
The most important thing you can do after a crash is to stay calm, make sure you and your passengers are safe, and call for emergency services. Make sure that your well-being comes first. Multi-vehicle collisions in Chicago are scary, but you can get through this by taking things one step at a time.