The most common personal injury case we represent in DuPage County involve car accidents.
Therefore we thought it be helpful to review, just how to react when you’re involved in a car accident.
The shock and trauma you suffer when you’re involved in a car accident compounds any resulting physical injury and often leaves you feeling disoriented. The psychological effect of an automobile crash can very easily lead to a lack of clear thinking when faced with an angry driver who wants to hold you responsible for the situation. What should you do in such a situation? Difficult as it may seem, try to keep calm and rational as you discuss the matter with the other party to the accident. When you find yourself in the middle of a busy street on 22nd Street after a road accident, it can be difficult to avoid the overwhelming feeling that you need to get out of there as quickly as possible.
1) Check for Physical Injuries
Your first concern will be to ascertain if there are any physical injuries to the occupants of the vehicles involved, yourself included. Some injuries are readily apparent immediately while others may become evident later.
2) Exchange Insurance Information, but Don’t Admit Anything
For your own personal protection, never feel obliged to admit responsibility either verbally or in writing. This is especially important if you have suffered any type of injury, visible or otherwise. By all means, both drivers can exchange insurance details but it would be in your interests to seek legal advice from an experienced DuPage County Personal Injury lawyer, such as Mark Sutter with the Sutter Law Group.
3) Consult with Experts
Considering the high proportion of automobile accidents in DuPage County, it is prudent to be cognizant of the procedure to follow when faced with such a distressing incident. Most car drivers are unacquainted with the legalities of dealing with road accidents and how to proceed when personal injury occurs. There are times in our lives when we simply have to leave some things to the experts and claiming compensation for hurt is one of them. Failing to consult the experts in such a position could prove very costly and aggravate the situation.
You might think it’s just a matter of dealing directly with your car insurance company, but remember, insurance companies are more interested in taking money from you in premiums and not so much in paying out. Seeking legal advice could mean you receive much more in compensation for injury or damage than you would by leaving it to the discretion of your insurers. Protect your own interests and take full advantage of the provisions open to you when accidents occur.
4) Keep a Record of the Accident
When you are involved in a car accident, the challenge you face is to keep a clear head in the face of the upset this can cause. Before leaving the scene of the accident, take some time to write a description of what happened while it is still fresh in your mind. This would include details of the location, the direction both vehicles were traveling and a description of how the car collision occurred. Make sure to record any comments made by the other driver related to injury or any suggestion as to accepting responsibility. These details will assist your lawyer to do the best for you in the situation.
Being involved in a car accident is never a pleasant experience. Especially, when it results in personal injury. It’s important to ensure you are well represented legally. When trying to recover compensation for damages to person or vehicle, Sutter Law Group will ensure all your personal rights are protected.
CONTACT US TODAY: 312-724-5600
