Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Has a motor vehicle accident left you injured? Are you unable to return to work or are you suffering a permanent disability? Are you unsure about where to turn for help? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you can turn to the law firm of Seidman Margulis & Fairman, LLP. Our Chicago car accident attorneys have over 75 years of combined legal experience, and we will put our experience to work for you.

If you were injured in a car, truck, motorcycle, or another type of motor vehicle accident, you may be not only unsure about where to turn for help but also unsure about what to do first. Fortunately, our lawyers can provide guidance from the very beginning as you seek compensation for your injuries.

Our attorneys will handle all of the legal aspects of the aftermath of an accident, from fielding calls from insurance companies to filing all of the paperwork necessary to begin a claim, so you can focus on what is most important — recovery.

If an accident occurs in the middle of a street, drivers are at risk of a secondary crash from oncoming traffic. It is important to get the vehicles out of the way, if possible, such as moving to the shoulder of the road. If a car is disabled, occupants should stay out of traffic. When exiting the vehicle, it is safest to go to the sidewalk or shoulder and wait for law enforcement.

If there are serious injuries, an ambulance should be called immediately. Those choosing not to be treated right away should see a doctor as soon as possible, since it may take several days for injury symptoms to show up.

The police should be called after a collision, no matter how minor the crash seemed. Law enforcement is trained to help determine how the accident occurred, which may help later in a legal case. It is also useful to get the other driver's insurance information, as well as to take pictures of the crash scene and obtain witness information.

Drivers should be careful not to admit fault after a crash. A seemingly simple statement like "I'm sorry" can be seen as an admission of guilt. The only things that should be signed in relation to the incident are police statements and documentation for the insurance company. It is also wise to remain at the scene of the crash, if possible, as long as authorities and others involved in the accident are there.

It is always smart to think ahead and anticipate an accident, no matter how unpleasant the thought. Therefore, a vehicle that is stocked with emergency flares, accident cones and a first aid kid is one that is prepared for a fender bender. In addition to the standard insurance and registration information, it can also help to include copies of each family member's medical information in the glove compartment. This could include the name and phone number of the family doctor, as well as any health conditions and allergies to medications that emergency personnel would need to know.

Chicago residents who are prepared and understand the steps to take after a collision may find it easier to recover from the stress of the situation in the weeks to follow. It may also be beneficial to speak with a Chicago car accident attorney if someone was hurt.

Seeking medical attention for your injuries is the first thing you should do after an accident, and seeking legal advice should be one of your next priorities. By contacting the personal injury attorneys at Seidman Margulis & Fairman, LLP, as soon as possible after your accident, you will gain peace of mind from knowing that you have someone on your side who is working diligently to ensure your future financial stability.

Call (312) 781-1977 today to schedule a free initial consultation at one of our conveniently located law offices. You can also email our firm today to schedule your free consultation. We have offices in Chicago, Deerfield, and Belleville, Illinois, so we have an office near you.