Steps to Take Immediately after a Car Accident

 Posted on March 28, 2014 in Personal Injury

Over the course of an individual's life, involvement in a car accident may occurr. And when involved, even if it is a minor accident, drivers can be caught off guard. Emotions may run high in the moments following an accident, as drivers quickly try to assess their well being and any damage done to their vehicles.

Yet those involved in a car accident for the first time may not know the appropriate steps to take immediately after the crash. However, these steps are important to know and remember in order to protect yourself and ensure proper protocol is followed. Illinois law and state agencies provide useful information on this topic to drivers.

Illinois Law on Reporting a Crash

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) offers instructions for reporting a car crash. Per Illinois law, a written report of an accident must be submitted to the Administrator of IDOT within 10 days of the accident. Specifically, law requires that drivers of a vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury, death, or property damage of at least $1,500 be reported. There are some cases that require a report even if the damage is at least $500, and if the vehicle is not covered by liability insurance.

Drivers involved in an accident are required to immediately notify the proper law enforcement agency of the accident, such as a local police department, county sheriff, or the Illinois State Police pending the location of the accident. Once police arrive on scene, they will investigate the crash, if they are able, and will take the first steps in completing the paperwork used to report accidents in Illinois.

The set of forms that are used contain both the police report and the motorist report. The officer will complete the report, and that information will be copied onto each motorist report. A partially completed motorist report will then be provided to each driver who completes it and submits it to IDOT within the applicable 10-day time period.

Motorists must provide information related to proof of insurance. In addition, they must relay information about any injuries sustained in the crash, an estimate of repair costs for damage done to their vehicle, and any damage sustained by property other than their vehicle. All information provided must be true and accurate.

Additional Advice

The Illinois Tollway gives additional advice to motorists who are involved in an accident on their roads. This information is useful to those involved in a car accident on other roadways as well. It is advisable to exchange information with the other driver, even before an officer arrives on scene. Here is a list of information you should obtain from the other driver:

• Name;
• Address;
• Phone Number;
• Driver's license number and state in which it was issued;
• License plate number;
• Vehicle identification number, type of vehicle, and its make, model, and year.

The tollway also encourages drivers to move vehicles off of the road if they are not injured and if their car is drivable in order to avoid hazardous conditions for other drivers.

Contacting a Lawyer

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the crash, as well as the types of injuries or property damage sustained, contacting an experienced car accident attorney is advisable. If you were involved in a car accident because of someone else's carelessness, you should speak with a legal professional immediately. Contact the attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices in DuPage County today for a consultation. We can discuss the facts of your specific case with you and provide you with expert advice.