What to Do After a Springfield, IL Car Accident
According to the 2024 Car Crash Facts shared by the Illinois Department of Transportation, motor vehicle crashes exceeded 300,000, translating to over 10 people injured per hour. Almost 21% of these accidents were injury crashes (63,109), and less than 1% accounted for fatalities (1,085). The report further states that approximately 833 accidents occurred, and 3 people were killed per day.
However, the data doesn’t reflect how those car accident victims coped with personal injury and physical and emotional pain, not to mention the difficulties they faced while dealing with the insurance company. If you’ve been involved in a collision near the State Capitol, Medical District, or in Sangamon County, you can get a free consultation from a Springfield, IL car accident lawyer as soon as you can.
This guide will help you ensure your safety and health, and walk you through other important stages, such as addressing legal and insurance requirements.
Immediate Safety Measures After Springfield, IL Car Accident
First of all, you need to check for car accident injuries. Assess yourself and your fellow passengers. Now, pay attention to the vehicles. If an accident occurred on a highway, move the cars to safety (if they’re operable) to keep the traffic moving. You can move them to the side or a parking spot nearby.
Meanwhile, call the emergency service (911) and the Illinois police for further investigation. If it’s a serious car accident, better let the emergency services conduct a thorough assessment of your injuries.
Don’t panic or leave the accident scene until a police officer has cleared you to do so. Keep in mind that if a person involved in a crash leaves the scene, it may lead to hit-and-run charges.
Report The Accident
Illinois law requires drivers to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500. A police report creates an official record that becomes valuable evidence in any insurance or legal proceeding. So, do not skip this step.
What if the Illinois state police do not respond? If the police do not respond to the accident scene, you have the option to file a written report with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Don’t forget to obtain copies of the police reports. You can request the report from the Illinois state police or local Springfield authorities.
Gather Information About the Springfield Car Accident
An experienced car accident lawyer would advise you to gather as much information about the scene as you can. Exchange details, such as the name of the at-fault driver, their contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details.
Check whether the other driver’s insurance is too low to cover the cost of the incident. You can claim the remaining amount through underinsured motorist coverage. Also, if there were bystanders at the time of the accident, collect their names and contact information, which will be used in the legal process.
Car accident cases become stronger with concrete evidence present on the scene. So, take pictures of the car damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Also, note the names and badge numbers of the responding officers.
Medical and Legal Follow-up
It is advisable to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident. You may be asked for follow-up visits till you achieve maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Major and Minor Injuries from a Car Accident
Seemingly minor injuries, such as Whiplash injuries, cause stiffness and neck pain, resulting in poor performance. Soft tissue injuries, such as ligament damage or muscle strain, may result in absence from work.
Traumatic brain injuries from auto accidents affect cognitive abilities and memory. For serious trauma in the Springfield region, the Southern Illinois Trauma Center at Memorial is the only Level 1 trauma center.
Serious injuries, such as spinal cord or back injury, can cause permanent disability. Similarly, broken bones or internal injuries require repetitive medical treatment. Seeking medical attention establishes injury documentation critical for insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
Notify Your Insurer
Inform your insurance company about the accident promptly. In doing so, stick to the basic facts. Insurance companies normally react quickly to offer compensation. In most cases, the total amount received by the victims falls short of the actual damages.
They also want to know whether the accident was your fault. Neither accept your fault nor record a statement, because both can be used against you during the legal process.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer in Springfield, IL
Speak with a car accident lawyer in Springfield, IL, before giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company or accepting a settlement. At Lowe Law Group, we offer a free case evaluation and charge no legal fees until you recover compensation.
What To Do To Get a Fair Settlement
Fair compensation is directly related to the damages you suffered after the car accident.
- Economic damages include medical expenses, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and future care costs.
- Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Wrongful death damages encompass funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of the loved one.
Therefore, it is important to document medical records and track lost wages. A free initial consultation with Lowe Law Group can help you evaluate your settlement. Our team of medical experts, forensic experts, and personal injury attorneys will prove liability and establish a strong case on your behalf.
Call Lowe Law Group
Lowe Law Group has been serving clients from across Central Illinois for over a decade. We have a history of winning personal injury cases, helping the car accident victims get the money they deserve. Our experienced team of medical and legal experts will assess your case, identify negligence, and protect your legal rights throughout the litigation process.
Over the years, we have won over 13000 personal injury cases and recovered $550 million for our clients. Contact us for legal consultation.
