Post Car Accident Checklist

Regardless of how safely you drive, it is sometimes impossible to avoid a car accident. The aftermath of a car crash can be extremely upsetting and confusing. It is natural to not know what to do, but the steps you take after a car accident can greatly help or hurt your claim. Below is a post car accident checklist that outlines the steps you should take while at the car accident scene after a crash, as well as those you should take after leaving the scene.

Checklist at the Accident Scene

In the moments immediately following an accident, the most important thing to do first is to take a deep breath and remain calm. This can help ensure that you have the presence of mind to take the next important steps, which are as follows:

• Move the vehicle off of the road, if possible.
• Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Check yourself and your passengers to ensure everyone is safe and not injured.
• Call for medical attention if there are obvious serious injuries.
• Report the car accident if there are injuries or death.
• Take photos of the accident scene, making sure to take pictures of all vehicles involved, your injuries, and to take pictures of the entire scene from various angles.
• Preserve evidence, such as a bumper that came off the car or broken property, such as your cell phone.
• Collect information from all other drivers involved, including their names, addresses, contact information, and the name and phone number of their insurance company, as well as their insurance policy number.
• Provide all other drivers with the same information you are asking from them, such as your name, contact information, etc.
• Collect names and information from witnesses.

Just as there are steps you should take, there are also things you should never do at the scene of the crash. Never admit fault for the accident or discuss the situation with anyone other than the police. Also remain at the accident scene until the police leave and do not allow your driver’s license or any other documentation to be photographed by other parties.

Checklist After Leaving the Accident Scene

Once you have left the accident scene, there are still important steps to take. These include:

• Take detailed notes of what happened at the accident scene.
• Seek medical treatment, particularly if you did not receive medical attention at the scene.
• Keep an injury journal detailing your injuries and your recovery progress.
• Contact your insurance company to inform them of the accident.
• Get the property damage of your vehicle evaluated, but do not have it fixed or replaced, as this can prevent you from claiming the full damages you deserve.

As soon as possible after leaving the scene of the accident and receiving the medical treatment you need, you should also contact a personal injury lawyer who can review your case.

Our Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help with Your Case

If you have been involved in an auto accident, our Illinois car accident lawyers at Brassfield, Krueger & Ramlow, Ltd. can assist with your case. Call us today or contact us online so we can review your claim and advise on the next best steps to take.