More on What do Do After a Traffic Accident

If you’ve been involved in a traffic accident, it’s important to know the necessary first steps to take to minimize all damage and injuries, ensure that everyone is safe, and properly document all information for legal and medical reasons.

Preparation Unfortunately, many of us may not think to take precautions for an accident until a real accident occurs. It’s recommended to keep somewhere in your car a pen and paper and a recent copy of your insurance information; for those who do not have cameras built into their mobile phones, keeping a disposable camera in the car is helpful.

Get out of the road If you are safely able to get your vehicle to the side of the road, do so before beginning to gather information from others involved. If possible, park in an area that is clearly visible to oncoming traffic so as not to interfere with passing vehicles. If you must stay inside your vehicle for a period of time, keep your seat-belt on.

Remain calm This is absolutely essential to maintain control over the situation. Panic makes others panic, and the scene of an accident is no place to let emotions get the better of those involved. Everyone must be calm to determine the extent of the damage and whether anyone is injured. However, you should only speak to other drivers involved in the accident to ensure they are physically okay and obtain necessary information; otherwise, the accident should only be discussed with the police, your insurance agent, and your attorney/s.

Obtain information When everyone and their vehicles are out of harm’s way, record as many relevant details of the accident as possible. Here are some of the most important things to document:

• Names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of drivers involved;
• The year, make, and model of each car;
• License plate numbers and vehicle identification numbers;
• Insurance carriers and insurance policy numbers.

Photos taken at the scene should cover the location of the accident, damage to the vehicles, and, if possible, the drivers involved. It may also be helpful to obtain information from an on-scene police officer, including his/her name, phone number, and badge/ID number, as well as the police report number. You may also ask him/her for a copy of the accident report, which may take a few days to process.

For a more a convenient way to track information and procedures after being involved in a accident download the personal injury app.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.