DuPage County Injury Lawyers

Every 12 minutes in the United States, someone is killed in a car collision. Many auto accidents are the result of speeding, distracted driving or auto defects. In DuPage County, weather-related accidents are commonplace, as are cell phone accidents and alcohol-related accidents. Collisions have become so prevalent that most motorists are likely to be involved in at least one accident in their lifetime. Do you know in Chicago what to do after an auto accident? Every motorist should be prepared in case they are involved in a collision, no matter how serious.

Chicago Auto Accident Attorneys

The events following a car accident can be chaotic, particularly after head-on accidents. The first thing to do is ensure that you and the occupants of your vehicle are safe and any injuries are treated right away. Common auto accident injuries can have even more devastating effects if not treated promptly. If anyone needs medical attention, contact emergency services immediately. Even in minor bumper-to-bumper crashes, you should call the police immediately, as well. If you know first aid, provide any urgent care to those who require it, and then do the following:

• Move vehicles and people out of traffic – If able, move your vehicle to the side of the roadway so that it does not present a danger to other motorists. Many deadly rear-end accidents occur when vehicle occupants fail to get their vehicles out of harm’s way. And all too frequently, pedestrian accidents occur when people who have been in an accident, or those who stop to help, are not fully out of traffic lanes.
• Exchange information – Once everyone has received medical attention, police officers will often ask all parties to exchange insurance information. They will also gather all relevant contact information and provide it to both drivers for future reference.
• Document the scene – Use a camera or smart phone to take detailed pictures of the accident scene, including both vehicles, close-ups on any particularly damaged areas, and any information you may have regarding injuries from all vehicles. Medical care providers and injury lawyers will need this information. Also, document anything that may have played a role in the crash, such as road design defects.

One of the most important things to do is to write down your version of events as soon as possible, while the crash is still fresh in your mind. Encourage any passengers who were with you to do the same. Document as much detail as possible. This information can be more helpful to auto accident attorneys than any version of events collected long afterward.

Seek Representation

Anyone who has been involved in any kind of accident can benefit from contacting an attorney as soon as possible. At Cary J. Wintroub & Associates, we see the devastating results of car accidents every day. Our auto accident attorneys will answer your questions and help you determine your rights following an accident. Contact us for a free consultation by calling (312) 726-1021.