What should you do if you are involved in a motor vehicle crash?
Each year, thousands of Illinois residents, are involved in motor vehicle crashes. At Wolter, Beeman & Lynch we have often been asked, what should I do if I am involved in a motor vehicle crash?
When involved in a crash, a driver must stop immediately, remain at the scene, and provide the following information:
- the driver’s name & address
- the name of the owner of the vehicle; and
- the vehicle registration number.
- upon request of the other person, exhibit his or her drivers license; and
- upon request of a police officer, exhibit his or her insurance card
If injuries occur, drivers must also render reasonable assistance, which may include seeing that injured persons are taken to a doctor. If injuries are suspected, call 911 immediately. However, unless you are knowledgeable in rendering first aid, it is often better to leave emergency treatment to qualified professionals. You can actually inflict greater injuries upon persons if you attempt to help them without having the proper training and knowledge.
If you are injured in such an accident, the other drivers insurance company will likely attempt to take your statement shortly afterwards. Adjusters have been known to seek statements from injured persons even while they are still in the hospital and taking strong pain medication. These insurance adjusters have been trained to take statements and almost certainly have an interest that is in direct conflict with your own. For all of these reasons, it is usually a good idea to consult an attorney before talking to any representative of the other parties’ insurance company.
