Car Accidents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Car accidents happen when we least expect them. In a car accident, drivers and passengers ask, “What should I do right after a car accident occurs?”

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, call 911. Even if there is no injury to any of the passengers, a non-emergency call should still be made to the local police. Try to keep and maintain a diary of how you are feeling, your doctor or physical therapy appointments and how much time you missed from your job.

Q. What information should I receive from other drivers after a car crash?

  • Write down the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the other drivers involved.
  • Write down the license plate numbers of all of the vehicles involved in the crash.
  • Record the names and contact information of all the passengers and witnesses who are at the scene of the car accident.
  • Record the names and insurance policy numbers of the auto insurance carrier for all of the drivers and/or owners involved in the car accident.

Q. Do I talk with the police after the accident?

Yes. Every witness or participant driver or passenger may be asked questions by a police officer. The accident should be explained to the police officer, honestly describing what happened.

Q. Do I notify my automobile insurance company?

Even if you do not believe you are at fault for the car accident, you should immediately call your insurance company to report the car accident. Insurance companies require that its insured report accidents as soon as possible after they occur. You will be asked questions in general about how the accident occurred and what parties were involved. You should also contact an attorney if you have questions about injuries or responsibility for the car accident.

Q. Should I speak to the other driver’s insurance company representative?

You should contact an experience car accident attorney to learn about what your rights are. You should never give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. It is one of those situations that never seem to benefit you. Many times insurance companies would try to ask the questions in such a way as to transfer fault to you rather than its insured party. It would make no difference in the outcome should you refuse to give a statement to the other party’s insurance company representative.

Q. Should I seek medical attention even if I feel I’m not hurt?

Although you may have been in a car accident where the impact was slight, but didn’t feel injured at the time, you may not feel the same hours later. Often times individuals involved in car accidents feel the pain and the onset of injury hours or days later. It’s very important to be examined by a physician soon after the accident as is possible. Do not wait to see your doctor if you have any change in your medical condition.

Q. What other information should I obtain at the scene of the crash?

  • Take pictures even if it’s on your mobile phone of the scene, the individuals involved and the vehicles.
  • Take photographs of your physical injuries, such as cuts, bruises, wraps, braces, crutches.
  • Take pictures of the other vehicles.
  • Take scene photographs from different angles of where the accident occurred even if it’s at a later date.

Q. When is it appropriate to contact a lawyer?

You should contact a lawyer that specifically handles car accidents and is experienced. By contacting a lawyer, you will learn very quickly what your rights and obligations might be. You also might learn how important it is that you not speak to the other insurance company representative or give statements to anyone other than an attorney. By contacting an attorney, your matter will be investigated, witnesses interviewed, accident reconstruction done, police reports retrieved and medical records and bills ordered.

If you are a loved one is involved in a car accident contact Kreisman Law Offices. Since 1976, the lawyers at Kreisman Law Offices have been handling car accidents for individuals and families. The lawyers at Kreisman Law Offices offer free consultation by calling 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 or complete a contact form online. We are here to assist you and your family so that the responsible parties are held accountable for the injuries or death to drivers and passengers of cars or trucks involved in car accidents.

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