The minutes and days after a collision shape everything that follows. What you say, who you talk to, and how quickly you seek treatment can determine whether an insurance company treats your claim seriously.
At the scene
- Call 911 and ask for a police report, even for a seemingly minor crash
- Get medical attention, and accept evaluation if paramedics offer it
- Photograph vehicle damage, positions, debris, road conditions, and traffic signals
- Collect names and phone numbers of every witness
- Exchange insurance information but avoid discussing fault
In the days after
See a doctor even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks pain, and soft tissue injuries, concussions, and disc injuries frequently appear a day or more later. A gap between the crash and your first treatment is the single most common argument insurers use to reduce a claim.
Follow your treatment plan, attend every appointment, and keep a short daily journal of pain levels and the activities you can no longer do.
Mistakes that cost injured people money
- Giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company
- Posting photos or updates about the crash or your activities on social media
- Accepting a fast settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries
- Signing broad medical authorizations that let an adjuster search your entire history
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This article is general information about Illinois law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.