What to Do After an Accident in Chicago
After an accident in Chicago, there are certain actions you must take – and others you must avoid.
At Berenz Law Network, we know how an injury claim can be compromised if you make the wrong move. We can help you pursue the compensation you deserve, and we urge you to follow these steps so that your case can progress without difficulties.
Steps You Should Take After an Accident:
#1: Call Law Enforcement to the Scene
Get law enforcement on the scene so that you are protected from other vehicles moving in the area, as well as to make a police report regarding the accident. Take the name and badge number of the officers so that the report of the accident can be obtained easily later.
#2: Get Names, Addresses and Phone Numbers
It could be important to have the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses, in addition to the other driver. In many cases, the responsible party could claim that they were not the cause of the accident, but the witnesses that were present could help to support your claim.
#3: Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Whether you have just had a slip & fall, a car accident, or you were injured in any other way, the most urgent issue is to get medical treatment. If you can move, have someone drive you to the emergency room or your doctor. This should take place as early as possible after the injury.
#4: Call Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Phil Berenz at 312-375-6524 Anytime Day or Night
Get legal representation as early as possible after the accident. At Berenz Law Network, we ensure that every detail of your case is managed professionally, with your interests as our focus. Phil Berenz and his skilled legal team take care of all the legal issues in pursuing compensation, so you don’t have to be concerned or deal with confusing legal issues.
Things to Avoid After an Accident:
#1: Don’t Admit Fault or Discuss the Accident
It is important that you don’t engage in a discussion about the accident with anyone present. When law enforcement is involved, be polite and recount the incident as accurately as possible, but you may want to avoid accepting blame – it may have been another party’s actions that led to the accident.
#2: Don’t Talk to an Insurance Adjuster
Insurance companies, even your own, are not interested in paying out the maximum amount of compensation available. They ask questions geared toward finding ways to reduce your claim. Allow our firm to take on this task so you don’t make errors that could reduce your settlement.
#3: Don’t Release Your Medical Records
If an insurance company is asking for your medical records, allow our firm to manage this process. It can make a big difference in how much you get in a settlement if this aspect of your case is managed correctly. We know how to best protect the rights of the injured – it is what we do.
Schedule Your Free Consultation in Chicago Today
Even a minor fender bender can be an upsetting experience; a more serious accident is dangerous, with the potential for very serious injuries, whether that includes broken bones, soft tissue injuries such as bruising, strains or whiplash.
The most tragic accidents can lead to permanent injuries, disabilities, disfigurement or loss of life. After any accident, the actions you take could affect your ability to get compensation. For this reason, you should not hesitate to involve our firm as soon as possible.