You may be a good driver but not everyone on the road is one. That is why you may get involved in some sort of accident at some point in your life. So, God forbid, if you do get in an auto accident, avoid bad decisions by reading this article and learning the basics.

Being in an accident will make you overwhelmed and shocked. But remain calm and tick-off this checklist, to restrict any financial damages:

● Determine the Extent of Damage – Check if anyone needs urgent medical help, in order to avoid any fatalities. Call 911 instantly and get medical aid for yourself and others involved in the accident. 

● Do Not Move – Let your car remain in the exact position it has stopped in. If you are not causing major disturbance to the traffic flow, then remain as it is. It will be helpful later on in gathering information to make a claim.

● Contact the Police – Once you have called for medical help, directly call for law enforcement. Even if it is a minor accident, it is better to get the police involved to take care of the legalities in the long run. 

● File a Report – It is crucial that you file a police complaint of the auto accident. The police officials at the site of the accident will help you or you can contact the nearest police station. With a filed report you can be sure to get your insurance claim.

● Gather the Facts – Make a list of all the information you remember about the accident. Take pictures or make recordings if you can. This helps in making a claim for your insurance and avoiding any unexpected financial claims from other parties. 

● Don’t Get Trapped – The insurance company or lawyers of the perpetrator will try to blame the accident on you. Make sure that you do not show weakness and contact the best professionals to prove the guilty party wrong.

● Exchange Information – It is important that you get information about everyone who is involved in the accident. This will help you keep track of witnesses that may help in your insurance claim. The information you need to get is:

▪ Names

▪ Address

▪ Phone number

▪ Driver’s license

▪ License plate number

After the Accident – Filing a Claim 

 If you are the injured party, then make sure that you file a claim for the damages. In the State of Illinois, you only get limited time after an accident to make a claim. So immediately contact an effective auto accident agency that can provide you with experienced lawyers, like the Rockford Car Accident Lawyer. This will ease your burden and let the professionals do their work. 

Following this list will keep you protected and help you avoid bumps in the legal process after the accident. Follow our advice, so that you can make the best possible claim and assure monetary recovery from property damage or injury.