Blog Layout
LAW OFFICE OF
Brendan W. Caver DCFS, Juvenile, and Criminal Defense Attorney
What to Do After a Car Accident
Engage Team • Jul 18, 2019
What to Do After a Car Accident
The moments after you’ve been involved in a car accident can be understandably nerve rattling. However, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath are important not only for your own personal safety, but also for protecting you and ensuring the success of insurance claims and potential injury lawsuits.
Here is a quick overview of the steps you should take after you’ve been involved in a car accident. Reach out to a criminal defense attorney in Rockford, IL to learn more:
1. Get to safety:
If your vehicle is capable of being operated, pull it over safely to the side of the road and out of traffic. Depending on the severity of the accident and type of collision, this may or may not be possible.
2. Check for injuries:
Check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle to see if anyone sustained any injuries. Your first priority should be to assist anyone who is hurt.
3. Call for help:
Summon the police to the scene, and if anyone was injured, make sure you call for medical attention as well. If there are bystanders in the area and you need some help while waiting for law enforcement and medical responders to arrive, don’t be shy about flagging them down.
4. Collect information:
While waiting for police to arrive, go and talk to the other driver and collect basic information such as name, address, contact information, insurance policy information, driver’s license number, vehicle license plate and vehicle identification number. This information will be critical when processing an ensuing insurance claim.
5. Take photos:
This is another step you can take while waiting for police to arrive, and even after they arrive and begin work on sorting out what happened. Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, being sure to get shots from several different angles and distances. Be sure to also get photos of any glass or debris strewn throughout the area, as well as the conditions of the site in general. Was the road slick? Was a stoplight malfunctioning? Did the accident take place in a construction zone? These are some of the kinds of conditions you’ll want to capture in photos.
6. Talk to police:
When talking to police, answer their questions directly and make sure you stick to the facts. You don’t want conjecture to enter the police record, and you absolutely do not want to take responsibility for anything. That goes for when you’re speaking to the other driver(s) involved in the accident, as well—even an apology or a simple “I didn’t see you coming!” could be construed as you taking responsibility for the accident, and if anyone else hears you say that, it will be detrimental to any case you have.
7. Follow up with insurance:
After you’ve gotten home from the accident site and have had some time to relax, be sure to follow up with your insurance provider, inform them of the accident and provide them with all the information you gained so the claims process can begin.
For more information about the steps you should take after an accident, contact a criminal defense attorney in Rockford, IL at the Law Office of Brendan W. Caver DCFS, Juvenile and Criminal Defense Attorney.
Recent Posts
Sex crimes are serious offenses that require the attention of a specialized attorney or lawyer. If you have been accused of a sex crime or are a victim of one, it is crucial to seek the help of a sex crime attorney or lawyer. What is a Sex Crime Lawyer or Attorney? A sex crime lawyer or attorney is a legal professional who specializes in representing clients accused of sex crimes or victims of sex crimes. They have extensive knowledge of criminal law and are equipped to handle the unique complexities of sex crime cases. They provide legal guidance and representation throughout the criminal justice process, from the initial investigation to the trial and beyond. Types of Sex Crimes Handled by a Sex Crime Lawyer or Attorney Sex crimes encompass a wide range of offenses, from sexual harassment and assault to child pornography and human trafficking. Some of the most common types of sex crimes handled by a sex crime lawyer or attorney include: Sexual assault: This includes any unwanted sexual contact or activity, such as rape, groping, and fondling. Sexual harassment: This involves unwelcome sexual advances or behavior, including verbal comments, physical gestures, and visual displays. Child sexual abuse: This includes any sexual activity with a minor, such as molestation, statutory rape, and child pornography. Human trafficking: This involves the recruitment, transportation, or exploitation of individuals for sexual purposes. Why Should You Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer or Attorney? If you have been accused of a sex crime or are a victim of one, hiring a lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, which is why we’ve included the reasons to get a sex crime attorney or lawyer. Protection of your legal rights throughout the criminal justice process, which can ensure that your constitutional rights are not violated, and that you receive a fair trial. Expert legal advice and guidance throughout the case. They can explain the charges against you, the potential consequences, and your options for defense. Negotiation with prosecutors on your behalf to reduce charges, seek alternative sentencing, or dismiss the case. Aggressive defense to protect your rights and reputation. They can challenge the prosecution's evidence and build a strong defense strategy. Emotional support and guidance throughout the case, and provide a safe and confidential space to discuss your concerns, fears, and feelings. Sex crimes are serious legal offenses that require the expertise and experience of a sex crime attorney and lawyer. Whether you are accused of a sex crime or you are a victim of one, hiring the right lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Sex crime lawyers and attorneys specialize in representing clients accused of sex crimes or victims of sex crimes. They provide legal guidance and representation throughout the criminal justice process, protect your legal rights, provide expert legal advice, negotiate with prosecutors, and offer aggressive defense and emotional support.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) investigates claims of child abuse and neglect within the state of Illinois. No parent wants to get the call that they’re under investigation, but it’s important to take a deep breath and call a skilled DCFS attorney in Rockford, IL if this happens to you. An attorney will be able to help you navigate the investigation and appeal, if necessary.
LAW OFFICE OF
Brendan W. Caver DCFS, Juvenile, and Criminal Defense Attorney
Call Us
