The Minutes After an Accident Matter
What you do in the minutes and hours after a collision shapes the insurance claim that follows. Here is the order to work through, at the scene and afterward.
At the Scene
1. Check for Injuries
Safety first. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Do not move injured people unless there’s an immediate danger such as fire or traffic.
2. Move to Safety
If the vehicles are drivable and the accident is minor, move them to the shoulder or a parking lot to avoid blocking traffic. Turn on hazard lights.
3. Call the Police
Illinois crash-reporting thresholds include injury, death, or property damage over $1,500, or over $500 if any involved vehicle is uninsured. Contact law enforcement and request the report number. The former motorist SR-1 filing requirement has been discontinued; follow the current IDOT reporting guidance.
4. Exchange Information
Get from the other driver or drivers:
- Full name and contact information
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate
Provide the same information to them. Be factual and polite, but do not admit fault or apologize. Even a casual “I’m sorry” can be used against you later.
5. Document Everything
- Photograph all vehicles from multiple angles
- Photograph the accident scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks
- Photograph any visible injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Note the time, weather, and road conditions
6. Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention promptly if you are injured or concerned about symptoms, and call emergency services for serious injuries. Some symptoms appear after the collision. Keep treatment records and explain that the symptoms followed the accident.
Filing Your Insurance Claim
Contact Your Agent or Carrier
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally the same day. Provide the facts without speculation about fault. Your agent can guide you through the process and help you understand your coverage.
Understand Your Coverage
- Collision: Pays to repair or replace your vehicle regardless of fault, minus your deductible
- Liability: Pays for the other party’s damage and injuries if you’re at fault
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury: protects you and covered passengers when an at-fault driver has no liability insurance or too little. Damage to your vehicle is a separate coverage question.
- Medical Payments (MedPay): Pays your medical bills regardless of fault
- Rental car coverage: Pays for a rental while your car is being repaired
Dealing With the Other Driver’s Insurance
If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should pay for your damages. However, their insurer works for them, not you. Be cautious:
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the other insurer without consulting your agent
- Don’t accept a quick settlement before understanding the full extent of your damages
- Don’t sign any releases without reading them carefully
Fault Determination in Illinois
Illinois is a modified comparative fault state. This means:
- You can recover damages even if you’re partially at fault, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible
- Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 20% at fault, your payout is reduced by 20%
- If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover from the other driver
When to Involve an Attorney
For minor fender benders with no injuries, the insurance process is usually straightforward. Consider consulting an attorney if:
- You or anyone sustained significant injuries
- Fault is disputed
- The other driver was uninsured
- The insurance company’s settlement offer seems low
- The accident involved a commercial vehicle or government vehicle
Protect Yourself Before an Accident Happens
- Carry adequate liability limits. We recommend at least $250,000/$500,000
- Raise uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to match your liability limits
- Consider an umbrella policy for catastrophic accident scenarios
- Keep your insurance ID card and claim contact information in the car or on your phone
Get Your Auto Coverage Reviewed
Longmeadow Insurance is an independent agency in Wilmette serving Chicago’s North Shore. We will review your car insurance and tell you where the limits are thin before an accident tests them. Request a free quote or call 847.242.1040.
Coverage We Write
Call 847.242.1040 or request a quote online.