Serious accidents happen every day in and around Marion, Illinois. Whether you are driving around Tower Square or headed down Interstate 57, you encounter accident risks around every turn.
A car accident in Marion can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience. Importantly, the things you say and do after an accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
For this reason, we have compiled a checklist detailing the most important steps after a crash. For more information or to discuss the details of your accident, contact a Marion car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Steps to Take After A Marion Car Accident Checklist:
Seek Medical Attention
After a car accident, your health and well-being should be your top priority. Even if you think your injuries are minor, seek medical attention. Some injuries may not immediately manifest and can worsen over time if left untreated.
Additionally, seeking medical attention will create a record of your injuries, which you need when pursuing a personal injury claim. Without a record, the insurance company can argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim or are unrelated to your accident.
If you are in Marion, you can visit Deaconess Illinois Medical Center. They have a team of experienced medical professionals who can assess your injuries and provide the necessary treatment.
Report the Accident to the Authorities
Contact the authorities and report the accident, regardless of the severity.
By reporting the accident, you create an official record that can be useful when dealing with insurance companies and pursuing legal claims. If you have not already, reach out to the City of Marion Police Department to report your accident as soon as you can.
Keep Detailed Records
You should keep detailed records of your accident and its aftermath, even if the incident is something you want to put behind you. Records can help establish liability and damages, and without them, the insurance company can easily take advantage of you and minimize your claim or even deny it altogether.
Some of the records you should keep include:
- The names and contact information of all parties involved, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
- Insurance information of the other party involved in the accident.
- Pictures or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signage or signals.
- Medical records and bills related to your injuries and treatment.
- Any other relevant documents, such as the accident report and correspondence with insurance companies.
Additionally, keep a journal about how the accident and your injuries affect you as you recover. Make a note of pain, trouble sleeping, feelings of anxiety or depression, or everyday tasks you cannot do. This documentation can establish damages.
Do Not Provide a Recorded Statement
After a car accident, insurance companies may contact you and ask for a recorded statement. You need not provide a recorded statement.
Insurance companies may use this statement against you to minimize their liability or dispute your claim. Consult a car accident attorney before providing any statements or discussing the details of the accident with insurance representatives.
Do Not Accept a Settlement Offer
Insurance companies may try to offer you a quick settlement after a car accident. Remember that these initial settlement offers are often much lower than you may be entitled to. Accepting a settlement without fully understanding the extent of your injuries and the long-term impact on your life can leave you with uncompensated losses.
Insurance companies often get car accident victims to settle for less than they deserve.
Some of the most common include:
- Making an extremely low first offer
- Arguing that victims’ injuries are not related to the car accident
- Disputing the severity of victims’ injuries
- Drawing out the settlement process
- Misrepresenting victims’ legal rights
You are at a distinct disadvantage when you go up against an insurance company that handles car accident claims daily. Fortunately, you can level the playing field by retaining a car accident lawyer to represent you immediately after an accident.
A lawyer familiar with car accident cases will ensure that the insurance company treats you fairly and gets you the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Marion Car Accident Lawyer as Soon as You Can
Navigating the legal process after a car accident can be challenging. That's why it is important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney in Marion. The right attorney will skillfully negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and pursue any necessary legal claims to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Find the Best Marion Car Accident Attorney For You
With so many lawyers to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which one is the best fit for your case. Here are some tips to help you find the best Marion car accident lawyer:
Research their experience - Look for attorneys with extensive experience handling car accident cases.
This experience demonstrates their knowledge of the law and ability to negotiate with insurance companies and defend your rights in court if necessary.
- Read client reviews - Look for testimonials and reviews from past clients to understand the lawyer's reputation and track record. Positive reviews can give you confidence in their ability to handle your case effectively.
- Consider their resources - Car accident cases can involve complex legal procedures and may require expert witnesses, accident reconstructionists, and medical professionals. Make sure the attorney you choose has access to the necessary resources to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Evaluate their communication style - Effective communication is crucial in any attorney-client relationship. Look for a responsive lawyer who listens to your concerns and keeps you informed about the progress of your case.
- Schedule a consultation - Many attorneys offer free initial consultations where you can discuss your case and get a sense of their approach and knowledge. Take advantage of these consultations to determine if the lawyer is the right fit for you.
By following these steps, you can make sure that you get the compensation you deserve after a car wreck in Marion. Remember, the sooner you call a lawyer, the sooner a qualified advocate can protect your rights.
Adam B. Lawler
Attorney at Law / Partner
Adam Lawler is the founder of Lawler Brown. Adam is a 2004 graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law. Adam worked for a local firm until founding the Lawler Brown in 2009. Adam’s practice areas focus in Personal Injury, Business, Real Estate, Probate/Trust/Estate Administration and general litigation.
Author's Bio