1. Check for Injuries and Move to Safety
The first priority after any crash is safety. If you are able, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Many people ignore symptoms in the beginning due to shock, but even mild pain can develop into a serious condition later.
If the vehicle is in a dangerous spot, such as the middle of Lake Shore Drive traffic, move to a safe area without leaving the scene.
If you later need help identifying symptoms, our guide on Common Car Accident Injuries explains which signs should never be ignored and when you should seek immediate care.
2. Call 911 and Report the Crash
Illinois law requires you to report an accident if someone is injured or if property damage may exceed $1,500. Calling 911 ensures that:
- Chicago police arrive and create an official accident report
- Emergency medical services can evaluate injuries on-site
- The crash scene is documented for future insurance or legal claims
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene (If Safe to Do So)
Evidence collected at the scene is often the strongest. If you are physically able, gather:
- Photos of vehicle damage
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Traffic signals, stop signs, or blocked visibility
- Weather and lighting conditions
- The other driver’s license and insurance information
- Contact details of witnesses
This early evidence often determines who is found at fault. If you want to understand how Illinois evaluates fault and comparative negligence, visit Illinois Car Accident Laws for a simple breakdown.
4. Do Not Admit Fault — Even Politely
Many accident victims accidentally weaken their claim by apologizing out of politeness. Even statements like “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry” may later be used against you.
At this stage, provide only the facts to police and exchange information with the other driver , nothing more.
If you are unsure how fault is determined or how insurance tries to shift blame, our page on Types of Car Accidents explains how different crash patterns reveal who likely caused the collision.
5. Get Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, always get checked by a doctor. Car accident injuries such as whiplash, concussions, nerve damage, and internal injuries often appear hours or days later.
Seeking prompt medical care helps you in two ways:
- Protects your health
- Creates medical records that support your claim
These records later determine part of your compensation, which we explain on our Car Accident Compensation Basics page.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Most insurance companies require you to report a crash within a specific timeframe. When you call, stick to basic information:
- Where the accident occurred
- Date and time
- The vehicles involved
- Whether police came to the scene
7. Document Everything After the Crash
In the days following your accident, keep a detailed record of:
- All medical visits
- Prescriptions
- Physical therapy sessions
- Time missed from work
- Pain levels and symptoms
- Transportation receipts
- Car repair bills
8. Avoid Social Media Posts About the Accident
Insurance companies and defense attorneys regularly check social media. Even harmless posts or photos can be taken out of context and used against you:
- A photo at a restaurant could be used to argue you’re “not that injured.”
- A comment about the accident can be twisted to shift fault.
This is why most lawyers advise staying quiet online until your case is resolved. Our page on Why Hiring a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Helps explains how legal teams protect you from these tactics.
9. Consult a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Early
Speaking with an attorney early can prevent costly mistakes and increase your settlement value. A lawyer can:
- Investigate the crash
- Preserve crucial evidence
- Handle insurance communications
- Prove fault
- Calculate your true financial losses
- Negotiate for fair compensation
Most Chicago car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing upfront. For more details, visit Benefits of Hiring a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer.
10. Understand the Bigger Picture of Your Case
Taking the right steps after a crash not only protects your health but also creates the foundation for your legal case. Everything , from the police report to your medical records , becomes part of the claim process.
To understand what happens next, you can continue with:
- Illinois Car Accident Laws (How Liability Works)
- Claim & Settlement Process (Step-by-Step)
- Common Car Accident Injuries
- Compensation After a Car Accident
