What To Do After a Car Accident in Illinois

A car accident can turn an ordinary day in Illinois upside down in seconds. Your heart is racing. You may be hurt. You might not know what to do first.

It is hard to think clearly in that moment. But the steps you take right after a crash can protect your health and also help any insurance claim or personal injury case you may have later.

This simple guide walks through what to do after a car accident in Illinois so you can stay as calm and prepared as possible.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Crash?

Your first job after any crash is safety. Do these things in order, as best you can:

1. Take a breath and check for injuries. Look at yourself, your passengers, and people in the other car. If anyone might be hurt, call 911 right away.

2. Call 911 even if you are not sure. Tell the operator there has been a car accident and if anyone is in pain, bleeding, trapped, or dizzy. Let the dispatcher decide what kind of help to send.

3. Move to a safe place if you can. If the cars are drivable and it is safe, move them out of traffic to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights. If the vehicles cannot be moved, stay in a safe spot away from traffic until help arrives.

4. Do not argue about fault at the scene. It is natural to say “I’m sorry” after a scary event, but try not to apologize or guess who caused the crash. Simply focus on safety and gathering facts.

5. Stay at the scene. Leaving can cause serious legal trouble, even if you think the damage is minor.

What Information Should I Collect at the Scene?

Once everyone is safe and emergency help is on the way, start collecting basic information. This will be very important for the police report, your insurance company, and any lawyer who helps you later.

Get this from every driver involved:

• Full name
• Phone number and address
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Insurance company name and policy number

You can write this down, but many people find it easier to use a phone to take clear photos of driver’s licenses, insurance cards, and license plates.

Also note:

• Date and time of the crash
• Exact location (street names, mile markers, nearby businesses)
• Weather and road conditions
• Direction each vehicle was traveling

These small details can be hard to remember later. Writing them down right away keeps the story clear.

Why Are Photos and Videos So Important?

Photos are one of the best ways to “save” the scene of a crash before anything changes. They help your insurance company and, if needed, a jury see what really happened.

Take photos or short videos of:

• All vehicles involved, from several angles
• Close-ups of dents, broken glass, and other damage
• Tire marks, debris, and fluid on the road
• Traffic lights, stop signs, or yield signs nearby
• The wider scene, including intersections and lanes
• Visible injuries like bruises, cuts, or swelling

Try to do this before the cars are moved, if it is safe. If police or a tow truck have already moved the vehicles, you can still take photos of the damage and the area.

These pictures can later support your story if the other driver changes theirs or the insurance company questions what happened.

Should I Talk to Witnesses?

Yes, witnesses can be a big help. People who saw the crash from outside your car may notice things you did not, such as speeding, running a light, or using a phone.

If anyone stops at the scene, politely ask:

• Their name
• Phone number
• Email address

You can also ask them what they saw and write down or record a short statement, but even just having their contact information is useful. Your lawyer or the insurance companies may speak with them later.

When Should I See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor as soon as you can after a crash, even if you think you are “okay” or just a little sore.

Here is why:

• Adrenaline can hide pain for hours or days.
• Some serious injuries, like head, neck, or back injuries, may not show full symptoms right away.
• Early treatment can keep a small problem from becoming a big one.

Tell the doctor exactly how the crash happened and every part of your body that hurts, even if the pain seems minor. Follow their advice about rest, medicine, and follow-up visits.

Keep copies of all medical records, test results, and bills. These will matter later if you bring a car accident injury claim.

Why Does Keeping Records Help My Case?

After a crash, it helps to treat your injury like a story you are putting together. Every document is a page in that story.

Helpful records include:

• Medical bills and receipts
• Records from the ER, urgent care, or doctor’s office
• Prescriptions and receipts for medication
• Letters from your job about missed work or light duty
• Tow, rental car, and repair bills
• Notes about pain, sleep problems, and things you can no longer do

You can keep these in a folder, or scan them and store them electronically. In serious cases, lawyers often use this paperwork to show how the crash changed your daily life and to support compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and future care.

Do I Need to Call the Police for a Car Accident?

In most crashes, it is smart to call the police, even if the damage seems minor. The officer can:

• Make sure everyone is safe
• Help move vehicles or direct traffic
• Take statements and write a report
• Note the road conditions and visible damage

Many insurance companies want a police report before they pay certain claims. That report can carry a lot of weight if there is a dispute about who caused the crash.

If the crash is very minor and officers tell you they will not come out, ask how you can file a walk-in or online report later. Follow those instructions and keep a copy for your records.

When Should I Call My Insurance Company?

Let your auto insurance company know about the crash as soon as you can after things are stable. Many policies require prompt notice.

When you report the crash:

• Stick to the basic facts: when, where, how, and who was involved.
• Do not guess about injuries or long-term problems. It is okay to say you are still being evaluated.
• Do not agree to a recorded statement or quick settlement until you understand your rights.

Remember, even your own insurance company is a business. The adjuster’s job is to pay as little as possible. Be polite, but careful. Talking with an attorney before giving detailed statements can protect you.

When Should I Call a Car Accident Lawyer?

Some very small fender-benders with no injuries may be handled directly with insurance. But you should strongly consider talking with a lawyer if:

• You are in pain or had to see a doctor
• You missed work or will miss work in the future
• The other driver denies fault or blames you
• The insurance company is pressuring you to settle fast
• A loved one was badly hurt or killed in the crash

In more serious cases, including those that may involve wrongful death, a lawyer can:

• Investigate the crash and gather evidence
• Deal with insurance adjusters so you do not have to
• Organize your medical records and bills
• Explain what fair compensation might look like
• Prepare your case for court if settlement is not fair

Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law is a Peoria-based firm that helps people across central Illinois after serious crashes, including truck accidents and other major collisions. You can learn more about us on our Our Firm page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Illinois

Do I have to move my car after a crash?

If your car is drivable and there are no serious injuries, it is usually safer to move your car out of active lanes of traffic to avoid another collision. Before moving it, take a few quick photos of the vehicles in their original positions, if you can do so safely. If the vehicles cannot be moved, turn on hazard lights and wait for help.

What if the other driver will not give me their insurance information?

Stay calm and do not argue. Call the police and let them handle the situation. Make a note of the other vehicle’s license plate number, make, model, and color. Your insurance company and lawyer can often use that information to track down coverage.

What if I start hurting days after the crash?

This is very common. See a doctor as soon as you notice new or worsening pain, and tell them about the car accident. Delayed symptoms can still be related to the crash. Keep copies of any new medical records and let your insurance company and lawyer know about the change.

Should I post about my car accident on social media?

It is better not to. Insurance companies may look at social media posts and try to use photos or comments against you, even if they do not tell the whole story. Until your case is over, avoid posting about the crash, your injuries, or your activities.

Can I handle a car accident claim on my own?

For minor property damage and no injuries, some people do handle claims on their own. But if you are hurt, the medical bills add up, or fault is disputed, having a lawyer can make a big difference. A free consultation with a car accident lawyer can help you understand what your claim might really be worth before you decide.

How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident in Illinois?

Illinois has time limits, called statutes of limitation, for filing lawsuits after a car crash. The exact time can depend on your situation and who is involved. Because time can pass quickly while you are focused on healing, it is wise to speak with a lawyer as soon as you can after the crash to avoid missing any deadlines.