What to do after a serious car accident in Illinois

If you are in a serious car accident in Illinois, what you do in the first few minutes can affect your health and your legal rights. Knowing the right steps helps you protect yourself from the start.

Stay at the scene and call for help

Illinois law requires drivers to stop after any accident. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death is a felony. Penalties range from a Class 4 felony for failing to stay to a Class 1 felony if a death occurs and you do not report it within 30 minutes.

Call 911 immediately. Police will secure the scene and file an official report. That report becomes key evidence for any insurance or legal claim that follows.

Gather information and document the scene

Once you are safe, exchange information with the other driver. You will need:

• Full name and contact details: Write down phone numbers and addresses.
• Driver’s license number: Note the state and license number.
• Insurance information: Get the carrier name and policy number.
• License plate and vehicle details: Record the make, model and year.

Take photos of all vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs and any visible injuries. Witness contact information is also worth collecting, as witnesses may not appear in the final police report.

Get medical care right away

See a doctor even if you feel fine. Injuries like whiplash and concussions may not show symptoms for hours or days. A timely evaluation protects your health and creates a record that links your injuries to the crash.

Delay in treatment gives insurers a reason to argue that your injuries were not serious or even unrelated to the accident.

Notify your insurance company

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Do not agree to any settlement before you understand the full scope of your injuries and damages.

When speaking with a lawyer makes sense

Serious accidents often involve disputed liability, significant injuries or complex insurance questions. An attorney can help you understand your options and avoid mistakes that could affect your claim.