Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury and death in the United States. They’re also one of the most common reasons individuals file personal injury claims and lawsuits.
Proving liability in these situations can be tricky, especially if you’re dealing with medical bills or need to rely on eyewitness reports to prove your case. When you’re involved in a car accident, there are several questions you should be asking. The answers to these questions could make filing a claim much simpler and straightforward.
To learn about what information you should get after a car accident, continue reading.
5 Questions to Ask After an Auto Accident
When a car accident happens, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But staying calm and knowing what to ask can help protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Before talking to witnesses or thinking about insurance, start with these three important questions:
- Is Everyone Involved Okay?
Before anything else, check on everyone involved in the accident— That includes yourself, your passengers, the other driver, and anyone else nearby. Call 911 and ask for an ambulance if anyone is injured, even if the injury seems minor. Safety is always the first priority.
- Who Should I Contact Right Away?
You should contact the police, even if the accident is small. A police report provides an official record of what happened and may help your case later. If you’re hurt, request an ambulance when calling 911.
- What If I Think I’m at Fault?
If you believe you might be at fault for the collision, stay calm and don’t admit guilt at the scene. There may be factors you aren’t aware of yet.
Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault.” Stick to the facts when speaking to the police and let the investigation determine what happened. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and what steps to take next.
Following these questions, you should be asking yourself what you need from the other driver.
- What Information Do You Exchange When in a Car Accident?
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- Contact and auto insurance information (including insurance company name and policy number)
- Full name, address, and phone number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Make, model, and color of all vehicles involved
It’s wise to take pictures of all information, if possible. This means snapping pictures of driver’s licenses, insurance cards, business cards, and vehicles. You should also photograph the accident scene, any nearby debris, and road and weather conditions.
The Importance of Car Accident Witnesses
Another important thing to do after a car accident in Illinois is to speak with witnesses. Locate anyone nearby who saw the collision and can describe what happened between you and the other vehicle(s) involved. This prevents the case from becoming a mere argument of your word against another driver’s. It also provides an unbiased, more well-rounded view of the situation.
However, witnessing a car crash isn’t always easy for the person in question, and sometimes people are reluctant to get involved. It’s important to approach each witness with respect and ask for their assistance rather than demand cooperation.
- What Questions Do I Ask a Witness?
Below is a list of questions you should ask anyone who was a witness to your accident:
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- What time did you see the accident? – Details lend credibility to their account.
- What did you see and/or hear, and where exactly were you in relation to the accident?
- Was anyone else with you when you witnessed the accident? If so, who was it?
- Do you believe weather conditions contributed to the accident?
- Did you hear the other driver say anything after the accident occurred? – Sometimes, the other driver might say something aloud that helps prove they weren’t paying attention to the road, committed a moving violation, etc.
- How far apart were the vehicles when you saw them collide? – Approximate distances and general details help produce a clearer picture of what happened.
- Did you have a clear, unobstructed view of the accident when it occurred?
- Did you notice the other driver taking part in distracted driving, like texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road?
- Who got out of their vehicle first?
- What did you do after the accident? – A straight answer to this question may support the fact that the witness remembers details clearly.
- Where were you going at the time of the accident? – This helps determine what the witness’s state of mind was like at the time of the accident. (A witness who was distracted or running late to an appointment may not be a reliable source of information.)
- What did others do after the accident? (e.g., pedestrians, other drivers, passersby, etc.)
- Do you know anyone involved in the accident?
- Did you notice any other witnesses in the area who may be able to provide more information?
- Do you have any expertise that could support your observations? – This may include healthcare workers, police officers, car mechanics, etc.
- Is there any additional information you can provide regarding the accident?
Once you ask the following questions, get the witness’s contact information. This allows you or your car accident attorney to reach out later with any further inquiries.
Finally, ask the witness if they would be willing to file a statement with the police. A police report is a vital piece of evidence that can be used in court to support your case. You can also ask the witness to write down their observations, complete with their signature. This helps prove they are confident in their recounting of the collision.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer With Questions
A car accident can leave you shaken, but knowing the right questions to ask and who to contact afterwards can make a big difference. It’s also crucial to speak with witnesses and gather as much information as possible to strengthen your case.
At Crosby Law Firm, we’re here to guide you every step of the way after you’ve been involved in an accident. Contact us today for a free initial consultation. Our experienced car accident lawyer in Rockford, IL, can help you get all the information you need to file successfully. As a locally owned and managed firm, we’ve been providing comprehensive legal support to personal injury victims since 1980.
