What to Do After a Car Accident That's Not Your Fault
Key Takeaways
- Get medical attention promptly — gaps in treatment can be used to question your injuries.
- Document the scene: photos, the other driver's information, and witness contacts.
- Report the crash, but be careful about giving recorded statements to the other insurer.
- You generally have two years to file an injury claim in Illinois — but evidence fades fast.
Being injured in a crash you did not cause is frustrating and stressful. The steps you take in the hours and days afterward can have a real effect on your health and on your ability to recover compensation. Here is what to focus on.
1. Get medical attention
Your health comes first. Even if you feel “okay,” some serious injuries — concussions, soft-tissue damage, internal injuries — do not show symptoms right away. Prompt treatment protects your health and creates a medical record that ties your injuries to the crash.
2. Document the scene
If you are able, gather as much information as you safely can:
- Photos of the vehicles, the roadway, traffic signals, and your visible injuries.
- The other driver’s name, license, insurance, and license-plate number.
- Names and contact information for any witnesses.
- The responding officer’s name and the crash-report number.
3. Report the accident carefully
Report the crash to your own insurer as your policy requires. You are not obligated to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company, and adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that can minimize your claim. It is reasonable to speak with an attorney before providing one.
4. Keep track of your losses
Save medical bills, keep a simple record of missed work, and note how your injuries affect your daily life. These records help establish the full value of your claim — not just medical bills, but lost income and the impact on your life.
5. Know the deadline
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. That may sound like plenty of time, but evidence disappears, memories fade, and insurers move quickly. Acting early protects your options.
How an attorney can help
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but in a serious not-at-fault crash, an attorney can handle the insurance companies, preserve evidence, and pursue the full value of your claim while you focus on recovering. Ori Law Group offers free, confidential consultations — there is no cost to learn where you stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
You can report the accident, but you are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer. It is reasonable to speak with an attorney before doing so.
How long do I have to file a claim in Illinois?
Illinois generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, though shorter deadlines can apply in certain cases. It is best to act well before the deadline.
Injured and Not Sure What to Do Next?
Get a free, confidential consultation with Ori Law Group.