Most people don’t think about what to do after a car crash until they are in one. However, if you’ve just been injured in a motor vehicle accident, it can be difficult to know what to do. If you weren’t at fault for the accident, should you file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company or your own?
After an accident in Illinois, you should file a claim with your insurance company even if you weren’t at fault for the crash. You can also file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
Why You Should File a Claim with Your Own Insurance Company
You should file a claim with your own insurance company after a car crash because:
- Your insurance policy may require you to report any accident, whether you were at fault or not.
- Depending on the terms of your policy, you may have coverage for damage to your vehicle.
- Your insurance company can help you deal with the other driver’s insurance if you aren’t at fault for the crash.
- Your claim can help document the accident, which may support a later lawsuit.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Illinois
After a car crash in Illinois, there are several steps you should take:
- If anyone was injured in the accident or had more than $1500 of property damage, you must report the accident to the police.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Take photos or video of the damages and injuries.
- Get contact information for any eyewitnesses.
- File a claim with your insurance company.
- Contact a personal injury attorney.
- File a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
Having your attorney handle all communications with the other driver’s insurance company is always best.
Fault in Car Crashes in Illinois
In Illinois, fault determines whose insurance company will pay compensation after a motor vehicle accident. When a car crash occurs, the insurance carriers investigate and decide which driver was at fault.
If the other driver’s insurance company accepts that their driver was at fault, they will offer a settlement to compensate you for your losses. The settlement should cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the other driver’s insurance company doesn’t accept that their driver was at fault, you may have to take them to court.
If you have a collision coverage policy, your insurance will cover your vehicle repairs even if the other driver is at fault.
Contact a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today
If you were in a car accident in Illinois and you were not at fault for the accident, a motor vehicle accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Bonifield & Rosenstengel, P.C., helps injury victims in Illinois. We know how overwhelming it is to be injured in a car accident, and we have decades of experience helping people in your situation. Call Bonifield & Rosenstengel, P.C., or contact us online today for a free consultation.