Over the quarter-century that Kirk has been fighting for injury victims or the families of those killed because of someone else’s negligence, he has recovered tens of millions of dollars for his clients in Gurnee and throughout Lake County. He is there for his clients when and where they need him, answering their questions, providing them with peace of mind, and getting them the resources they need and deserve.
Kirk obtains compensation for clients injured or killed in:
Right after a sudden and unexpected collision, you may be in shock; you may be confused and dazed and worried about your passengers or folks in the other vehicle; you may, in fact, be seriously injured.
With all of that going on, it can be hard to think with a clear head and take the steps necessary to protect your health and your rights. Knowing in advance what you need to do, or keeping a checklist in your glove compartment, can help you in the event of an accident.
Feel free to print this checklist of eight essential things to do right after you’ve been in an automobile accident:
- Get off the road. If it’s possible to do so safely, move your car off the road and out of traffic, as close to the scene as possible. Put your hazard lights on. This can allow you to take stock of the situation and avoid any additional dangers from other vehicles.
- Call 911. You need to report the incident immediately and make sure that both the police as well as medical attention are on the way. Use your phone or request that a bystander call 911. Report basic information such as your location, your name, address, and driver’s license number and state whether there are any injuries. While you should truthfully and calmly answer all questions a first responder asks you, do not admit or imply that you were at fault.
- GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. Even if you don’t think you are hurt, it is important to seek medical attention after your accident. Some injuries don’t show any symptoms until hours, days, or even weeks later. Listen to what first responders tell you, and if they tell you to go to the ER, go to the ER.
- Exchange information with the other driver. While nerves may be frayed and there may be some bad blood between you and the other driver right after an accident, you must get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information.
- Take pictures. If you have your phone and it still works, try to take photos of the scene as well as any damage to your car.
- See if there are any witnesses. If anyone around the scene saw what happened, try to get their names and contact information.
- Contact your car insurance company. Call your insurance company and report the accident. However, do not under any circumstances admit fault or enter into any agreement with the insurance company about compensation or payment without first speaking with an auto accident lawyer.
- Speak with a Gurnee auto accident lawyer. Even if you aren’t thinking about a lawsuit or seeking compensation from the other driver, or are just intimidated about the idea of contacting a lawyer, seeking legal advice is one of the most important things you can do after a car accident. Contacting a lawyer doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a claim, or will file a lawsuit, though both may wind up being the case.
Meeting with a Gurnee auto accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, learn what your options are, and find out what you should do next. Most injury/accident lawyers offer free initial consultations, so there is no reason not to reach out to one as soon as possible.
