Car accidents happen anywhere and to anyone. In Illinois, thousands of accidents are reported in Rockford alone every year. If you ever get involved in such an accident, you have to act smartly and in sync with state laws. One of the key steps that you can take is to contact a well-known Rockford auto accident lawyer, who can guide you through the process of filing a claim, if you have sustained injuries or losses and your share of fault is less than 50%. Here are the dos and don’ts to follow after a car accident in Illinois. 

The dos

• Call emergency services. Ensure that you call 911 soon after the accident, even if your injuries are not severe or you believe that the incident is not a major one. 
• Take photos. Try and gather as much information as possible at the accident scene. This is extremely important for your insurance claim, and personal lawsuit, if you choose to file one. 
• Contact a lawyer. Like we mentioned, hiring a lawyer will help you get the compensation that you deserve. Hire a law firm with experience and make sure that their lawyers are ready to work on a contingency basis. 
• Inform your insurance company. You should inform the insurance companies – including yours and of the party at fault – within a reasonable time. They should be at least informed that such an accident happened. 

The don’ts

• Don’t agree to anything. Do not blame anyone at the accident scene, or take blame for anything. Just wait for your lawyer to respond. 
• Talk to the insurance claims adjuster. The insurance company’s claims adjuster may call and make an offer. They may also want details from you. Don’t agree to anything or sign papers without discussing with your lawyer. 
• Do not underestimate the crash. This is an important aspect that many people do not understand. Sometimes, the injuries or impact of an accident may not be immediately apparent, and you may end up with pain and trauma later. Report an incident, so that you can take action later. 

Not to forget, ensure that you are aware of your rights. Talk to your lawyer about what you can do, the papers you may have to sign, and other details that may impact your claim. If you have a part role in causing the accident, let your attorney know, so that they can act accordingly.