It is reported that there are over five million car accidents each year in America. Luckily, most accidents will cause property damage only. And that means vehicle damage. However, there will be accidents that will cause personal injuries to passengers or motorists. Some injuries will be fatal. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you will have to protect yourself by contacting auto accident attorneys in Chicago. 

Here are four things you need to do after being involved in a car accident. 

Provide an Accurate Statement

When law enforcement arrives at the accident scene, you need to be prepared to tell the officer what happened without leaving out crucial details. If you can’t remember what happened, you need to make it clear to him or her. Don’t fabricate or speculate. You may get yourself in trouble if you don’t speak the truth. If you are injured, make sure you say it to the officer. In most cases, injuries will be apparent a few hours after the accident. You should ensure the statements provided by other parties involved are accurate. 

Share Essential Information to Law Enforcement

Naturally, the police officer involved in your case will have to get the right information. Yet, if the officer does not arrive at the scene as soon as possible, you need to get personal details of the parties involved. That means the driver and the passengers. Also, you will need to know whether the people involved are insured. If there was a witness or witnesses, you need to speak to them. If possible, you can allow the lawyer to contact them. If a police officer arrives at the scene, they will offer the driver a report number. The number is vital since it will be used to get a police report. Ensure you cooperate with law enforcement if you want to avoid problems. 

Get Medical Attention

In most situations, car accidents will cause injuries that will not be apparent unless you seek medical attention. Most victims will report the injuries after a day following a car accident. If you are not sure, you need to seek medical attention from a nearby health care center or talk to your doctor. Even after a minor car accident, you can suffer from a severe injury. If you were dazed for a short time after a collision, you might suffer from internal bleeding. If not detected early, it can cause behavioral changes. 

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

The most crucial thing you need to do after a car accident is to speak to a professional injury attorney. The lawyer will protect you as you pursue the claim and will ensure evidence has not tampered. Often, most insurance firms will want to get the statements. You must understand your options before offering a statement. Speaking to an experienced personal injury lawyer will help when you decide to pursue an injury claim. The attorney will provide legal advice and will increase your chances of getting a fair settlement. You will also have the opportunity to recover as he or she works hard to get you what you deserve. They work on a contingency fee basis. That means legal fees will be dependent on you getting compensation.