Triangle Auto Service, Inc
4060 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
aWhat To Do In Case Of An Accident in Chicago
Screeching
tires, crunching metal – it’s an accident! If you’ve ever been in a car
accident in Chicago, even a minor one, you know how upsetting it can be.
It’s hard to think straight and know what to do.
Let’s review what you should do in case of an accident:
When
an accident occurs, you should always stop. Leaving the scene of an
accident in Chicago is considered a crime - even if it’s not your fault.
And hit and run penalties are fairly severe, possibly resulting in
steep fines, loss of your Illinois driver’s license or even jail time.
Your
jurisdiction may require that you try to help someone who is injured by
calling for help or performing first aid if you are able. Warn other
Jefferson park and Norwood park motorists by putting out flares, using
your flashers or lifting your hood. Call Chicago emergency services as
soon as possible. Tell the operator if medical or fire help is needed.
Always
file a Chicago police report. It’s tempting to skip this if everything
seems to be ok. But without a police report, the other guy can say
whatever he wants about the accident later, and you’ll not have an
objective report to help defend yourself. Discuss the accident only with
the police. Emotions are strong after an accident and we naturally want
to talk about it – don’t. Never admit fault or guilt to anyone
including the police officer. Sometimes we may feel at fault, but in the
eyes of the law, the other guy is responsible.
Truthfully give
the officer the facts: such as "I was going thirty miles an hour" not "I
wasn’t speeding". Remember, anything you say to the officer or anyone
else can be used against you.
Also get the officer’s name and ID number and ask where you can get a copy of the accident report.
Get the facts on the driver and owner of the other vehicle:
Name
Address
Phone number
Date of birth
Driver’s license number and expiration
Insurance information
Also
take down a description of the other Chicago vehicle, license plate and
vehicle identification number. Most Illinois auto insurance companies
don’t record license plate numbers, so the VIN number is the best way to
track the vehicle.
Ask witnesses, including passengers, to wait
for the police. If they can’t wait, ask for contact information and
request that they write a brief description of what they saw. If someone
refuses to leave their name, write down their license plate number so
the police can track them down later if necessary. Always call your
insurance agent or your insurance company. Call or see a physician if
you think you may have been injured. For vehicle repairs, call Triangle
Auto Service at 773-539-5858
Contact Triangle Auto Service to learn more about what do do in case of an auto accident.
You can find us at:
4060 N. Elston
Chicago, Illinois 60618
Or call us at 773-539-5858
Triangle Auto Service 4060 N. Elston Chicago, Illinois 60618 773-539-5858 www.triangleradiator.net. www.triangleradiator.com, www.triangleradiator.net, www.chicagobrakerepair.com