Hi there. I know getting into an auto accident can leave you feeling shaken and unsure of what to do next. Whether it’s a fender bender or something more serious, how you handle those first few minutes and days can make all the difference when it comes to safety, protecting your rights, and getting your insurance claim handled the right way.
Let me walk you through the most important do’s and don’ts after an auto accident. I’ll keep it simple, just like I would if we were sitting down together in our Chicago office or if you were calling us from Aurora, Naperville, or anywhere else we serve. If you stick with me through this, you’ll feel more confident the next time you need to handle an accident—and I hope you never will.
Do Make Safety the Top Priority After an Auto Accident
The first thing you should focus on is safety. That means:
✅ Check for Injuries – Start with yourself, then check on any passengers and others involved. If anyone seems hurt or dazed, call 911 right away. Even something small can turn serious later.
✅ Get to a Safe Spot – If your car is drivable, move it to the shoulder or side street. You don’t want to be sitting in a busy lane of traffic. But if it’s stuck, turn your hazard lights on and step out of the vehicle—only if it’s safe.
✅ Call Emergency Services – Even if the crash feels minor, having the police come out helps make sure there’s a neutral report of what happened. It protects everyone involved, especially when it comes time to deal with insurance.
If you’re in Chicago, Joliet, or Rockford, getting first responders on the scene quickly can also keep traffic flowing and prevent more accidents.
Don’t Talk About Who’s at Fault Right After an Auto Accident
It’s natural to want to say “I’m sorry” or guess who did what—but this is one of the biggest mistakes people make.
🚫 Don’t Admit Blame – Even a quick apology can be twisted to sound like you’re taking responsibility. Let the police, insurance companies, and facts sort it out.
🚫 Don’t Argue at the Scene – It can get emotional, especially if someone else was clearly being reckless. But don’t start yelling or pointing fingers. Keep your cool and let professionals handle the rest.
If you’re not sure what to say, just stick to the facts. That’s your best protection, and it helps your insurance company do its job later.
Do Collect the Right Information After an Auto Accident
Think of this like gathering puzzle pieces. You’ll want to document everything you can:
✅ Driver’s Info – Get the name, driver’s license number, insurance details, and phone number from the other driver. Snap pictures of their ID and insurance card.
✅ Vehicle Details – Take down the make, model, license plate number, and damage on every car involved. Again, pictures help a lot.
✅ Witness Contacts – If anyone saw what happened, politely ask for their name and phone number. Independent witnesses make a big difference if there’s a disagreement later.
✅ Officer’s Info – If the police arrive, ask for their name, badge number, and the report number. This is something your insurer will definitely want.
And if you’re driving for work or using a company car, this is where your commercial auto insurance might come into play. We can explain how it works anytime.
Learn more about Commercial Auto Insurance here.
Don’t Skip Filing an Official Report
In Illinois, if there’s over $1,500 in property damage or someone gets hurt, you’re required to report the accident. But even if it seems minor, it’s better to file.
🚫 Don’t Assume It’s Not Worth Reporting – Damage to modern vehicles can be pricey, even if it looks like a scratch or small dent. Always double-check.
🚫 Don’t Delay – Reporting later instead of right away can hurt your case. The police report creates a timeline, records your side of the story, and helps protect you from surprises.
If you live in Aurora or Naperville, or you’re driving through Rockford, each city may have different resources and local reporting requirements. We’re happy to walk you through what’s needed based on where you are.
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We also serve Rockford, IL.
Do Take Pictures at the Scene of the Auto Accident
Thanks to smartphones, documenting the scene is easy—if you remember to do it.
✅ Capture Everything – Take wide shots of the cars, the road, skid marks, traffic signs, and anything else that could show what happened.
✅ Zoom in on the Details – Snap close-ups of damage, broken glass, visible injuries, and insurance cards.
✅ Time and Weather Matter – Photos that show cloudy skies, rain puddles, or streetlights can help explain the conditions.
These images can go a long way in helping your claim. If you’re not sure what to capture, snap more than you think you need.
Don’t Brush Off Medical Attention
We get it—you might feel okay right after the accident. But sometimes, injuries don’t show up right away.
🚫 Don’t Assume You’re Fine – Adrenaline can mask pain. A sore neck or stiff back could turn out to be more serious.
🚫 Don’t Delay a Doctor Visit – Waiting too long can hurt your health and make your claim harder. Insurance adjusters might question the delay and reduce your compensation.
Whether you’re in Joliet, Chicago, or anywhere else, getting checked out early helps both your recovery and your insurance case.
Looking for insurance in Chicago, IL?
Need help with insurance in Joliet, IL?
Do Notify Your Insurance Company Right Away
No matter who was at fault, your first call after an accident should be your insurer. That’s where we come in.
✅ Call Us Fast – At Illinois Insurance Center, we help guide you step-by-step. We’ve seen every kind of accident and know how to make the process easier.
✅ Know What’s Covered – Whether it’s repairs, medical bills, or a rental car, your policy might help with more than you think.
✅ Use Your Agent as a Resource – We’re not just here to sell insurance. Our agents are real people who care about helping you move forward.
And don’t forget—if you’ve got homeowners insurance, life insurance, or run a small business, we can review everything at once and make sure it all works together.
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Don’t Wait to Write Down What Happened
Your memory is freshest right after an accident.
🚫 Don’t Count on Remembering Later – It’s easy to forget small but important details a few days later.
🚫 Don’t Skip the Notes – Write down your version of the event, including what you saw, felt, and heard. Save it with your photos and documents.
You don’t need to be a great writer—just honest and detailed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Accidents
1. Should I move my car after an accident?
Yes, if it’s safe. Move it out of traffic to prevent more danger.
2. What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Call us right away. We’ll help you handle uninsured drivers through your own coverage.
3. Do I need to call the police for a minor accident?
Yes, especially if there’s any injury or over $1,500 in damage.
4. How long do I have to report an accident?
In Illinois, you should report to the DOT within 10 days if needed.
5. Will my insurance go up after an accident?
It depends on the details. We’ll explain your options based on your policy.
6. What happens if I’m at fault?
Your policy may still cover damage and injuries. We’ll walk you through next steps.
7. Should I see a doctor even if I feel okay?
Absolutely. Some injuries take time to show symptoms.
8. What if I don’t have photos or witnesses?
You can still file a claim. We’ll work with what you have and guide you forward.
9. Can Illinois Insurance Center help with rental coverage?
Yes! Many of our policies include that option or can be adjusted.
10. I drive for work—am I still covered?
If it’s a work vehicle, you may need commercial auto insurance. Give us a call to check.
Final Thoughts
An auto accident can turn your day upside down, but knowing what to do—and what not to do—can protect your health, your rights, and your wallet. At Illinois Insurance Center, we’ve been helping people in Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, and Rockford for over 40 years.
If you’ve been in an accident or just want to make sure you’re covered for the unexpected, let’s talk. Call us at (708) 524-4900 or contact us online. We’ll help you pick a policy that fits your life—without the guesswork.
Your safety matters. Your peace of mind matters. And at Illinois Insurance Center, you matter.
See Also:
- The New Illinois Electronic Insurance Verification System: 4 Things to Know
- 4 Benefits of Bundling Your Auto and Homeowners Insurance
- How Retailers Can Limit Product Liability Claims
- Affordable Term Life Insurance in Illinois: Simple Policies at Low Rates
- Car Insurance During Winter: Snow, Ice, and Midwest Road Hazards
