Call the police
By law in Illinois, you are required to contact the police if you have been involved in an accident that results in a serious injury or more than $1,500 in damage. It’s also in your best interests to have the police respond to your crash. That’s because the investigating officer will fill out an Illinois car accident report. This document is one of the most important pieces of evidence in support of your injury claim. Often, insurance companies will review your accident report to determine who was at fault and how much money to pay injury victims.
Depending on where your accident took place in Champaign, a police officer from the Champaign Police Department or a state trooper from the Illinois State Police will likely respond to your crash. Make sure to write down the investigating officer’s name and badge number. That way, you can contact them later if necessary about your accident.
Have a doctor examine you
Don’t try to diagnose yourself after your accident. Have a doctor, an EMT or another medical professional examine you after your accident. You might have a serious, life-threatening injury and not even realize it. Such injuries may include organ damage, internal bleeding and serious head injuries, including concussions and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
If necessary, seek immediate medical attention at OSF OnCall Urgent Care or another nearby hospital or medical facility in Champaign. And whatever the doctor tells you to do, follow their instructions. If you don’t, your recovery might take longer. You might also have a hard time getting the money you deserve from insurance companies, who may raise doubts about your injury due to the fact that you ignored your doctor’s advice.