The first thing you should do after a serious car accident in Decatur is call the police. In fact, you are required by law in Illinois to inform the police that you have been in an accident if someone was seriously injured, killed or there was more than $1,500 in damages.
Depending on the location of your accident in Decatur, a police officer from the Decatur Police Department (located at 707 West South Side Drive in Decatur) or a state trooper from the Illinois State Police will likely respond to your accident.
Whether a police officer or state trooper responds to your accident, they will create an accident report, which is often referred to as an Illinois Car Accident Report. This 2-page document is one of the most important pieces of evidence about your accident. That’s because insurance companies often closely review it when determining who was at fault and who should be financially compensated.
Next, have a doctor examine you. Don’t take chances with your health. As soon as possible after your accident, have a doctor, EMT or another medical professional examine you right away. Many serious, life-threatening injuries might not be visible, including internal bleeding, organ damage and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
If you suspect something might be wrong, go straight to Decatur Memorial Hospital or the nearest emergency room. And whatever the doctor tells you to do, take their advice. If not, you might not fully recover. You also might have a hard time getting the money you deserve from insurance companies. That’s because they might question the severity of your injury if you’re not following your doctor’s instructions.