What Steps to Take After A Car Accident On Interstate 88

Experiencing a car accident on Interstate 88 near Naperville and Aurora can be overwhelming. Knowing the appropriate steps to take immediately after the crash is crucial for ensuring safety, complying with Illinois traffic laws, and protecting your rights. In this blog, we provide a comprehensive overview what steps you should take after being in a car accident on I-88 and how our award-winning Naperville car accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve.

1. Ensure Your Safety and Prevent Further Accidents

Stay at the Scene: Illinois law mandates that drivers involved in an accident must stop and remain at the scene. Leaving can result in criminal charges, regardless of fault or the severity of the collision.
Warn Oncoming Traffic: Activate your vehicle’s hazard lights to alert other drivers. If available and safe to do so, set up warning triangles or flares to prevent additional collisions.

2. Check for Injuries

Assess Injuries: Examine yourself and your passengers for injuries. If someone is injured, avoid moving them unless there’s an immediate danger, as movement can worsen injuries, especially to the head, back, or neck.
Call Emergency Services: Call 911 to request medical assistance for whoever was injured in the accident and to notify law enforcement.

3. Report the Accident to the Police

Wait for the Police to Arrive at the Scene: Even if the accident seems minor, it’s crucial to have a police report for insurance and legal purposes. The responding officer will interview the drivers, speak with witnesses, document the scene, and gather necessary information.
Provide Necessary Information: Illinois law requires drivers to exchange names, addresses, and vehicle registration numbers. Upon request, present your driver’s license to any involved party.

4. Document the Scene

Gather Evidence: Take photographs of damage to the cars involved in the crash, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and note details such as weather conditions and road hazards.
Create a Diagram: Sketch the positions of vehicles before and after the collision, and measure skid marks or other relevant distances. These records can be invaluable if legal questions arise later.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the Incident Right Away: Inform your car insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all collected information and cooperate fully during their investigation.
Understand Claim Processes: You can file a claim with your own insurance company (a uninsured or underinsured motorist claim) or with the other driver’s insurer, depending on the circumstances and your coverage.

6. See a Doctor

Immediate Care: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s advisable to be evaluated by a doctor. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately but can have long-term effects.
Document Medical Visits: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, as these will be essential for insurance claims and potential legal actions.

7. Contact a Naperville Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a crash on I-88, it’s important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. A local Naperville personal injury attorney can help you protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

8. Understand Legal Obligations and Rights

File Necessary Reports: In Illinois, if the accident results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500, you must file a crash report with the Illinois Department of Transportation within ten days.
Consult Legal Counsel: If there are significant damages, injuries, or disputes about fault, seeking advice from an attorney experienced in Illinois traffic laws can be beneficial.

9. Be Aware of High-Risk Areas

Interstate 88, especially near the IL-59 interchange in Naperville, is known for a high frequency of accidents. In 2015, this intersection experienced 73 accidents, a number that has likely increased in subsequent years.

10. Stay Informed About Traffic Statistics

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2022, there were 1,147 fatal crashes on Illinois roads, resulting in 1,268 deaths. This represents a 5% decrease in both fatal crashes and fatalities from 2021. Interstate 88 (I-88) serves as a vital corridor through Naperville and Aurora, but its heavy traffic volume makes it a hotspot for accidents. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in 2022, there were 34,154 crashes on freeways and interstate-type roads statewide. While specific crash data for I-88 in Naperville and Aurora is limited, IDOT’s 2023 traffic maps confirm that sections of I-88 handle tens of thousands of vehicles daily, increasing the risk of serious collisions.

Contact the Naperville Car Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Being involved in a car accident on Interstate 88 near Naperville requires prompt and appropriate actions to ensure safety, fulfill legal responsibilities, and protect your interests. By following the steps outlined above, you can navigate the aftermath of an accident more effectively. Always stay informed about local traffic conditions and remain vigilant while driving in high-risk areas.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident on Interstate 88, contact the local car accident attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates today. We offer free consultations to help you explore your legal options. Our experienced Naperville and Aurora car crash attorneys serve clients throughout Naperville, St. Charles, and the surrounding areas.

Call us at 630-527-4177 for Naperville or 630-524-2323 for St. Charles, and let our top-rated car accident lawyers provide the support and representation you need to secure the compensation you deserve.