Increase Holiday Season Accidents

According auto insurance industry statistics, American drivers will get into an accident—or file for insurance collision claims — every 17.9 years. This means that, statistically speaking, all insured drivers will get into an accident before they turn 35, and have about three to four accidents over the course of lifetime. The good news is that these accidents are not likely to be fatal, but even minor injuries sustained in a car accident can have long-lasting effects. Knowing what to do immediately following a car accident can mitigate not only the effects of injury, but legal and financial consequences as well.

Illinois state law requires that all persons involved in an accident in which injuries were sustained remain on the scene of the crash until police arrive. All drivers — if not incapacitated — involved in the accident can exchange insurance information while waiting, but if anyone is injured someone should call 911 immediately. When police arrive, be sure to get the contact information of the officer who arrived on the scene, and ask how to obtain a copy of the police report. If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information as well — especially if a driver involved leaves the scene. There is usually a relatively tight statute of limitations as to how long you can wait to contact your insurance company to make a claim. Be sure to know your policy specifics.

Reviewing this information, and a basic crash course in accident procedures, is especially important during the holidays. As more people take to the roads for holiday travel, there is an increase in holiday season accidents. This also means traffic fatalities understandably increase. This is exacerbated by the fact that drinking and driving also spikes during the holiday season, and that people tend to travel longer distances. The average Christmas or New Year’s trip is 275 miles, compared with a national average of 261 miles for the rest of the year.

If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident this holiday season caused by another driver, you are likely eligible for compensation. Do not go through it alone. Contact an experienced Chicago car accident attorney today.