BELLEVILLE, IL — Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, a personal injury law firm serving Belleville and the Metro East area, has released a public guide detailing essential steps for individuals to take following a car accident. The guide aims to help drivers navigate the immediate aftermath of a collision, emphasizing actions that can preserve health and support potential legal claims.
The firm, which has recovered more than $50 million on behalf of clients including a $20 million recovery in a fatal rear-end collision and a $2 million settlement from a head-on crash, draws on its extensive experience in motor vehicle accident cases. Co-founder John Hipskind noted, "An accident can disrupt your life in an instant. While many people are understandably focused on their recovery, the steps they take at the scene and in the days that follow can affect their ability to pursue compensation."
The guide outlines four key steps: prioritize safety and seek medical attention, report the accident to law enforcement, document the scene thoroughly, and consider legal guidance before speaking with insurance companies. It advises drivers to check for injuries and call emergency services even if injuries appear minor, as conditions like whiplash may not show symptoms immediately. Contacting law enforcement ensures an official accident report, which can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Documentation is another critical component. The guide recommends exchanging contact, driver's license, and insurance information with all involved parties, and if safe, photographing vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signs. Witness contact information should also be collected. The firm warns that insurance representatives may request recorded statements soon after an accident, and individuals may benefit from understanding their legal rights before providing detailed statements or signing documents.
Hipskind & McAninch represents clients in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, and premises liability cases. The firm's founding partners, John Hipskind and Brady McAninch, previously represented corporate defendants, an experience that informs their approach to personal injury claims. The guide reflects the firm's commitment to educating the public about the legal process after serious accidents.
For more information on the steps to take after a car accident, visit the Hipskind & McAninch website at https://www.hipskindmcaninch.com/.
