Illinois has about 140,000 miles of roads and streets. It is also the 5th busiest interstate highway system in the United States with stretches like I-90/94, I-290, I-294, I-80, and more. According to statistics, there has been a 14% increase in speeding in Chicago, with the majority of crash fatalities happening on the city streets and Interstate roads.
As the roads and highways tend to get congested, there are greater chances of auto collisions happening. Therefore, whether you sustain a fender-bender in Barrington or collisions in Skokie, it’s essential to head to an Illinois collision repair center near you. They will assist you with the right steps to promptly get your vehicle repaired correctly and promptly recover from any losses.
Here are the steps you can follow after an automobile collision in Illinois:
- Stop Your Vehicle Immediately
Whether you have collided with a pedestrian or another vehicle, you need to stop your automobile or car. No matter the severity of the collision, failure to stop can get you into more trouble and criminal prosecution in the state of Illinois. Do whatever is needed to warn oncoming traffic if you are unable to move your vehicle aside.
- Give Aid to the Injured
Illinois law mandates that the driver of any vehicle involved in a collision provide assistance to injured parties and seek immediate medical care. If you or the opposite party have sustained any injuries, call 911 for immediate assistance.
- Call the Police and Exchange Information
No matter how minor the collision is, you should call the police to the scene so that they can guide you through the process. The police report may help file claims as well. Moreover, you should also exchange information. According to the motor vehicle laws in Illinois, drivers should share information including name, address, registration number, and driver’s license number.
- Assess the Damage and Gather Evidence
There are greater chances for the car to have damages after a collision. Therefore assess whether there are any extensive damages. Also, take pictures of your vehicle and the auto body damage. Make your private notes of the events that led to the collision. Was there any speeding involved? What direction did the opposite vehicle come in? And, what was the position of your car after the collision? These are some pieces of information you need to gather. Ensure to gather any photographic evidence of road signs, obstructions, landmarks, skid marks, and other elements that can help you determine the cause of the collision.
- Call a Tow Truck if Needed
If your vehicle is not starting or not in a running state, call an Illinois collision repair service station near you to take your car to the nearest repair place. They will help you complete auto collision repair for vehicles of all sizes and types. As a result, you can get your vehicle up and running as soon as possible.
- Contact your Insurance
According to the Illinois state laws, you have to notify your automobile insurance company within ten days after the incident. While filing a claim, you may need to attach the police report, vehicle damage assessments, medical records, and other evidence to cover your losses. You can enlist the services of a reputed lawyer to file a claim and negotiate with insurance adjusters to get rightful compensation. You also need to file a written motorist crash report with the Illinois Department of Transportation.
- Request a Repair Estimate
Leading Illinois collision repair shops provide repair estimates to fix the damages in your vehicle and also take it up with your insurance providers to submit a report. They will recommend the best strategy for restoring your car back to its condition and get you back on the road safely.
- Auto Body Repair
If the collision caused significant damage to the vehicle and you have an older model, your insurance company in Illinois may determine that it’s not cost-effective for repairs. They can label it as a ‘total loss’ if the repair estimates exceed the cost of the vehicle’s current value.
After you receive approval from the insurance, you can authorize the repair shops to begin repairs to procure the needed parts to undertake the repairs. First structural repairs are done, and then bodywork is completed. Subsequently, all exterior parts will be attached and prepared for auto body painting.
- Final Inspection and Delivery
After completion of repairs and other necessary work, your vehicle is ready for a test drive. If everything is functioning well, your car is ready for delivery. Most auto body repair shops in Illinois also specify the duration of repair along with the cost estimates.
In the event of a collision of your vehicle in the local streets or Interstate highways in Illinois, it’s imperative to get in touch with Illinois collision repair services for damage assessment. Work with leading professionals to get your car repaired in no time and get complete peace of mind to fix your prized asset.