If you witness a car accident in Chicago, your top priority is safety, both yours and others. Pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911 to report the incident. Only approach the scene if it’s safe and never move injured people unless they’re in immediate danger. After emergency services arrive, you may be asked to give a statement.
If you have questions about what to do after witnessing a crash or need help with insurance, call Insure on the Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060 for local guidance and support.
What Should You Do Immediately After Witnessing a Car Crash in Chicago, Illinois?
When you see an accident, the first thing to do is get yourself and your vehicle out of harm’s way. That means pulling over to a safe location and turning on your hazard lights to alert others.
Once you’re in a safe spot:
- Call 911 and report the location, number of vehicles, and if there appear to be any injuries.
- Stay calm and wait for first responders to arrive.
- Do not enter a busy roadway or block emergency vehicle access.
Chicago traffic is often congested, especially on expressways like I-90 or Lake Shore Drive, so avoid standing in traffic or becoming another hazard yourself.
Are You Required to Help at the Scene?
Illinois law does not require bystanders to intervene or provide first aid. However, the state’s Good Samaritan Act generally protects those who choose to help in good faith.
If you choose to assist:
- Only provide first aid if you are trained and confident in your ability.
- Never move someone with a suspected spinal or head injury unless they’re in immediate danger (e.g., from fire or oncoming traffic).
- Stay with the injured person and offer reassurance until paramedics arrive.
Even if you don’t assist physically, staying to provide witness information can be incredibly helpful to first responders and those involved.
What Information Should You Gather at the Scene?
If it’s safe, documenting the scene can be helpful for both police reports and insurance claims. Avoid interfering with emergency crews or putting yourself in danger to do so.
Here’s what to note:
- Time, date, and exact location of the crash
- Vehicle makes, models, and license plate numbers (if visible)
- Any unusual behavior or contributing factors (speeding, weather, etc.)
- Photos or video from a safe distance, if appropriate
- Contact information of other witnesses
Once the police arrive, give a clear, factual account of what you observed. Your report could be key in determining fault or supporting a legal claim.
Will Witnessing a Crash Affect Your Insurance?
No, simply witnessing a car accident does not impact your insurance. However, your eyewitness testimony can play an important role in someone else’s claim or case.
Key facts to know:
- Illinois follows an at-fault system for auto insurance claims.
- The minimum required insurance is 25/50/20: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage.
- If the at-fault driver flees the scene, uninsured motorist coverage may be used by the victim.
If you are ever involved in a similar situation or unsure about your coverage, contact Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 to speak with an expert about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Am I legally obligated to help if I witness a car accident in Illinois?
A: No, Illinois law does not require witnesses to assist. However, Good Samaritan protections apply if you choose to help safely and in good faith. Staying on the scene to report what you saw is still a responsible and valuable action.
Q: Should I move an injured person from the scene?
A: Only move someone if they are in immediate danger (e.g., fire). Otherwise, wait for paramedics, as moving them could cause more harm. Let trained first responders assess and handle any medical situations.
Q: What details should I give to 911?
A: Provide your location, the number of vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and whether the vehicles are blocking traffic or on fire. Giving accurate, calm information helps emergency responders arrive faster and prepare accordingly.
Q: Can my statement as a witness help with an insurance claim?
A: Yes. Your observations can help police and insurance companies determine fault, especially if the drivers provide conflicting reports. A neutral eyewitness can be critical to clarifying what happened.
Q: Will my insurance rates go up if I witness a crash?
A: No. Being a witness has no impact on your auto insurance rates unless you were somehow involved in the incident. Simply observing and reporting the event carries no financial risk to your policy.
Get a Quote Today!
Whether you’re involved in an accident or simply want to make sure you’re covered for any situation, Insure on the Spot is here to help. We’ve been serving Chicago drivers for decades and understand Illinois laws inside and out. Call 773-202-5060 or get a Free Quote Online Today to protect yourself and those around you.