Illinois drivers that know what to do immediately after an auto accident can potentially minimize (and perhaps even avoid) legal problems, and perhaps even save someone's life.

Before you even get behind the wheel, make sure you have liability insurance and proof of auto insurance.  Failing to carry your identification, vehicle registration or proof of insurance is illegal under Illinois law.

Always stop your car to assess the accident.  If it is possible and safe to do so, pull your car over to the side, out of the way of remaining traffic.  Stopping the car will allow you to assess the situation, attend to any medical emergencies that might have resulted from the collision, contact medical or law enforcement, and if necessary, exchange insurance information with the other driver.  Even if the collision was minor, driving off is always a mistake, and can even subject you to criminal prosecution. 

If there are injuries, immediately call 911 to request assistance.  Note that injuries can include even dull pains, memory loss, dizziness, or other "imperceptible" harms.  If in doubt, a doctor should be sought out.  Attending to medical issues that resulted from the collision should always be the first order of business.

Be sure to exchange insurance and other contact information with the other driver.  If you hit an unattended vehicle, the law requires you to notify the owner, or to leave a written message with your name and contact information.  Failing to do so can result in strict penalties. You are entitled to receive the same information from other drivers as well. Get names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident, make notes of the important aspects of the collision, and diagram the exact position of the vehicles before and after the accident.  This information is sometimes useful later on, and it is always easier to obtain right after the incident.

Here are some additional notes to protect you: