Being involved in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence is nerve-wracking. You may be shocked at what happened and unsure of how to move forward. By making an effort to remain calm, think clearly, and avoid the following five mistakes, you can ensure that your rights are protected and you collect the fair and full compensation you may be entitled to.

1. Failing to Visit Your Doctor in a Timely Manner

Even if you do not believe the car accident has left you injured, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Often times, injuries do not become obvious until days or even weeks after an accident. If you do not see a doctor or wait to see if your injuries heal before seeing one, your injuries may seem less severe than they actually are and weaken your claim.

Although you should always drive safely, doing so is particularly crucial if you have a baby in your vehicle. To reduce your risk of a car accident and keep yourself and your baby safe and sound while you are on the road, we have put together this list of five tips for driving safely with a baby.

1. Perform Regular Vehicle Inspections

Prior to the start of every season, you should perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. During this inspection, check tire condition, brake performance, light functionality, fluid leaks, and seat belt functionality. Regular inspections can create a safer ride for you and your baby.

In Chicago, more than 2,000 people are killed or seriously injured in traffic accidents each year, with an average of five serious injuries each day and one death every three days. The City of Chicago has been looking to lower the number of traffic deaths and injuries that occur, and Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently released the city’s Vision Zero plan, which has a goal of reducing deaths from car crashes by 20 percent and serious injuries by 35 percent by the year 2020. The plan’s ultimate goal is to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries altogether by 2026.

A Vision of Traffic Safety

Vision Zero is an international project that began in Sweden in the 1990s. Because of its success throughout Europe, the plan is now being put into effect across the United States. Chicago is joining cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Seattle in implementing these safety goals.

It seems like every car ride involves traveling through a road construction zone. While construction zones can be an inconvenience to motorists, they can also present an increased risk of car accidents.

Motorists should be mindful of orange cones, new signage and directions to slow down, as these areas are known to lead to accidents. For example, in 2015, 39 people died in Illinois in accidents that took place in work zones. Many more were injured.

Here are some tips from safety experts on how to drive in construction zones:

When you have been injured in an auto accident, the road to recovery may be long and difficult. Depending on the circumstances, however, you may be entitled to collect compensation for the injuries you have suffered and their effects on your life. Unfortunately, many car accident claims take months or even years to finalize, but there are some things you can do to give yourself the best chance of success.

1. Take Action Immediately

It can take a substantial amount of time for you to receive financial compensation following a car accident. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative for you to begin the process immediately. Of course, you may not have all of the pertinent information right away, but waiting too long to file a claim could be disastrous. In most cases, this begins by notifying your insurance company of the accident and letting your carrier know that you require medical care. It is understandable that you will not have exact dollar amounts—or even reasonable estimates—just yet, but if you wait until you have a pile of bills, it may be too late. Unnecessary delays may also be seen as an indication that your injuries are less severe than is actually the case.