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If you are involved in or injured during a pedestrian accident, knowing what to do in the aftermath can be crucial. Not only can your actions save your life, but they can also help you establish a personal injury claim that allows you to recover some of your losses.
Our pedestrian injury attorneys want to help you through the challenges you face after a wreck by ensuring you understand how to proceed. A dedicated legal team could help you determine what steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Chicago.
If able, pedestrians must take certain actions immediately after a Chicago collision to keep themselves safe. This includes getting out of traffic to reduce the risk of further harm and checking those involved for injuries.
It is unsafe to move an individual if they have been hit by a vehicle and are unconscious or severely injured. Internal injuries and broken bones can be made worse by attempting to relocate an injured individual. Instead, those unharmed should stand close by to alert other vehicles and call 911 for help.
Contacting Chicago law enforcement is another important step to take following a pedestrian accident. The best way to report a collision is to dial 911. Law enforcement should be contacted even if injuries seem minor, and individuals are required to report a wreck that:
When calling 911, it is essential to provide details of the accident and the contact information of those involved. Reporting the relevant vehicle’s license plate number can also be beneficial.
At no point should a victim or those with them admit fault. Illinois is a comparative negligence state, meaning you can still recover a percentage of damages based on your responsibility, even if partially at fault for an accident. However, admitting to fault will potentially reduce the amount of compensation you can receive.
If able, Chicago pedestrians should also take action to document the scene of their accident. This may involve taking photographs of the collision and surrounding area, as well as writing down what happened.
It is also imperative to collect witness statements, which may be required if a claim is filed against the at-fault driver. These statements will be necessary when gathering information about the collision and determining liability.
Even if you feel fine after a wreck, seek medical attention immediately. When examining an individual involved in a Chicago pedestrian accident, a doctor may look for:
You should report any changes you feel following the wreck. Even minor pain can be a symptom of something more significant, and not all injuries will be felt immediately.
The damages recovered after a pedestrian collision will depend on the extent of the injuries sustained and the degree of fault attributed to those involved. This compensation is available to help victims cover present and future medical expenses, lost wages or future loss of income, and diminished quality of life, including pain and suffering and mental anguish.
Knowing the steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Chicago is vital for both your safety and legal security. If you have been injured in a pedestrian crash, contact McCready Law for help seeking the compensation you deserve.