What To Do If You’re Hit By A Car

Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys fight for your rights

The moments following a pedestrian accident can be very confusing. At first, you may not even be sure about what just happened. As you realize you’ve been in an accident, you may be confused about what to do next. The pedestrian accident attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. can help guide you every step of the way.

There are certain steps you can take after being involved in a pedestrian accident that can help ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. The actions you take can also help you take legal action to hold a negligent driver accountable and recover the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Get Medical Attention

If you seem to feel OK after a crash, you may think that you do not need to see a doctor. You just want to collect insurance information and get on with your day. You could be injured without realizing it, however, and those injuries could get much worse without treatment. Let a doctor conduct an exam to make sure you are healthy. A doctor can also document your injuries, which can help your claim for compensation.

Contact the Police

Call 911 or have someone else call. The police who arrive on the scene usually ask you to fill out an “Illinois Motorist Report.” You can complete a police report on the scene, at the station or online. (The printed version is a white piece of paper with red ink.) Follow the instructions and complete it as best as you can. An accident report is often a critical piece of evidence when pursuing financial compensation for your injuries.

Collect Information

This includes contact information for the driver involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. Get their names, address, and phone numbers. Unfortunately, drivers involved in pedestrian accidents in Chicago have been known to give fake names and phone numbers. So be sure to also write down the license plate, make and model of the vehicle that hit you.

Collect Evidence

Take photos of the accident scene – the car that struck you (including the license plate), your injuries, and any landmarks or traffic signals. Also keep a record of the medical treatment you receive, beginning with the first medical exam you get following the crash. One way to keep track of medical bills, is to put them all in a large envelope or folder.

Get Legal Advice

It’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. We offer a free consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney. We can review the details of your accident, explain your legal options and answer any questions that you have. An attorney can also tell you what to expect as your case moves forward.

Our attorneys know how to build strong cases that get results. Our legal team starts by investigating your crash to find out what really happened. We know where to look for evidence that shows the driver was negligent. We fight the insurance company for a resolution of your case that meets your needs, either through a negotiated settlement or a jury verdict.

Learn more about how we can help you with your case. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our pedestrian accident attorneys. Keating Law Offices is committed to helping you get the best possible outcome in your case.