The City of Chicago presents a number of dangers for pedestrians, who must walk in close proximity to traffic. Drivers, therefore, are responsible for behaving reasonably behind the wheel. If they fail to do so, they could be liable for the consequences of a serious pedestrian accident.
If you are involved in a collision as a pedestrian, you should always call 911 immediately before proceeding directly to your nearest emergency room. Once your injuries have been identified and treated, you should enlist legal help as soon as possible, as your ability to file a lawsuit only lasts for so long.
To get the immediate, effective, and personalized counsel that your injuries deserve, reach out to the seasoned Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers at Rhatigan Law Offices by calling (312) 578-8502. Our services begin with a free first-time case evaluation.
Most Dangerous Areas for Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago
In any instance of a car accident involving a pedestrian, there is a substantial amount of health risk to the pedestrian. However, like any other city, Chicago features certain areas where these types of accidents happen more frequently than others.
Active Transportation Alliance (Active Trans), a Chicago-based non-profit advocacy organization, released a report detailing the ten intersections in Chicago that, in their view, pose the highest risk to pedestrians every year. The list was compiled through analysis of crash data as well as feedback from staff and the general public. The ten intersections featured in the report are as follows:
- Milwaukee Ave/W. North Ave/N. Damen Ave
- Cicero Ave and W. Chicago Ave
- Halsted St/N. Lincoln Ave/W. Fullerton Ave
- Cottage Grove Ave and E. 79th St
- Dearborn St and W. Ontario St
- Ashland Ave and W. 63rd St
- Cicero Ave and W. Madison St
- Ashland Ave and W. Cortland St
- Martin Luther King Dr and E. 63rd St
- Elston Ave/N. Western Ave/W. Diversey Ave
Active Trans has and continues to advocate for the City of Chicago to make changes to these intersections to prevent harm to pedestrians. However, these locations still present a significant danger to everyone who uses them on their daily commute.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Chicago
It can be difficult to think clearly after a pedestrian accident, particularly if you have suffered severe injuries. That is why our Chicago pedestrian accident attorney have provided this helpful list of tips that you can use both at the scene of the accident and immediately after. Following the steps outlined below can help you address both your immediate health concerns and long-term recovery of financial compensation.
Call 911
You should always call the authorities immediately after you have been involved in any vehicular accident. Alert the dispatcher to what happened, where the accident occurred, who was involved, and whether immediate medical assistance is needed. Law enforcement is required to investigate and report any accident that results in death, bodily injury, or at least $500 in property damage. This report will be critical in your attempt to recover compensation. Having the authorities present is also a safeguard against the driver attempting to flee the scene without providing their identity or insurance information, which is an unfortunately common scenario that plays out after an uninsured, drunk, or panicked driver collides with a pedestrian.
Take Pictures and Video
There is only so much you can do to preserve evidence after you leave the scene of the accident. If you are so able, do your best to document the conditions of the road, the location of the accident, tire tracks, damage to vehicles or property, and anything else that you may see as relevant. While you may ultimately not need this evidence, it is always safer to have it than not.
Talk to Eyewitnesses
Sometimes, the most effective evidence in a lawsuit is the personal testimony of individuals who witnessed the accident. However, this evidence is also the hardest to gather after leaving the scene of the accident. Do your best to acquire names and contact information of any willing individuals who saw the accident happen.
Get Medical Treatment
Once you leave the scene of the accident, you should be headed for your nearest emergency room. You may also choose to visit an urgent care facility, but, depending on your injuries, they may simply redirect you to a hospital that can provide the type of assessment and care that your condition requires. Even if you feel that you escaped without injury or are not badly hurt, you should always get professional medical evaluation. Many resulting conditions of a pedestrian accident, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and internal bleeding, may not be discovered without the testing and assessment that is only available at emergency rooms. We recommend that you do not wait for an appointment at your primary care physician’s office, as these providers are often too busy to see you immediately and may not accept the other party’s car insurance as payment for the cost of your care.
Statute of Limitations for a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Chicago
After you have received your medical assessment and treatment, your next step should be to contact your Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer. This is because the clock has already begun to tick on your ability to file a lawsuit. Under Illinois’ statute of limitations, all pedestrian accident injury lawsuits must be filed in court no more than two years from the date of the accident. Preparing your official complaint can take some time, and courts take the statutory deadline seriously, so it is imperative that you act quickly to preserve your opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries.
Contact Our Chicago Pedestrian Accident Attorneys for Legal Help Today
When you call the Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers at Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 right now, you can obtain a free initial case assessment.
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