While vacations are intended to rejuvenate and allow you to forget about the stresses of everyday life, they do not exempt you from personal injury. Unfortunately, there are numerous ways one can get injured while on vacation. One may increase their chances of recreational accidents, slip and fall accidents, and other incidents if they try to have fun and let their guard down. The most typical cause of personal injuries while traveling in Chicago, however, is a car accident.
If you do end up in a car wreck in Chicago while traveling, it can be a frightening and confusing experience. You may be unsure of what to do or where to seek assistance. Fortunately, some legal advice can assist you in getting through this hard time.
This blog post will go over the steps you should take if you are in a car crash while traveling. So, if you find yourself in this situation, continue reading.
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Table of Contents
Do not flee the scene
It is critical to never flee the scene of a car accident, regardless of its severity. Abandoning the scene of an accident can result in costly penalties and even criminal prosecution in most states. If you are on vacation in Chicago and end up leaving the scene of an accident, you could face fines ranging from $200 to $15,000, as well as up to five years in prison.
2. Examine yourself and others for any injuries
If you are involved in a car accident and are injured, call 911 right away. If you are unable to move, you should remain where you are and wait for emergency responders. Chances are, someone else saw the accident and will call 911 for you. Simultaneously, if you are not injured, inspect the other party to ensure they are also okay.
3. Collect evidence and share information
Use a mobile phone or another camera to photograph the damage, accident causes, injuries, weather and traffic conditions, and other details if you can do so without further harm at the scene. Make a note of any eyewitnesses’ contact details, as well as the driver’s insurance information and license number.
4. Make an exact record
When the cops arrive, make sure to inform the officer(s) of everything to the best of your ability. Inform the officer if you are unaware of certain facts. Make no guesses, assumptions, or misstatements about the facts. If you are unsure whether you have been injured, say “not sure” instead of “no.” Often, the injuries and pain caused by car accidents surface hours after the collision. You should also see to it that the statements made by other people involved in the crash are correct.
5. Hire a personal injury attorney
One of the first things you should do if you have been involved in a car accident is to appoint a Highland personal injury lawyer. A personal injury attorney can help you traverse the legal system and get the compensation you deserve. If you are unsure how to locate a personal injury lawyer, you can ask family and friends for recommendations, or you can search online for lawyers in the area. When interviewing potential lawyers, inquire about their approach and experience in car accident cases. You should also inquire about their rate of success in similar cases. Pick a lawyer who makes you feel at ease and who you are confident will fight for you.
6. File an insurance claim
If you have been in a car accident, you must file an insurance claim. This is true even if you did not cause the accident. Make contact with your insurance agency as soon as possible after the accident. You must provide them with all relevant details about the accident, including the date and time of the incident, as well as the contact information of any eyewitness. Your insurance provider will look into the accident and assess who was at fault after you file your claim. They will then supply you with compensation accordingly.
7. Drive with caution
While understanding what to do after an accident is important, it is best to drive with extreme caution while traveling solo to guarantee the safety of yourself, your vehicle, and other drivers. Always wear seatbelts, keep your eyes on the road, and obey local traffic laws.
Conclusion
Because Chicago is a busy city, fender-benders and even more serious accidents are common. Plenty of the time, the involved parties can simply exchange information and move on, but in some cases, legal representation is required. Arm yourself with these car accident legal tips for determining what to do following a car accident in Chicago.
