The weather is getting warmer in Illinois, and because of this, more and more people are spending time outside. Whether it is though jogging, walking your dog, sightseeing, or simply walking for exercise, it can be fun and rewarding to walk the streets of the greater Chicago area. However, with the increased frequency of pedestrians, there is also an increase in car-pedestrian accidents. Data shows that pedestrian fatalities in Chicago have been rising for the last five years and sadly, 46 pedestrians lost their lives in accidents during 2017. If you have been injured by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian, there are certain steps you must take to protect yourself financially, medically, and legally.

Get to Safety and Call the Police

Pedestrians can be struck by vehicles for a myriad of reasons. Sometimes the driver is distracted or not looking where he or she is going while other times the driver is impaired by alcohol. Even good drivers can make a mistake which causes a pedestrian to get hurt. If you have been struck by a vehicle, first try to get out of the way of traffic. Secondly, call the police. Ideally, the person who struck you will stay with you and wait until the police arrive.

While you wait, get the driver’s contact and insurance information. If he or she does not seem willing to wait or starts to speed away, make a note of the vehicle’s license plate number, make and model, and a description of the driver. When police arrive, they will help you create an official police report which will be invaluable when working with insurance companies or if you pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

Get Evaluated by a Medical Professional Even If You Believe Your Injuries Are Minor

Human bodies can do an amazing pain-blocking trick when they are abruptly injured. After you are hit by a car or involved in a car accident, your body will be flooded with the hormone adrenaline. This “fight or flight” hormone can make you feel that you are much less injured than you really are. Always go to the hospital after being hit by a car. If you wish to seek compensation for your medical bills or time off of work, you will need to have your injuries documented by a medical professional.

Call an Attorney

If someone else’s negligence causes you injury, you deserve to be compensated. A personal injury lawsuit can help you recover damages for things like medical bills, physical therapy, future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

At the Wheaton, Illinois, law office of Walsh, Knippen & Cetina, Chartered, we work with accident victims to get them the full financial compensation they deserve. To schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced DuPage County personal injury attorneys, call 630-462-1980 today.

Source:

https://www.citylab.com/life/2015/05/what-to-do-when-youre-hit-by-a-car/393809/