Chicago, as one of the bigger Midwestern cities, is not immune to drunk driving accidents. The cold weather and narrow streets can make it difficult for drivers to stay in control, especially when they’ve had too much to drink. Unfortunately, the consequences can be severe and life-changing for victims and their families. That’s why it’s important for everyone to learn what to do if you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Chicago.
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident in Chicago, there are some important steps that you should take to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. Accidents are stressful and overwhelming, so it is extremely important that you take proactive steps to protect your interests. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you preserve your rights and hold the driver who caused the accident responsible. This post will cover some important steps to take if you were injured in a drunk driving accident in Chicago.
1. Contact Your Insurance Company
The immediate aftermath of an accident is usually chaotic. As a result, it’s not uncommon for people to forget to contact their insurance company to report the incident. However, it’s important to contact your insurance provider immediately after the crash. Depending on your policy, your insurance company may be responsible for covering the cost of your injuries and losses.
By contacting your insurance provider immediately after the accident, you limit your risk of being denied coverage in the future. It is also important to make sure your report is filed properly with your insurance company. Most insurance companies will provide you with an incident report form that you can fill out to memorialize the details of the accident. You want to ensure that all the information in the report is accurate so you can maximize your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries.
If you aren’t sure how to fill out the form, contact your insurance company or visit its website for more details. Insurance companies may try a variety of tactics to avoid compensating victims for their injuries. They may claim that your injuries were the result of a pre-existing condition or were not caused by the accident. So it is important to make sure that you provide the insurance company with as much information as possible to support your claim
2. Seek Medical Attention
If you are injured in a car accident, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. This is true even if you are only minimally injured. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the greater the risk that your injuries will worsen. This will also make it more difficult to hold the other driver responsible. In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, so it is important to obtain documentation of your injuries as soon as you are able to do so.
3. File A Police Report
After you have been in an accident, you should file a police report. This gives the police important information about the accident that can be used to help determine who is at fault. The report will also help your case if you decide to sue the other driver. Make sure that you provide the police with all of the information that they need. This will help them identify the cause and nature of the accident, which will ultimately help them determine which driver is at fault.
4. Contact An Attorney
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident in Chicago, you should consult an attorney right away. The attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. A personal lawyer will work with you to identify the parties responsible for your injuries and help you pursue compensation on their behalf. Personal injury attorneys are familiar with the ins and outs of the law in Illinois and can guide you through every step of the process.
Many personal injury law firms offer their services on a contingency basis, which means that you will not owe any attorney’s fees unless you recover damages from your claim. Working with a personal injury attorney is the best way to ensure that you have the best possible chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.
5. Gather Information From Witnesses
It is important to gather as much information as you can from the people who witnessed the accident. These people can provide additional details about what happened and may testify on your behalf at trial if necessary. In addition to witnesses, you should also collect the names and contact information for any police officers who respond to the scene of the accident and any medical professionals who treat you for injuries resulting from the accident. This information will be helpful when you meet with your attorney to discuss your case.
6. Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
It is also a good idea to take pictures of the accident scene. This will make it easier for you to remember what happened and provide key information to the police when they arrive to investigate the accident. It is a good idea to also obtain a copy of the police report once it is completed.
This will contain additional details about the accident that may be useful in your case. In some cases, it may be possible to obtain a copy of the video recordings of the police officers’ dashboard cameras at the scene of the accident. This can be helpful for establishing liability in a DUI accident case and can provide important evidence of the defendant’s intoxication at the time of the accident.
Conclusion
Drunk driving accidents can cause serious injuries and impact the lives of everyone involved. Victims may suffer painful and expensive medical expenses, lose time from work, and suffer severe emotional trauma as a result of their injuries.
Drunk drivers should be held accountable for their actions and help to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and provide the information you need to file a claim.