Chicago is a big city with a lot of traffic, and unfortunately, accidents can happen. Pedestrian accidents can be particularly dangerous, as the pedestrian has less protection than a car. Fortunately, if you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, there are steps you can take to protect your rights and get compensation for your injuries.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
It is important to seek medical attention immediately after a pedestrian accident. This can help you recover from your injuries and prevent complications from developing later. Ideally, you should see a doctor right away, but you can also go to the emergency room or visit an urgent care center if you have minor injuries or are not feeling well. Make sure to take your name, address, and insurance information with you so you can get a medical report documenting your injuries and expenses.
File a Claim with Your Insurance Company
If you have been in a pedestrian accident, make sure you file a claim with your insurance company. You may be able to claim medical and other costs that stem from the accident. Typically, the insurance company will hire investigators to assess the damages and determine who is at fault for the collision. You should make sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions and keep all follow-up appointments.
If needed, you may have to see a specialist for evaluation or treatment. It may help to contact an attorney during this time as well, as you may have additional questions and concerns about your claim. Insurance companies can be difficult to deal with at times, so it may be helpful to have an attorney in your corner to help protect your rights and make sure you are getting the best possible settlement for your injuries.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Hiring a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer can help you handle your insurance claim after a pedestrian accident. The insurance company will likely offer you a settlement after you file a claim with them. They can also help you file any necessary paperwork and represent you in court. In most cases, they would prefer to settle the claim out of court rather than risk the costs of a trial. However, some claims cannot be settled out of court and require going to court to be settled. In these cases, an experienced attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to demonstrate liability and secure the maximum compensation for you.
An experienced attorney can also help you negotiate the best possible settlement and avoid many common problems associated with insurance claims. They can help you deal with insurance companies and medical providers to resolve your claim quickly and efficiently. They can also work to obtain compensation for all of your losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and more.
How Much Does a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Cost?
The cost to hire a lawyer varies widely depending on the specifics of your case and the amount of work required to prepare it for trial. Many lawyers offer a free initial consultation where they can discuss the details of your case with you and help you determine the appropriate course of action. Many will work on a contingency basis, which means that they will only receive a payment if you recover damages. This is usually 33% of your total recovery. An attorney who specializes in personal injury can usually help you get more compensation than a general personal injury attorney because they better understand the value of your claim and how it can best be presented to the jury.
Avoid “Slick” Personal Injury Firms
You need to be careful when hiring an attorney to handle your personal injury claim. Most firms advertise their services on television or billboards and get their name out to the community.
These firms are often referred to as “slick” because their appearance is designed to appear professional and to give potential clients the impression that they are trustworthy and reliable. In reality, slick law firms often make false promises to their clients in order to increase their chances of recovering the maximum amount of money possible. Before you hire an attorney to represent you in your case, it is important that you take the time to interview a few candidates and ask them questions to determine whether they have the experience needed to handle complex cases like yours.
Conclusion
It is important to hire an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as you are involved in an accident to ensure that you receive all of the compensation that you deserve. Working with a reputable law firm will increase your chances of receiving a settlement from the insurance company that will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
