Pedestrian accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, leaving victims with overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and significant physical and emotional pain. When the driver flees the scene, hit-and-run pedestrian accident victims face the added trauma of worrying whether they will ever find the person responsible and hold them accountable. If you find yourself in this devastating situation, do not lose hope. Take these crucial steps to protect your legal rights.
Take Notes About the Accident
After addressing any urgent medical needs, write down everything you can remember about the hit-and-run incident while the details remain fresh. Include the date, time, location, weather, road conditions, and any notable circumstances. Describe the vehicle that struck you in as much detail as possible.
Try to recall the driver’s appearance, including gender, hair color, and clothing. Jot down anything you noticed about their behavior before or after the collision, such as speeding, swerving, or looking at a cell phone. Even if it seems minor, every piece of information you provide could prove vital in tracking down the at-fault driver.
Gather Evidence from the Accident Scene
Ideally, you’ll be able to gather evidence immediately, but if your injuries require significant medical treatment, return to the accident scene as soon as possible to look for additional evidence. Take photos of the location from multiple angles, including skid marks, vehicle debris, damaged property, or traffic signs and signals. Broken glass, side mirror pieces, or plastic bumper fragments can help identify the vehicle type.
Canvass the area for surveillance cameras that may have captured the hit-and-run collision. Nearby businesses, parking garages, ATMs, and even residential doorbell cams could contain valuable footage of the accident or the fleeing driver. Ask the owners to preserve the video evidence and provide copies to you and the police. Avoid mentioning potential legal action during these discussions, as it may make them reluctant to help.
Additionally, speak to people who live and work near the pedestrian accident site. They may have witnessed the incident or the damaged vehicle driving through the area. Ask if they have seen it before and if they know the owner. Some locals may have even captured cell phone pictures or videos of the wreck that show the vehicle or license plate more clearly than surveillance footage.
File a Police Report
File a police report right away if they weren’t called to the accident scene. Provide the responding officer with your written recollection of the hit-and-run accident and give them a copy to include with the report. Illinois law requires motorists to remain at the scene and exchange information after any collision involving injuries. When a driver flees, they often face criminal hit-and-run charges and civil liability.
The police will open an investigation to locate the hit-and-run driver. They have resources beyond those available to private citizens, including access to traffic cameras, license plate reader data, and networks of informants. Provide your contact information and ask the officer how you can assist their efforts and receive updates.
Contact Our Northbrook Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Finally, contact the knowledgeable hit-and-run accident attorneys of Stein & Shulman, LLC to discuss your legal options as soon as you can. In Illinois, you may file an uninsured motorist claim with your auto insurance company if you cannot locate the hit-and-run driver. Your lawyer can help you understand this process and counter any attempts to unfairly deny or devalue your claim. If the police find the perpetrator, your attorney can also help you pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Northbrook, contact the compassionate pedestrian accident attorneys at Stein & Shulman, LLC today for a free consultation. Let us use our extensive experience and resources to track down the at-fault driver and pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
