When an accident happens in Chicago, the first week is critical for your safety, documentation, and legal protection. Following these steps helps protect your rights, preserve evidence, and connect injuries to the incident.


What to Do at the Scene in Chicago

  • Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured so Chicago Police and Fire can respond.
  • Ensure safety first: move vehicles out of traffic if possible, turn on hazard lights, and set out flares or triangles.
  • Exchange information: gather names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance details.
  • Police report: ask the officer for their name, badge number, and the crash report number.
  • Non-vehicle incidents: request an incident report from property or store personnel.
  • Avoid arguments: keep statements brief and factual.
  • Seek medical attention promptly if pain worsens; delayed injuries are common.

Documenting Injuries and Property Damage in Week One

  • Photographs: capture wide and close-up shots of vehicles, debris, skid marks, traffic signals, weather, and indoor hazards.
  • Witness information: collect names, phone numbers, emails, and any videos they may have.
  • Receipts: save costs for medications, rideshares, bandages, and rental cars.
  • Symptom journal: track pain, sleep, missed work, and daily activities to document non-economic impacts.
  • Official reports: obtain copies of police crash reports or property incident reports.

Early documentation strengthens claims and prevents gaps in evidence.


Seeking Medical Care

  • Prompt evaluation: even minor soreness or headaches may indicate hidden injuries like concussions or soft tissue damage.
  • Medical records: request all notes, imaging, discharge instructions, prescriptions, and referrals. HIPAA allows timely access, often via patient portals.
  • Follow-up care: attend all scheduled appointments to establish a clear link between the incident and injuries.
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Consulting a personal injury lawyer early can help manage records and reduce administrative stress.


Notifying Insurance in Illinois

  • Contact your insurer within the first few days to report basic facts.
  • Keep information accurate and concise: avoid over-sharing details.
  • Written communication: request emails for claims and record all correspondence.
  • Medical authorizations: provide only relevant records and avoid signing blanket forms.

Legal guidance can prevent mistakes and protect your coverage.


Illinois Legal Deadlines

  • Personal injury claims: 2 years
  • Property damage claims: 5 years
  • Public entity claims: 1 year
  • Wrongful death claims: 2 years
  • Minors or legally disabled: tolling rules may extend deadlines

Early consultation ensures no deadlines are missed.


Preserving Evidence in Chicago

  • Video/audio: send preservation letters to businesses for surveillance footage.
  • Vehicles: secure tow yards from destroying, salvaging, or releasing vehicles without written permission.
  • Damaged items: keep clothing, glasses, or defective parts in sealed, labeled bags.
  • Timely action: winter, rain, and daily traffic can erase evidence quickly.

Evidence preservation is critical for disputes over liability.


Partial Fault Considerations

Illinois uses modified comparative negligence:

  • Recovery is possible if you are 50% or less at fault.
  • Recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
  • If more than 50% at fault, recovery is generally not allowed.

Police reports do not determine civil liability; ongoing evidence collection matters.


Accident-Type Specific Guidance

  • Car crashes: photograph angles, damage, airbags, and restraints.
  • Pedestrian/bicycle collisions: note crosswalks, signals, bike lanes, and preserve helmets or gear.
  • Motorcycle/scooter: document protective gear, roadway conditions, and witness accounts.
  • Falls on property: photograph hazards, lighting, and request an incident report.
  • Commercial truck crashes: request logs, dashcam footage, and inspection records immediately.
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When to Contact a Chicago Lawyer

  • Early contact protects deadlines and evidence.
  • Lawyers can:
    • Coordinate medical records
    • Manage insurance communications
    • Preserve video, vehicles, and logs
    • Map legal deadlines
    • Evaluate comparative fault
  • GoSuits offers free consultations and guides you through the first week, helping focus on recovery instead of paperwork.

Chicago and Cook County Resources

  • CPD crash reports portal
  • Cook County Clerk of Circuit Court
  • Illinois Department of Transportation crash statistics
  • HIPAA medical record access
  • CPD FOIA portal for police records and 911 recordings

About GoSuits

GoSuits handles personal injury cases across Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois. The firm combines technology-driven tools with attorney-led service to quickly secure evidence, manage insurers, and map deadlines. Areas of practice include:

  • Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents
  • Premises liability and construction injuries
  • Product defects and brain injuries
  • Wrongful death claims

30 years of combined experience ensure timely, effective representation from week one through resolution.


Disclaimer:
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. AI-generated content may be included, and GoSuits does not guarantee accuracy. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance.