website lm logo figtree 2048x327
Legal Intelligence. Trusted Insight.
Understand Your Rights. Solve Your Legal Problems
winecapanimated1250x200 optimize
Legal News

How to Handle a Car Accident in Chicago

Reading Time:
5
 minutes
Posted: 21st January 2026
Cynthia Murphy
Last updated 21st January 2026
Share this article
In this Article

How To Handle A Car Accident In Chicago: Get Legal Aid 

In the city of Chicago, traffic is at an all-time high. With more vehicles on the road than ever before, the risk of auto accidents has increased as well. Busy streets, congested highways, and fast-paced driving conditions mean drivers are more likely to encounter collisions here than in many other cities. While some residents may go years without an accident, the reality is that crashes remain a common part of urban driving.

Unfortunately, many people are unsure what to do if they are involved in an accident on public streets or highways. In these situations, seeking guidance from a Chicago Car Accident Attorney can be critical. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and navigate the legal process following a collision.

This article provides helpful information on how to respond after a car accident. Knowing the proper steps to take after a collision can protect your health, your finances, and your legal interests. Read on to learn why being prepared after an accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Primary Things To Do After A Car Accident 

Whether you're involved in a car accident with another driver or pedestrian, you should take the following steps:  

  • If you are involved in an accident, switch off your car and place it in the park.  
  • Don't move from your car until the Police arrive and tell you to leave the accident scene.  
  • Get the contact information for witnesses and any other drivers involved in the collision.  
  • If you are not injured, pull over immediately after getting out of your car to assess your situation before doing anything else (i.e., calling 911).  
  • Call 911 if there is any indication that someone else has been injured or killed by a vehicle collision. 

Deal With Road Conditions & Weather  

In Chicago, you're going to be coming across a lot of different weather conditions. Snowfall on the roads can cause slippery conditions, especially in winter. Other weather-related situations include road construction and rain. After an accident, you must stay safe and aware of your surroundings.  

Be sure to drive defensively, as police officers may pull you over after an accident if they aren't already there. So, what should you do when it starts raining or snowing? If you live in Chicago and know it's raining or snowing, slow down so that you don't skid out and hit another car.   

In general, the best thing you should do is to slow down your vehicle to a safe speed for the condition of the road. If it's dry outside but raining inside your car, try turning on your windshield wipers so that you have visibility while driving. When roads are wet or snowy, and visibility is low, use caution and keep your distance from other cars on the road. 

female driver making phone call after traffic accident

Call The Police After A Car Accident. 

The first important step you should take after an auto accident is to call the Police. If the other driver is at fault and you have proof, you must inform them about what occurred. But if one of the drivers was at fault, they must tell the Police what happened. It's also a good idea to contact your insurance company right away because they can help with your claim and provide support in any needed areas. 

Moreover, if you live in Chicago, there are ways to ensure you get through this difficult situation without having a huge headache. Uber can assist with all your needs if you have an Uber account. In addition, Uber provides free car rides back home and medical care if needed in an emergency.  

Get Medical Assistance  

One important thing you can do after a car injury accident is to get medical care for your injury. Many different types of injuries can happen in an accident, and it's important to know all of them so that you take the right steps to handle them.  

Besides, if you're unsure what type of injury you have, contact the Police, who can help you figure out if you need to go to a hospital. But, most importantly, don't delay in getting medical care. 

Gather Evidence 

After getting into a car accident, taking pictures of the scene is important to establish your case with law enforcement and other parties involved. In addition, taking pictures of the damage caused by accident will help your insurance company and law firm determine your eligible compensation.  

Additionally, taking pictures of your vehicle will help you document any damages sustained. Finally, it will make it easier for you to prove that your vehicle was in pristine condition before the accident occurred.  

So be sure to get those cell phones out and snap some shots while they still remember what might have happened in case you need evidence down the line. Take advice from a Chicago Car Accident Attorney about the more important evidence. 

Handle a Car Crash In A Legal Way 

To legally handle a car crash in Chicago, it's important to have a receipt of the accident. You can also call the Police to help you with the accident investigation. If the other driver doesn't have insurance and doesn't want to involve their insurance company, you should contact your insurance broker.   

Moreover, if the other driver has insurance and is willing to pay for damages, you can file an official report with your insurance company. If one of you were at fault in the collision, they would get required by law to give you a claim number or submit their claim form on the spot. It means that both drivers must keep all documentation on hand because they will soon be required to send copies of any documents they submit regarding this accident.  

However, suppose neither driver was at fault in the accident. In that case, both drivers must exchange contact information so that each party knows how to reach out for more information about what's happening with this incident.  

From there, it's important for both parties involved in a car crash to take steps to prevent future accidents from occurring again. To do so, both drivers should agree on whether or not one person needs medical attention after being involved in a collision where no one was at fault. 

paramedic placing a cervical collar to an injured man from car accident

Conclusion 

Do not try to flee the scene when you hit someone with your car. If the other driver is still on the scene, call the Police to file a report. If you or a loved one get involved in a car accident in Chicago, it is important to seek legal aid as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and protect your rights.  

Moreover, if you get injured in an auto vehicle accident, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact a qualified Chicago Car Accident Attorney at (888) 970-5660 to learn more about your legal options. 

Lawyer Monthly Ad
osgoodepd lawyermonthly 1100x100 oct2025
generic banners explore the internet 1500x300

JUST FOR YOU

9 (1)
Sign up to our newsletter for the latest Car Accidents Updates
Subscribe to Lawyer Monthly Magazine Today to receive all of the latest news from the world of Law.
skyscraperin genericflights 120x600tw centro retargeting 0517 300x250

About the Author

Cynthia Murphy
Connect with LM

About Lawyer Monthly

Legal Intelligence. Trusted Insight. Since 2009

Follow Lawyer Monthly