There’s nothing better than a nice job through Chicago’s neighborhoods in the warmer months. But even on familiar sidewalks and streets, accidents can happen around any corner in the Window City.
Each year, dozens of joggers and pedestrians are struck by vehicles in the Chicago area alone, with 195 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes citywide in 2023, according to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The risk is not limited to the city; urban and suburban runners face similar dangers on their daily routes.
After a jogging accident, the aftermath can feel extremely overwhelming. Physical injuries, emotional distress, and a tangle of legal and insurance questions can cloud the path forward.
Knowing what to expect and how to respond can help victims and their families secure the support and compensation they deserve. In this post, we’ll outline the legal steps, rights, and immediate actions you should take if you’re ever hit by a car while jogging in Chicago.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most jogging-related pedestrian accidents have preventable causes. Many incidents involve drivers who are distracted by phones, impaired by drugs or alcohol, or simply not paying enough attention to crosswalks and sidewalks.
Poor visibility — whether due to early morning runs, low lighting, or bad weather — can make both joggers and drivers less visible to each other. Unsafe or poorly marked crosswalks, faded signage, and obstructed intersections are common throughout Chicago and other Midwest cities, increasing the risk of accidents.
It’s also important to know the local laws. In Illinois, pedestrians in crosswalks generally have the right-of-way, but runners must also follow all signals and avoid sudden, unpredictable entry into traffic. Misunderstandings between runners and drivers about these rules often lead to crashes.
What to do After Being Hit While Jogging
If you are struck by a vehicle while jogging, the first concern is safety and health, always. Move to a safe area if you can. Even if you don’t feel badly hurt, call 911 or ask someone to do it for you. Some injuries, like a concussion or internal bleeding, may not be obvious right away.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately following the accident:
Get to Safety
If you are able to, move out of the street or away from traffic to prevent further injury. Take a moment to scan your surroundings to make sure you are not in immediate danger from other vehicles or hazards. Assess yourself for visible injuries and try to remain as calm as possible. If you cannot move safely on your own, signal for help from nearby pedestrians or drivers.
Call 911
Dial emergency services or ask someone nearby to call for you as soon as possible. Stay still and calm while waiting for first responders. If you suspect severe injuries, limit unnecessary movement, as this can make it worse.
Clearly communicate your location and the nature of the incident when speaking with the dispatcher. If you have any known medical conditions, inform them over the phone. Remain on the line until you are told it is safe to hang up or until help arrives.
Document the Scene
Capturing evidence from the scene can play a huge role in any future insurance or legal claim. The more details you capture right away, the stronger your case will be.
If you can, use your phone to take photos of:
- Your injuries
- The vehicle involved (including license plate)
- The surrounding area, including street names, traffic signals, and signs
- Any skid marks or debris
IMPORTANT: Capture different angles to provide a comprehensive view of the scene. Photograph any contributing hazards, such as potholes or obscured signage. Record a brief video walkthrough of the area, if possible for additional context.
Ask for Help
If you are unable to take photos or collect information yourself, ask a bystander to assist. Request that someone stay with you until emergency services arrive. Ask bystanders if they witnessed the accident and can provide a statement.
If possible, have a bystander write down or record important details you may forget. If you are feeling disoriented or in shock, let someone know so they can monitor your condition until help arrives. Bystanders can also help by flagging down emergency vehicles or directing traffic away from the scene to keep you safe.
Exchange Information
Exchanging information with negligent drivers can be awkward after a pedestrian accident, but it’s an essential step to identify all parties. This documentation helps protect your rightsfor any legal or insurance proceedings. You’ll need to collect:
- Driver’s name
- Contact details
- Insurance information
Also request the make, model, and color of the vehicle. Note the driver’s license number and license plate for your records. If the driver is uncooperative, wait for police assistance to help facilitate the exchange.
Identify Witnesses
Ask for the names and contact information of anyone who saw the accident. Even brief statements from witnesses can be helpful later. Politely request that witnesses remain at the scene to speak with law enforcement. Take note of where each witness was standing or what they saw specifically. If possible, record their statements on your phone for accuracy.
If witnesses need to leave, ask if they’re willing to provide a written or recorded statement before they take off. The more detailed and immediate the witness accounts, the stronger your pedestrian accident claim may be later on.
Stay Calm and Limit Discussion
Do not admit (or imply) fault in any way. This goes for all traffic accidents.
Additionally, don’t discuss details of the accident with the driver. Share information only with police and medical personnel. Avoid making statements about your injuries or the events to anyone except officials. Do not engage in arguments or assign blame at the scene. If pressured to comment, simply state that you will provide a full statement to the authorities.
DO NOT post about the accident on social media, as anything you share could be used against you later. Keep your communications factual and concise to avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
Make Notes
As soon as possible, record everything you remember about the accident, including the time, location, weather conditions, and sequence of events. Include descriptions of the driver, vehicle, and any other relevant details. Note any unusual circumstances, such as poor lighting or road conditions. Writing these details promptly can help preserve important facts for insurance or legal purposes.
Staying calm and following these steps will help protect your health and strengthen your case if you need to pursue compensation.
Medical Care and Long-Term Health Considerations
After the accident, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Some pedestrian accident injuries, like whiplash, traumatic brain injury, or soft tissue damage, may not be clear at the scene. Seeing a doctor right away helps document your injuries and links them directly to the accident.
Follow your treatment plan and attend all follow-up visits. In the Midwest, insurance companies sometimes use gaps in care as a reason to challenge claims. Document every appointment, therapy session, prescription, and test.
Watch for delayed symptoms. Headaches, dizziness, pain, or memory issues that appear days after the accident should be discussed with your doctor. If problems evolve or persist, your medical file should reflect these changes, strengthening your claim for damages.
Legal Rights for Pedestrians in Illinois
After a pedestrian accident in Chicago, injured joggers have several key rights under Illinois law. These include:
The right to file a personal injury claim
Under Illinois law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file (the “statute of limitations”). Failing to file within this period may result in losing your ability to pursue compensation. It’s super important to act quickly, as gathering evidence and building your case can take a lot of time.
More importantly, gathering critical evidence becomes more difficult the longer you wait, even with a skilled Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer.
The right to seek compensation for damages
This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Compensation aims to help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally from the impact of the accident. Every case is unique, so the types and amounts of compensation available will depend on the specific circumstances of your injury.
The right to recover compensation even if partially at fault
Illinois law uses “comparative negligence” in these cases. This means that if you are found partly at fault (for example, if you ignored a signal), your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
But even if you were partly responsible, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault.
The right to consult with and be represented by Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys
You have the option to seek legal representation to help navigate the claims process and protect your interests. An attorney can explain your rights and advise you on the best course of action based on your specific circumstances. They can also handle negotiations with insurance companies and represent you in court if necessary.
The right to access police reports and evidence
You are entitled to obtain documentation and evidence related to your accident to support your claim. Accessing these records can help establish the facts of the case and strengthen your position during negotiations. Police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos are all examples of evidence you can request.
The right to protection from unfair blame
You can challenge attempts by insurance companies or other parties to assign you more fault than is justified.
Meeting with a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer can clarify your rights, help you avoid early mistakes, and protect you from being blamed unfairly. A local lawyer will know the traffic laws, local court procedures, insurance practices affecting joggers throughout Illinois, and how to hold the liable driver accountable.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Chicago Can Help Injured Joggers
Investigating the Accident Thoroughly
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer examines every detail of the crash. This typically involves visiting the accident site, gathering physical evidence, securing video footage from nearby cameras, and re-interviewing witnesses. For local incidents, a lawyer can also obtain traffic or intersection reports that may provide critical insight into the circumstances of your case.
Handling Insurance Company Communications
One of the most important roles of a lawyer is managing all interactions and negotiations with insurance companies. Insurers commonly attempt to reduce payouts to injury victims by disputing claims or minimizing damages.
Your lawyer serves as your advocate, making sure that you don’t inadvertently say or agree to anything that could weaken your claim. This levels the playing field and protects your interests throughout the claims process.
Building Comprehensive Pedestrian Accident Cases
A Chicago pedestrian injury lawyer works to create a detailed case for maximum compensation. They meticulously gather and organize all relevant documentation to support your claim. This process includes:
- Calculating all your medical bills
- Estimating future care needs
- Documenting pain and suffering
- Accounting for lost wages
- Evaluating the broader impact on your quality of life.
By presenting a thorough claim, your lawyer increases the likelihood of a fair and just settlement or court award.
Representing You in Trial (If Necessary)
If a fair settlement cannot be reached with the insurance companies through negotiations, Illinois pedestrian accident attorneys can file a pedestrian accident lawsuit and represent you in court. This includes filing the necessary legal documents, presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and making arguments for fair compensation.
A knowledgeable attorney will advocate for your best interests before a judge or jury, aiming to secure the compensation you deserve through a verdict.
Were You Injured While Jogging? Get a Free Consultation
Being hit by a car while jogging is a traumatic and life-changing event. Each step after the accident, —from calling for help to tracking your recovery and understanding your rights, can make a real difference in your physical and financial future. Collect evidence, get medical care, and learn about your legal options as soon as you’re able.
Staying informed puts you in control. In Chicago and across Illinois, there are plenty of legal resources to help runners recover — physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or someone you know faces this difficult situation, Midwest Injury Lawyers is here to help.
Schedule a FREE consultation to get started with an experienced Chicago personal injury law firm. We’ll analyze your situation, determine if you have a valid case, and help you take the next steps.