Tourists visiting Chicago may be unfortunate if they get into a car accident. With nearly 200,000 crashes occurring in the city each year, visitors risk getting into fender benders, multi-vehicle pileups, and other incidents.

Over 30,000 Saturday car accidents can catch tourists off guard during weekend sightseeing. According to Adam Zayed, an experienced car accident lawyer in Chicago, when accidents happen, injured tourists face legal and logistical challenges in dealing with insurance, medical care, rental cars, unfamiliar laws, and more.

Chicago’s Tourism Rebound Leads to More Drivers
Tourism has strongly rebounded in Chicago. The city welcomed close to 50 million visitors in 2022, reaching 80% of pre-2020 levels. With tourism spending topping $16 billion and hotel revenues hitting $2.27 billion, it’s clear that crowds of visitors are flooding Chicago once again.

Dealing with Car Accident Insurance
Injured tourists must begin the claims process with their auto insurance company when a car crash occurs. The rental agency’s insurance should cover damages for those who rented a car, but personal health insurance will be needed to cover medical bills. Tourists injured while using rideshares like Uber or Lyft would file a claim with the company’s insurance. The insurance paperwork maze is complicated enough for residents and visitors unfamiliar with Chicago’s providers and policies. The long phone holds and confusing questions from adjusters may cause additional stress.

Navigating Medical Care After a Car Accident
Receiving proper medical care after a car accident can be difficult for tourists traveling alone. Injured visitors may be taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital rather than one covered under their health insurance. Uninsured tourists must pay hefty medical bills out of pocket. Even insured tourists may still need help understanding coverage at local facilities. Follow-up appointments, specialist referrals, and medication prescriptions must be clarified in an unfamiliar city. Taking time off from planned activities to recover from injuries can also derail a vacation.

Dealing with Rental Cars in Chicago
Tourists relying on rental cars for transportation are inconvenienced if their vehicle is damaged. Working with the rental company’s insurance adjuster and getting a replacement car takes time and effort. Car accidents may result in extending a rental agreement and paying extra days and fees. Renters are often unfamiliar with the rental company’s policies on car accident reimbursement and responsibility.

Navigating Unfamiliar Chicago and Illinois Laws
Laws about car accidents vary in each state, so tourists may need to be aware of Chicago and Illinois’ specific regulations. The process for obtaining police reports, vehicle towing rules, and insurance company requirements differ from tourists’ home states. Things like weather-related requirements, such as using snow tires in winter, may catch visitors off guard. Tourists at fault may have to pay fines for traffic violations they didn’t know existed. Chicago’s process for courtroom hearings, legal documents, and correspondence with lawyers is filled with red tape.

Contact a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer for Legal Help for Tourists
To relieve the stress and confusion surrounding a car accident, injured tourists should seek legal experts familiar with auto accident claims and visitors’ unique needs, such as a car accident attorney. An advocate with experience obtaining reimbursement from insurance companies, negotiating medical bill reductions, securing rental car extensions, and resolving legal issues can help overwhelmed tourists navigate the process. Having an ally who understands state and city laws is invaluable. Focusing on recovery rather than paperwork is vital.

Auto accidents during Chicago visits produce stressful legal issues for tourists. As visitor numbers continue increasing and more cars hit the road, crashes remain a concern. Knowing how to handle insurance, medical care, rental cars, and local laws makes the claims process smoother for injured tourists.