Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

The team at Chicago Personal Injury Attorney at Law helps people hurt while walking on city streets and sidewalks. Our Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer always puts the needs of our clients first. Our pedestrian accident attorneys work hard to get you money for medical bills, lost wages, and pain.

Learn more about severe injuries in pedestrian accidents below. Then, contact our personal injury lawyer to schedule a free case consultation.

How a Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Hold Drivers Accountable

Drivers who hit pedestrians often try to blame the victim for the crash. They claim you "came out of nowhere" or "weren't using a crosswalk" to avoid paying for your injuries. Our pedestrian accident lawyer knows how to fight back against these unfair tactics with evidence that shows what really happened.

Insurance companies try to settle pedestrian cases quickly and cheaply before victims understand their rights. They know these injuries are often severe and may require years of care. We handle all talks with the insurance company, so you don't say anything that hurts your case.

High-Risk Intersections for Pedestrians in Chicago

Chicago has several dangerous intersections where pedestrian accidents happen more often. Places like Ashland and 79th, Stony Island and 79th, and Western and Peterson see multiple pedestrian crashes each year. These busy intersections often have fast traffic, poor lighting, or confusing crosswalks that put people at risk.

The city has tried to improve some problem areas with better signals and marked crosswalks. Still, many dangerous spots remain, especially in neighborhoods with lots of foot traffic. Our legal team tracks accident patterns across Chicago to help show that certain locations have known dangers that drivers should watch for.

Nighttime Visibility and Speeding

Darkness makes pedestrian crashes much more likely, with most fatal accidents happening after sunset. Drivers often can't see people walking at night, especially when they wear dark clothing. The risk gets even worse when street lights are broken or missing on major roads.

Speed plays a huge role in how bad these crashes become. A pedestrian hit at 20 mph has a 90% chance of survival, but that drops to just 50% at 30 mph. Many drivers exceed speed limits at night when traffic is lighter, not realizing how this puts pedestrians in serious danger. Our firm works with accident reconstruction experts who can prove that speeding contributes to crash severity.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

• Distracted driving. Drivers looking at phones, adjusting GPS systems, or eating behind the wheel often miss seeing pedestrians until it's too late. Just a few seconds of distracted driving can mean the difference between stopping safely and causing serious injuries.
• Failure to yield. Many drivers don't stop for people in crosswalks as required by law. They rush through turns without checking for pedestrians who have the right of way, especially at busy intersections.
• Left turns. Drivers making left turns cause a disproportionate number of pedestrian crashes. They focus on watching for oncoming traffic and often don't see people walking across the street they're turning onto.
• Drunk driving. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and may not see pedestrians at all. These crashes often happen at night and on weekends when more drivers have been drinking.
• Weather conditions. Rain, fog, and snow reduce visibility and make it harder for drivers to stop quickly. Many drivers fail to slow down in bad weather, putting pedestrians at greater risk.
• Backing up crashes. Drivers backing out of parking spaces or driveways often hit pedestrians they didn't see. Children are especially vulnerable to these low-speed but dangerous crashes.
• Unmarked crosswalks. Many pedestrians don't realize they have crossing rights even at intersections without painted lines. Drivers often fail to yield at these unmarked crosswalks, leading to preventable crashes.

Common Injuries We See in Pedestrian Accidents

• Traumatic brain injuries. When pedestrians hit their heads on vehicles or pavement, they often suffer concussions or more serious brain damage. These injuries can cause lasting problems with memory, thinking, and behavior that may never fully heal.
• Spinal cord injury. Damage to the spine can cause partial or complete paralysis, changing victims' lives forever. These catastrophic injuries usually require lifelong care and special equipment that costs millions over a lifetime.
• Broken bones. Pedestrians often suffer multiple fractures when hit by vehicles, especially in the legs, pelvis, and arms. Complex breaks may need surgery with plates and screws, followed by months of painful healing and therapy.
• Internal injuries. The force of impact can damage organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys, causing internal bleeding. These dangerous injuries may not show obvious symptoms right away, but can become life-threatening within hours.
• Road rash. Skin gets scraped away when pedestrians slide across the pavement after being hit. These painful wounds can become infected and may leave permanent scars that require plastic surgery.
• Soft tissue damage. Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons may not show up on X-rays but can cause chronic pain and mobility problems. These injuries often require lengthy physical therapy and may never completely heal.
• Psychological trauma. Many pedestrian accident victims develop anxiety, depression, or PTSD after the crash. These emotional injuries can be just as debilitating as physical ones, making it hard to walk near traffic or live normally.

Steps To Take After a Pedestrian Accident

1. Get emergency help. Call 911 immediately to get police and ambulance assistance. Even if you think you're "just bruised," some serious injuries don't show symptoms right away.
2. Document the scene. If you're able, take photos of the crash location, vehicle damage, injuries, and any relevant signs or signals. These pictures can provide crucial evidence about how the accident happened.
3. Collect witness information. Get the contact information of all individuals who saw the crash. Independent witnesses can provide powerful testimony about what really happened if the driver later tries to blame you.
4. Seek medical attention. See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you leave the scene without an ambulance. Some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, might not cause obvious symptoms for hours or days.
5. Report the accident. Make sure the police create an official accident report. Ask for a copy of the report number so you can get it later for your claim.
6. Preserve evidence. Keep your damaged clothing, shoes, and personal items in their post-accident condition. Save all medical records, bills, and documentation of missed work.
7. Contact a lawyer. Call a pedestrian accident attorney before talking to any insurance companies or accepting any settlement offers. Early legal advice can protect your rights and prevent costly mistakes.

How Drivers Can Be Held Liable

Illinois law requires drivers to exercise special care around pedestrians, especially in crosswalks and school zones. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. They must also stop when other vehicles have stopped for pedestrians, even if they can't see the person crossing.

Even when pedestrians cross outside crosswalks, drivers still have a duty to avoid hitting them if possible. The law recognizes that in a crash between a person and a vehicle, the person will always suffer more harm. This creates a higher responsibility for drivers to watch for people walking near roads and drive carefully around them.

What We Must Prove To Win Your Case

To win your pedestrian accident case, we must show that the driver failed to use reasonable care and directly caused your injuries. We gather evidence from police reports, witness statements, traffic cameras, and sometimes accident reconstruction experts. This evidence helps establish exactly how the crash occurred and who bears responsibility.

We also need to document all your injuries and how they affect your life. Medical records, doctor testimony, and your own account of how injuries impact your daily activities all help prove your damages. Photos of visible injuries, videos of your physical limitations, and statements from friends or family about your changed abilities strengthen your claim for fair compensation.

How Much Is My Case Worth?

The value of your pedestrian accident case hinges on several key factors, including the degree of your injuries, your medical costs, and your lost income. More serious injuries that cause permanent disability or require long-term care typically result in larger settlements. We calculate both your current costs and future needs to ensure you don't settle for too little.

Non-economic damages like pain and suffering often make up a significant portion of pedestrian accident settlements. The physical pain, emotional distress, and lost quality of life caused by your injuries deserve substantial compensation. We help juries and insurance adjusters understand how your injuries affect you every day, not just in medical bills and lost wages.

FAQs

What if I was jaywalking?

You can still recover damages even if you weren't in a crosswalk when hit. Illinois uses "comparative negligence" rules, meaning you can still get compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident.

What damages can I claim for a pedestrian injury?

You can demand compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, emotional distress, and permanent disability. In cases involving reckless drivers, you might also qualify for punitive damages meant to punish especially bad behavior.

Can I submit a wrongful death claim if a loved one was killed?

Yes, close family members can file wrongful death claims when pedestrians die in accidents. These claims can recover burial costs, lost financial support, and compensation for the family's grief and loss of companionship.

What if the driver fled the scene?

Hit-and-run victims still have options, including claims through their own insurance policies. We can help identify the driver through security camera footage, witness accounts, and police investigations.

How does comparative fault apply in Illinois?

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule that slashes your compensation by your degree of fault. For example, if you're found 20% responsible and have $100,000 in damages, you would receive $80,000.

Call Our Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

At Chicago Personal Injury Attorney at Law, we help injured pedestrians recover the damages they deserve. Our experienced team offers free consultations to discuss your case and explain your options. Contact us today to speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer who will fight for your rights.