Illinois Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Each year in the U.S., thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed due to driver negligence, with nearly 70,000 injuries and 4,500 fatalities annually. Victims, often children or the elderly, face life-threatening injuries or death even while legally crossing the street.

Our experienced Illinois pedestrian accident attorneys at the Injury Lawyer Team will ensure you recover compensation for accident damages like medical expenses, lost wages, lost income, as well as mental and emotional trauma. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and seek expert legal assistance.

Key Illinois Pedestrian Accident Statistics 

A report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association calculated over 7,500 pedestrian deaths in 2022, the highest number since 1981.

The GHSA report showed that pedestrian fatalities constituted almost 18% of total traffic fatalities by 2021. Since 2010, pedestrian fatalities have surged by 77%, while only a 25% increase in other traffic fatalities. 

Approximately 70% of pedestrian deaths occurred in areas lacking sidewalks. 

Over the past decade, fatalities involving SUVs and light trucks have risen by 120%, while passenger cars remained the primary vehicle type involved in most fatalities.

According to the 2021 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics data by the Illinois Department of Transportation, nearly 3,520 pedestrians suffered injuries in an accident, out of these, 861 had fatal injuries, and 215 pedestrians lost their lives. 

About 199 pedestrian fatalities were recorded in 2023 fatal crashes if believed in IDOT’s Illinois Fatal Crash Historic Data report. 

Most pedestrian crashes happen on urban local roads or streets rather than rural roadways. 

Looking at these Illinois pedestrian accident statistics, we can say that pedestrian safety is a major concern in the state. Seeking financial recovery for damages is your legal right, and our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to advocating for justice and holding responsible parties liable. 

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Illinois? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 8,000 pedestrians were killed on roads in the United States crashes involving motor vehicles in 2021. That means about one person died every 66 minutes and one in six people who died in crashes were pedestrians. 

In Illinois, these are the major reasons why pedestrian accidents and fatalities happen frequently: 

Failing to Yield Right of Way

Failing to yield the right of way refers to the failure of either a pedestrian or a motorist to allow another party to cross the road in specific situations. For instance, if a car fails to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk despite the pedestrian having the legal right of way, it constitutes a violation. The study by Active Transportation Alliance found that numerous Chicago negligent drivers fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. 

Intersection Accidents 

Despite having the right of way, a pedestrian might cross a road or intersection improperly. For example, jaywalking or crossing suddenly just before a light changes or in front of approaching vehicles. This leaves drivers minimal time to respond, increasing the risk of fatal pedestrian accidents and severe injuries. 

Risky Behavior of Pedestrians on Roadway 

A pedestrian engaging in risky behavior on roadways, such as jaywalking, ignoring traffic signals, or being distracted by phones, can result in a pedestrian accident. Despite Illinois passing anti-texting laws in 2012, nearly seven percent of all drivers still use electronic devices while driving. Even if a driver swerves to avoid them, the vehicle behind may not react in time. In such cases, pedestrians may be deemed responsible for any resulting accidents. 

Construction Activities on Road

When road construction occurs, pedestrians are forced to walk in these areas, bringing them dangerously close to or onto roadways. This increases the risk of Illinois pedestrian accidents. Furthermore, negligence by drivers can prove fatal for roadside workers, highlighting the importance of visible gear, signs, and cautious driving around construction sites. 

Poor Visibility 

Bad weather conditions, road obstacles, poor-quality headlights, and other factors lead to fatal Illinois pedestrian accidents. About 77 percent of pedestrian deaths occurred at night in 2021, typically between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Pedestrians should avoid wearing dark colored clothes and instead wear bright options to become visible. Exercising caution both by pedestrians and drivers helps reduce the frequency of such collisions. 

Driving Under Influence 

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is one of the major causes of Illinois pedestrian accidents. When a driver or a pedestrian has consumed alcohol or drugs, it can impair their judgement while operating a vehicle or crossing a street. Impaired driving in Illinois was the main reason behind 1,000 pedestrian accidents in 2021, causing over 20 fatalities. 

Darting into Traffic 

Sometimes, children and adolescents may suddenly run or dart into the traffic, giving drivers inadequate time to react. This behavior leads to collisions and causes serious pedestrian injuries. 

Speeding 

Speeding, a form of reckless driving, not only breaks traffic laws but also increases the risk of pedestrian accidents. Research shows that excessive speeding through intersections and ignoring red lights often causes severe pedestrian injuries or fatalities. Pedestrian accident lawyers in Illinois will help you file a personal injury claim against reckless drivers and hold them accountable. 

What are the Common Injuries Victims of Pedestrian Accident Suffer? 

Pedestrians are more vulnerable to accident injuries than drivers as they have little or no protection. When a motor vehicle, such as a car or truck, hits a pedestrian, the impact comes from the vehicle’s bumper, the hood and windshield, and the road.

Here are the most commonly sustained injuries in Illinois pedestrian accidents:

These pedestrian accident injuries like a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury can result in life-long disabilities, complications, or even death. Recovering financial damages for accident injuries is important, hence, hire pedestrian accident lawyers in Illinois to file a claim against perpetrators and recover compensation. 

What to do If My Child Gets Injured in an Illinois Pedestrian Accident? 

If your child is injured in a pedestrian accident, you can recover compensation in Illinois through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Consult a skilled Illinois pedestrian accident attorney who can investigate, analyze, and communicate with insurers and other parties, allowing you to prioritize your child’s care. 

Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim for a Pedestrian Accident in Illinois? 

Following a pedestrian accident death, Illinois law allows immediate family members like spouses, parents, or children to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This helps family members recover compensation for various damages, including medical expenses and loss of companionship, on behalf of the deceased. 

If your loved one is killed in a pedestrian accident due to the negligence of another person, your family is entitled to recover compensation for:

The state law of Illinois allows the family of a victim in a wrongful death claim two years to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. Engage services from an experienced Illinois wrongful death attorney to get the compensation you are entitled to.

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Case in Illinois?

In Illinois, individuals who have suffered a personal injury in an accident must adhere to the statute of limitations, which sets a legal deadline for filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit. This deadline is two years from the date of the accident or death of a loved one in pedestrian accident cases.

Exceeding these two years of period could result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation. Therefore, contact an injury lawyer so you can file a pedestrian accident claim and recover damages. 

How Our Illinois Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Prove Liability in Your Case

Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys have various resources at their disposal to ensure all negligent parties pay the compensation you deserve. Here’s how we navigate the pedestrian accident lawsuit process for our Illinois clients: 

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Illinois Pedestrian Accident Lawyer 

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a pedestrian collision, seeking professional legal assistance is vital. Our pedestrian accident lawyers have years of experience in handling pedestrian accident cases. We ensure that the injured victims recover compensation, including coverage for medical bills, lost wages, as well as emotional and mental suffering. 

At the Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, we work on a contingency fee basis. Meaning, you won’t pay anything until our pedestrian accident attorneys resolve your personal injury claim through a negotiated settlement or jury award. 

Contact an Illinois pedestrian accident lawyer today at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation and start your journey toward justice.