Pedestrian Accidents

Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Injured Pedestrians Across Illinois

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, with little to no protection against vehicles weighing thousands of pounds. In Chicago, where busy streets, crosswalks, and intersections are packed with foot traffic, pedestrian accidents are tragically common – as are those in which pedestrians suffer life-altering injuries.

At Hilliard Law, our experienced trial attorneys fight for pedestrians who have been injured by careless, reckless, or impaired drivers. We understand the unique challenges of pedestrian accident cases and work to secure the maximum compensation possible.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Chicago, we are here to help. Call or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle

Pedestrian accidents occur in various ways, often due to driver negligence, unsafe road conditions, or failure to follow traffic laws. Our firm represents victims in a range of pedestrian-related injury claims, including:

Crosswalk Accidents – Many drivers fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, even when they have the right of way. This often results in serious injuries due to high-speed impacts.
Hit-and-Run Accidents – Unfortunately, some drivers flee the scene after hitting a pedestrian, leaving victims without immediate medical help. We investigate hit-and-run cases and pursue all possible avenues for compensation, including uninsured motorist (UM) claims.
Drunk Driving Accidents – Intoxicated drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to strike pedestrians, especially at intersections, crosswalks, and near nightlife districts.
Distracted Driving Crashes – Texting, talking on the phone, or looking at GPS while driving increases the risk of failing to see pedestrians until it’s too late.
School Zone & Child Pedestrian Accidents – Children are at higher risk of being struck by vehicles in school zones, residential areas, and near parks. Drivers must be extra cautious in these areas, and failure to do so can be grounds for liability.
Parking Lot Accidents – Pedestrians are often hit by vehicles pulling out of parking spots or speeding through parking lots without paying attention to foot traffic.
Public Transportation & Bus Stop Accidents – Pedestrians exiting buses, trains, or rideshare vehicles can be struck by impatient or inattentive drivers.
Elderly & Disabled Pedestrian Accidents – Seniors and individuals with disabilities may require more time to cross streets and can suffer life-threatening injuries in pedestrian crashes.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are almost always preventable and typically occur because of driver negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

Failure to Yield to Pedestrians – Illinois law requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but many fail to do so.
Speeding & Reckless Driving – A speeding driver has less time to react to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or at an intersection, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
Impaired Driving – Alcohol, drugs, and even prescription medications reduce reaction times, impair vision, and increase the likelihood of hitting a pedestrian.
Left-Turn & Right-Turn Accidents – Drivers often focus on oncoming traffic when making left or right turns and fail to check for pedestrians crossing.
Obstructed Visibility – Large trucks, buses, and parked cars can block a driver's view, making it difficult to see pedestrians stepping onto the roadway.
Poorly Designed Crosswalks & Intersections – Some pedestrian accidents result from poor city planning, missing traffic signals, or lack of pedestrian safety measures.

Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Because pedestrians lack protection, injuries from vehicle collisions are often severe or fatal. Some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Head trauma can cause concussions, cognitive impairment, and lifelong disabilities.
Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or permanent mobility impairments.
Broken Bones & Fractures – Pedestrians often suffer fractured arms, legs, ribs, and hips when struck by a vehicle.
Internal Organ Damage – Blunt force trauma can cause life-threatening internal bleeding and organ damage.
Amputations & Crush Injuries – In high-impact crashes, victims may suffer crushed limbs or require surgical amputations.
Fatal Injuries & Wrongful Death – Many pedestrian accidents result in tragic fatalities, leaving families to pursue wrongful death claims.

Who Is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?

Determining liability in pedestrian accident cases depends on the specific circumstances of the crash. Potentially liable parties include:

Negligent Drivers – Most pedestrian accidents are caused by drivers who fail to yield, speed, or drive distracted.
Government Entities – If a pedestrian accident was caused by poor road design, malfunctioning traffic signals, or lack of proper signage, the city or state may be held responsible.
Property Owners – Business owners and landlords may be liable if unsafe conditions, like unmarked construction zones or blocked sidewalks, contributed to the accident.
Bicycle & E-Scooter Riders – Reckless bicyclists or e-scooter users can strike pedestrians and be held accountable for injuries.

Recoverable Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical Expenses – Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Lost Wages & Loss of Earning Capacity – Compensation for missed work and reduced future income due to injury.
Pain & Suffering – Monetary compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Disability & Long-Term Care – If injuries result in permanent disabilities, victims may be entitled to lifetime compensation for medical care and accommodations.
Wrongful Death Damages – Families who lose loved ones in pedestrian accidents can pursue funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering damages.

Chicago Pedestrian Accident FAQ

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Report the accident to the police and ensure an official report is filed.
Gather evidence by taking photos of the accident scene, the vehicle, and any visible injuries.
Collect contact information from the driver and witnesses.
Do not speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance company before consulting an attorney.

What If the Driver Left the Scene?

If you were injured in a hit-and-run, you may still have options for compensation, including:

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage – Your own insurance may cover damages if the driver is never found.
Surveillance Footage & Witness Testimony – We investigate hit-and-run crashes to identify and locate the at-fault driver.

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Yes. Insurance companies will try to shift blame onto you or offer lowball settlements that fail to cover your full damages. Our legal team:

Investigates the accident thoroughly
Negotiates aggressively with insurance companies
Fights for maximum compensation

Call for a FREE Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you deserve justice and full compensation. Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys at Hilliard Law are ready to fight for you.

Call or contact us online for a FREE consultation today.

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