Recovering Compensation for Injured Pedestrians in Illinois

 Posted on September 08, 2021 in Car Accidents

We tend to think of car accidents as crashes between motor vehicles, but in reality, this is only one of the many ways that a motor vehicle can cause an injury. Some of the most serious car crash injuries happen when a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle. In Illinois in 2019, pedestrians were involved in around 18 percent of fatal accidents, and around 12 percent of accidents resulting in incapacitating injuries.

Injured pedestrians and their families often feel at a loss when it comes to holding drivers accountable for their injuries. However, it is important to know that pedestrians have the right to safely use the road, and they may be entitled to compensation when their injuries are caused by driver negligence. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you need.

Driver Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrians are more likely to be injured in motor vehicle accidents at night and in urban areas. However, in addition to these environmental factors, some form of driver negligence is also often a contributing factor. Common examples of driver negligence in pedestrian accidents include:

• Speeding - Drivers who travel at unsafe or unreasonable speeds can have difficulty avoiding pedestrians in or near their path. Speeding can be especially dangerous in school zones and work zones where pedestrian traffic is common.

• Drunk driving - Driver intoxication is a factor in nearly 1 in 5 pedestrian accidents, according to the NHTSA.

• Distracted driving - Drivers who are distracted by texting, talking on the phone, interacting with a passenger, or adjusting vehicle controls may fail to notice a pedestrian.

• Failing to yield the right of way - In Illinois, pedestrians may have the right of way at an intersection with a stop sign or traffic signal, as well as at a crosswalk without a sign or signal. Drivers who fail to understand or respect a pedestrian’s rights may cause an accident.

In order to hold a negligent driver accountable and recover fair compensation, injured pedestrians should be sure to get timely medical attention and collect as much evidence and testimony as possible regarding the circumstances of their injuries. An attorney can help with this process and represent an injured pedestrian or their family in settlement negotiations or litigation to achieve fair compensation.

Contact a Chicago Pedestrian Accident Attorney

In a busy city like Chicago, the risk of pedestrian injuries is especially high. At Kadzai Law Group, LLC, we strive to help injury victims in car accidents of all kinds to obtain the financial relief they need. Call our experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer today at 312-229-0050 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety

https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/pedestrian_safety/index.html

https://idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Resources/Safety/Crash-Reports/crash-facts/2019%20Crash%20Facts.pdf