Motor vehicles injure thousands of walking or running Americans every year. The impact of a heavy auto hitting an unprotected human body can cause severe life-altering injuries or even death. When a pedestrian-motor vehicle accident injures you, it can force you to take time off work for recovery, pay thousands of dollars in medical bills, and deal with severe, debilitating pain. These accidents are usually the result of driver negligence.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a pedestrian crash, discuss the case with the Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers at Clifford Law Offices. Some of our pedestrian accident case results include:
- $35 million recovery for a 24-year-old woman who was severely injured after a truck struck her and dragged her for 60 feet at a Chicago street corner.
- $15 million recovery on behalf of a 12-year-old girl who was left permanently brain damaged and wheelchair-bound after a YMCA van struck her as she attempted to cross an intersection in South suburban Harvey.
- $7 million recovery on behalf of a 58-year-old who was walking through a crosswalk in suburban Des Plaines when she was hit by an SUV being driven by an individual driving on the scope of employment for a major corporation.
- $6 million recovery for a plaintiff who was crossing the street when she was struck by a CTA bus that lost control.
- $5.75 million recovery for a 36-year-old man who was left wheelchair bound after being struck by a commercial truck after he attempted to cross street mid-block near O’Hare International Airport.
Our lawyers have extensive experience representing all types of cases. We have recovered over $5 billion in settlements for our clients. Additionally, we will ensure you receive responsive communication throughout the entire case. We will reply as soon as possible to all calls, emails, and other forms of correspondence.
Under Illinois law, injured pedestrians can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, your own insurance company, or file a personal injury lawsuit.
Navigate This Page
- Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Illinois
- Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
- What Compensation is Available for Injured Pedestrians in Chicago?
- How Is Liability Determined in an Illinois Pedestrian Accident Case?
- Contact Our Chicago Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
- Testimonials
- Areas We Serve
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Illinois
Negligent drivers, low visibility, impaired and distracted driving, and many other factors contribute to the high number of pedestrian accidents that occur in the United States every year.
According to a 2022 report by the Illinois Department of Transportation:
- In 2022, 4,060 pedestrian accidents occurred in Illinois.
- Of these crashes, 194 were fatal.
- Of these crashes, 3,725 resulted in pedestrian injuries.
- Of those injuries, 867 were A-injuries, serious injuries that hinder a person’s mobility and quality of life.
- Property damage occurred in 141 of these crashes.
What Are Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?
Pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions can cause serious damage. Often, these crashes result in severe internal bleeding, broken bones, and crushed organs, leading to the death of hundreds of pedestrians every year. Common types of pedestrian injuries include:
- Burns
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractures
- Soft tissue damage
- Brain damage
- Amputated or mangled limbs
Usually, the occupants of the motor vehicle suffer little to no injuries after hitting a pedestrian, because seatbelts, airbags, and the car itself protect them. However, pedestrians’ injuries can easily be fatal if they do not receive immediate medical attention.
What Compensation is Available for Injured Pedestrians in Chicago?
Under Illinois state law, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in a pedestrian accident case. This is the best option if you have suffered especially severe injuries that require expensive medical treatment and put you out of work. Filing a claim with an insurance company will only give you compensation up to policy limits, which may not be enough to cover the extent of the damages.
If you choose to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit with a Chicago personal injury lawyer, you can recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Hospitalization costs
- Medications
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of future earnings due to disability
- Other costs related to the accident
How Is Liability Determined in an Illinois Pedestrian Accident Case?
Illinois operates under a pure comparative negligence standard, meaning that you can recover compensation if you are not completely liable for the accident. Often, the defense attorney of the at-fault driver will attempt to assign blame on you by claiming you were jaywalking, that you ran into traffic, or you committed another act or traffic violation that would put you at fault for the accident. Having an experienced Chicago pedestrian accident attorney on your side can help you combat these claims.
However, if the court finds you partially liable, it will reduce your settlement. For example, if the court finds you 20% liable and the final settlement amount is $5,000, you will only receive 80% of the settlement, which is $4,000.
Contact Our Chicago Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
The injury lawyers at Clifford Law Offices will fight for your legal rights to recover the maximum possible damages after a pedestrian accident, working closely with you from consultation to settlement. We won’t accept an unfair settlement offer. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Chicago have extensive experience representing all types of injury cases. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options and to schedule a free consultation.
Testimonials
“The support, care, guidance, and expertise you all provided helped me navigate a stressful period of my life. Your role and job are very important to the overall fairness and wellness of our society and community.”
-S.T.
Areas We Serve
Westchester | Aurora | Winnetka | Cicero | Bensenville | Arlington Heights | Berwyn | Calumet City | Chicago Ridge | Elmhurst | Chicago Heights | County Club Hills | Carol Stream | Crystal Lake | Barrington Hills | Lincolnwood | Westmont | Batavia | Buffalo Grove | Bridgeview | Algonquin | Channahon | Winnetka | Naperville | Bloomingdale | Carpentersville | Elmwood Park | Barrington