Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

The streets of Chicago are bustling and full of pedestrians. Despite having the right-of-way, driver distractions and other careless actions of motorists often lead to pedestrians suffering the consequences.

Safety in and around the city is a group effort, and everyone must take action to keep themselves safe while traveling by car or foot. You have the right to call a trusted personal injury attorney and seek payment from the liable motorist if their negligence caused you harm. Schedule a meeting with a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer to review your case and learn more.

The Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian-related accidents in Chicago include:

  • Motorist distractions, such as personal grooming, talking on the phone, and reading or sending text messages
  • Speeding and reckless driving
  • Failure to give the right-of-way as laws require
  • Poor conditions caused by defective roads or inclement weather conditions
  • Intoxicated drivers
  • Damaged walkways or lack of sidewalks leading to people walking in the roadway

A Chicago attorney could thoroughly investigate and review the evidence to build a strong pedestrian injury claim and collect damages from the liable party.

Typical Injuries

Pedestrians are vulnerable to suffer severe and life-altering or deadly injuries when a vehicle strikes them. Some examples of typical injuries include traumatic brain injuries causing permanent impairment, spinal cord damage and paralysis, severely broken bones or traumatic amputations, and wrongful death.

Top-down shot of a person's feet standing on the pavement

Pedestrian Safety in Chicago

Drivers must remain alert and prepared to stop suddenly or take action to avoid hitting pedestrians while traveling in Chicago. Per the information provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation, motorists must also remain cautious and alert to prevent accidents leading to harming individuals with disabilities.

People with special who require guide dogs, white canes for the visually impaired, assisted walking devices, or wheelchairs have the right-of-way at any intersection. Vehicles must come to a complete stop, allowing them to cross the street and reach the other curb safely. Drivers must also yield in any of the following scenarios:

  • People crossing the street in marked or unmarked crosswalks
  • Making turns in any intersections
  • Children crossing the street in school zones
  • Before proceeding to make left turns at red lights
  • Checking for people walking or bicycling nearby before proceeding at a flashing red light
  • Pedestrians crossing the street while there is a walk sign signaling them to cross or when the sign is flashing yellow

Drivers must remain aware of people walking, jogging, pushing strollers, or traveling on electric scooters, and do their part to prevent accidents while driving in the city. Equally important, pedestrians should remain vigilant of vehicles traveling nearby and refrain from stepping into traffic or other unsafe actions that could lead to accidents and potentially jeopardize their claim for damages. After reviewing the case and determining where the fault rests, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Chicago could provide legal advice and guidance to help collect a fair settlement amount.

Contact a Seasoned Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Chicago

As with other urban areas, Chicago has a high rate of pedestrian traffic during the day and usually throughout the night. Motorists must adhere to traffic safety rules and prevent causing others to harm.

People walking or cycling must remain vigilant to avoid accidents with lasting adverse effects that could have devastating consequences on their lives and future. If a driver’s recklessness caused you harm, speak to a skilled Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer for help holding them financially accountable. Call today to schedule a free appointment to review your case specifics.