Dolton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be absolutely devastating for individuals and their families. Individuals injured in an accident could face life-altering injuries and staggering medical costs, not to mention significant emotional and psychological damages.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries after being involved in an accident due to negligent actions of another, talking to an experienced Dolton pedestrian accident lawyer may be your best option. A skilled personal injury attorney could help you throughout the civil litigation process, from filing a claim through settlement or trial, to pursue the compensation you need.

Factors That Could Cause a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem in the United States, and there are innumerable ways in which one could occur. The most common contributing factors involved in pedestrian accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
  • Distracted or impaired driving
  • Traffic violations
  • Hazardous road conditions
  • Lack of warning signs or crosswalks
  • Low visibility

When a driver engages in reckless conduct and causes a crash, they are more likely to bear civil liability for any damages or injuries. Even drivers who are not as overtly negligent as a drunk or aggressive driver could still be found liable for any injuries or damages a person sustains in an ensuing crash.

Pedestrian Accident Liability in Dolton

The driver who caused a pedestrian accident may not be the only entity to bear responsibility for an accident. Depending on the circumstances, a third-party driver or pedestrian, the commercial parent company of a driver, or a municipal entity responsible for maintaining safe lighting, roadway conditions, walkways, signals, and signage could also be liable for a pedestrian accident. A skilled Dolton pedestrian accident attorney could help investigate a specific incident and identify the liable party or parties.

Understanding the Comparative Negligence Rule

Illinois operates under the comparative negligence doctrine, which allows injured individuals to recover compensation, even if they played a role in the accident. The comparative negligence rule states that injured individuals may recover compensation even if they are partially at fault, as long as they bear less than 51 percent of the total fault for the accident. In other words, as long as the injured individual is not more at fault for the accident than the other party, they may be able to seek compensation for their injuries.

Compensatory Damages in an Accident

When on the road, automobile drivers owe pedestrians and other drivers a duty of care. This is a legal obligation requiring drivers to act reasonably and drive responsibly to avoid injuring other people while on the road. A failure to uphold the standard of care could cause an accident and serve as evidence of legal negligence.

Injured individuals may be eligible to recover a wide range of damages for their injuries. Injured individuals may be able to recoup compensation for monetary damages such as:

  • Present and future medical costs
  • Loss of income
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Costs of hospital stays, rehabilitation, and surgical procedures

Successful plaintiffs may also be able to recoup non-monetary damages such as compensation for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment in life. An experienced lawyer in Dolton could investigate an individual accident and determine what type of damages a plaintiff may be eligible to recoup.

Consult an Experienced Dolton Pedestrian Accident Attorney

No matter the circumstances of your pedestrian accident, a skilled Dolton pedestrian accident lawyer could stand by your side as you seek justice for your injuries. Let an attorney fight for your right to compensation. Call today to get started on your claim.