Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accidents are an unfortunate and often tragic reality in Chicago, where thousands of people walk the streets daily.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident due to someone else’s negligence, you need experienced and compassionate legal representation.
At Mulholland Injury Law, we understand the emotional and financial toll these accidents can have.
Our dedicated team of Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers is here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
What is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person who is walking, running, or standing in a public area is struck by a motor vehicle.
These accidents can involve pedestrians being hit by cars, trucks, buses, or even cyclists. Due to the vulnerability of pedestrians, these accidents often lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.
Pedestrian Safety in Chicago
Pedestrian safety is a critical issue in Chicago, with the city taking steps to reduce pedestrian accidents.
This includes the installation of safer crosswalks, improved traffic signals, and increased enforcement of traffic laws.
However, pedestrians also play an active role in their safety, ensuring they follow road rules, stay in crosswalks, and remain vigilant, especially at night.
The “Chicago Pedestrian Plan”
The Chicago Pedestrian Plan is a comprehensive initiative designed to improve pedestrian safety citywide. The plan includes measures such as expanded pedestrian zones, traffic-calming features, and better lighting in high-risk areas.
The city aims to reduce pedestrian accidents and fatalities, focusing on infrastructural improvements, education, and law enforcement.
Dangerous Roads and Intersections for Pedestrians in Chicago
Chicago is a bustling city with many busy roads and intersections where pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur.
Areas such as Michigan Avenue, The Loop, and Lake Shore Drive see high pedestrian traffic, especially near tourist spots, and have been identified as high-risk zones for accidents.
Poorly designed intersections, inadequate pedestrian signals, and heavy vehicle congestion make these areas particularly dangerous for walkers.
How Common Are Pedestrian Crashes in Chicago?
Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common in Chicago, especially in densely populated urban areas.
According to recent data from the Chicago Department of Transportation, pedestrian fatalities have been rising in recent years.
In 2020 alone, there were over 100 pedestrian fatalities reported in the city. As traffic continues to grow, the number of accidents affecting pedestrians remains a pressing concern.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago
Distracted Drivers
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Speeding
Failure to Yield
Poor Road Conditions
Types of Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: A blow to the head can lead to life-altering cognitive impairments or even death.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can cause paralysis or permanent disability.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Impact with a vehicle can cause multiple fractures, which may require long-term recovery or surgery.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and may not be immediately obvious.
- Amputations: In severe cases, limbs may be severed in the accident or require amputation due to irreparable damage.
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How to Prove a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Chicago
- Chronic pain and disability
- Emotional trauma and mental health issues
- Loss of mobility or organ function
- Long-term rehabilitation needs
- Wrongful death of a loved one
How to Prove a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Chicago
To succeed in a pedestrian accident lawsuit, your lawyer must establish several key factors:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed you a duty to drive safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of Duty: The driver breached this duty by acting negligently (e.g., texting while driving, running a red light).
- Causation: The driver’s breach of duty directly caused the pedestrian accident.
- Damages: You suffered damages (e.g., medical expenses, pain and suffering) due to the accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Several parties could be held responsible for a pedestrian accident, including:
- The Driver: In most cases, the driver who struck the pedestrian is liable, especially if their actions were negligent.
- Government Entities: If poor road conditions or insufficient signage contributed to the accident, a city or state agency might be held responsible.
- Property Owners: In some cases, a private property owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment (such as an unsafe parking lot or sidewalk) could contribute to a pedestrian accident.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Case?
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to the following damages:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future costs for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to injury and time off work.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage: Compensation for personal property that was damaged in the accident, such as a cellphone or clothing.
- Wrongful Death: If the pedestrian accident resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
How Can a Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help?
An experienced Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in several ways:
- Investigating the Accident: Gathering evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can advocate for your best interests and ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Guiding You Through the Legal Process: The legal system can be complex, but an experienced attorney will explain each step and ensure your rights are protected.
How Much is a Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
The value of a pedestrian accident case depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries, especially those that require ongoing medical treatment or result in long-term disability, often lead to higher settlements.
- Liability: If the driver’s negligence can be clearly proven, the value of the case increases.
- Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, and other quantifiable losses will be taken into account.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other intangible losses also factor into the final compensation.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Chicago?
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, follow these steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the Accident: Call the police and file a report. This can serve as an official record of the incident.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to property.
- Contact an Attorney: Consult with a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer to understand your legal options and ensure your rights are protected.
Why Choose Mulholland Injury Law for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
At Mulholland Injury Law, we have years of experience handling pedestrian accident cases in Chicago.
Our legal team is committed to providing compassionate, personalized representation to each of our clients. When you work with us, you can expect:
- Proven Success: Our track record of successful pedestrian accident cases speaks for itself.
- Thorough Investigation: We gather all the necessary evidence to build a compelling case for you.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We fight for the maximum compensation available under the law.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Chicago?
If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, your first priority should be your safety. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel injured. Call the police to report the accident and gather contact information from any witnesses. Document the scene with photos, if possible. It’s also essential to contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
What Types of Pedestrian Accidents Are Most Common in Chicago?
Pedestrian accidents in Chicago often occur at crosswalks, in parking lots, and on sidewalks. Common types of accidents include drivers failing to yield at crosswalks, running red lights, distracted driving, and hit-and-run accidents. The city’s busy streets, combined with pedestrian traffic, make such accidents unfortunately frequent.
Can I File a Lawsuit If I Was Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian in Chicago?
Yes, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit if you were hit by a car while walking in Chicago. If the driver was negligent—whether through distracted driving, speeding, or other violations—you can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consulting a pedestrian accident lawyer is the best way to understand your legal options.
What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents?
Common injuries from pedestrian accidents include broken bones, head and neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries. The severity of the injuries largely depends on the speed of the vehicle involved and the nature of the impact.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, you need an experienced lawyer to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
At Mulholland Injury Law, we are committed to providing exceptional legal services tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Chicago?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. It is crucial to consult a lawyer promptly to ensure that you don’t miss this deadline, as failure to file on time could result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, you need an experienced lawyer to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
At Mulholland Injury Law, we are committed to providing exceptional legal services tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Can I Get Compensation for Pain and Suffering After a Pedestrian Accident?
Yes, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering resulting from a pedestrian accident. In Illinois, this compensation is typically awarded for physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life due to the injuries sustained in the accident.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, you need an experienced lawyer to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
At Mulholland Injury Law, we are committed to providing exceptional legal services tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Can I Be at Fault for a Pedestrian Accident in Chicago?
While pedestrians have the right of way in many situations, it’s still possible to share some responsibility for an accident. If a pedestrian was jaywalking, not paying attention, or otherwise violating traffic laws, they may be partially at fault. This is called comparative fault in Illinois, which can reduce the amount of compensation you receive depending on the degree of fault.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
You may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical bills: Treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost wages: Compensation for any income lost due to the accident.
- Pain and suffering: Emotional distress and physical pain caused by your injuries.
Loss of consortium: Compensation for the emotional loss suffered by your family members, especially if the accident resulted in a fatality.
What if a Pedestrian Accident Resulted in the Death of a Loved One?
If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident in Chicago, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and the emotional suffering caused by the untimely death. Consult with a wrongful death attorney to understand your legal rights in such cases.
How Can a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help with My Case?
A lawyer specializing in pedestrian accidents can help you navigate the legal process. They can:
- Investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify witnesses.
- Handle all communications with insurance companies.
- Represent you in court, if necessary, to fight for maximum compensation.
- Provide expert advice to ensure your rights are protected throughout the claims process.
What Happens if the Driver Who Hit Me in a Pedestrian Accident Was Uninsured or Underinsured?
If the driver who hit you was uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance policy, if available. Additionally, your attorney may be able to pursue other avenues for compensation, including claims against the city or property owners if unsafe conditions contributed to the accident.
How Can I Prevent Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago?
Pedestrian accidents can be prevented by taking safety precautions, such as:
- Always using crosswalks and waiting for traffic signals.
- Avoiding distractions like smartphones when walking.
- Wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially at night.
- Being aware of your surroundings and following traffic laws.
- Encouraging city officials to improve pedestrian infrastructure.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Contact Mulhollaand Injury Law today for a free consultation. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Call (312) 386-6706 or fill out our online form to get started.
Expert Legal Representation by
Toby P. Mulholland,
Your Trusted Injury Lawyer
Since launching his law practice in 2000, Toby P. Mulholland has been a dedicated advocate for clients suffering serious injuries. He has extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death claims, construction accidents, premises liability, dog bite cases, and catastrophic injury litigation.
Toby’s distinguished career is marked by his skill in litigation, participating in numerous trials, mediations, arbitrations, and depositions. His innovative approaches to depositions have consistently resulted in successful outcomes for even the most complex cases. Clients appreciate his ability to navigate high-stakes situations with a creative, results-oriented approach.
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