If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, a Chicago pedestrian accident attorney from The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our lawyers are experienced in helping victims of pedestrian accidents throughout the greater Chicago area recover compensation for their injuries and losses.
In this Article
Pedestrian Accidents Most Common with Teenagers and Children
Anyone can be in a pedestrian accident, but teenagers and children are at higher risk. According to a study by the City of Chicago, children are more likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents than adults. High school aged teenagers (15 to 18 years old) had the highest accident rate at 194.6 per 100,000 population. Primary school children had the next highest rate of 137.5 per 100,000 population.
If a young family member has been injured as pedestrian, we can help. Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers to discuss your legal options in a free consultation.
Common Causes of Chicago Pedestrian Accidents
Like any type of accident the cause and liability for pedestrian accidents may not always be clear right away. A variety of factors can contribute to a pedestrian being hit by a car. Some of the most common reasons for Illinois pedestrian accidents are:
Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians and ignoring right-of-way;
Drivers operating their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
Distracted drivers fail to see pedestrians (texting, talking on the phone, etc.);
Speeding and reckless driving like ignoring traffic signals;
Often, an injured pedestrian is not at fault in vehicle accidents as many pedestrian accidents occur due to distracted driving or negligence and a disregard for pedestrian safety. If a driver’s negligence is the cause of your pedestrian accident, then you have the right to hold them liable for your injuries and financial losses. Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys will work with you to make sure you receive compensation for any serious injuries you sustained and hold the negligent driver responsible.
Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Illinois?
When a pedestrian is injured in an accident, the driver who caused the accident may be liable for any resulting damages. In some cases, other parties such as property owners or government entities may also be held accountable.
It’s important to understand who could potentially be held responsible for your injuries and losses so that you can pursue full and fair compensation. The attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers are here to help you every step of the way. We will investigate your case and determine who is liable for your damages so that we can fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Common Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Pedestrian accidents usually result in serious and often permanent injuries due to the vulnerability of pedestrians. Some of the most common injuries resulting from pedestrian accidents are:
Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
Back and neck injuries;
Facial fractures;
Broken bones;
Internal organ damage;
Lacerations and contusions;
Spinal cord injuries or paralysis; and
Pedestrian fatalities.
Common Types of Compensation for a Chicago Pedestrian Accident
If you were hurt by a negligent driver in Illinois, you may be eligible to reclaim damages through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Your pedestrian accident case could hold the at-fault driver responsible for:
Medical bills and medical expenses
Future treatment needs
Lost income
Loss of future earning capacity
Wrongful death in cases of fatal pedestrian accidents
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
How Much Compensation Can I Recover for My Injury Claims?
The amount of compensation you are entitled to depends on the facts surrounding your case. It is important to keep all medical records and bills, as well as police reports and any other documentation related to the accident in order to prove the total damages incurred.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers can help you calculate estimated costs associated with medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We will use our extensive knowledge of personal injury law in Chicago to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf to hold negligent drivers accountable. Call today to find out what your case is worth.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
As with any accident, it’s important to act quickly. Knowing what to do in the event of an accident is crucial. And taking the appropriate steps after you’ve been injured could increase your chances of successfully seeking a settlement for your severe injuries and losses that resulted from the accident.
These steps should be followed after being involved in a pedestrian accident:
Seek medical attention for anyone who may be injured
Call the police to the scene
Document the scene including injuries sustained
Collect contact information for everyone involved
Gather witnesses contact information
Discuss your case with Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers
Hire an Accident Lawyer
If you’ve suffered pedestrian accident injuries, you may also consider hiring a lawyer. The process of filing a claim and seeking compensation for your injuries and losses could be a complicated one especially while you are recovering from those same injuries.
Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys can help you through the legal side of things so that you can focus on recovering from your trauma or caring for an injured loved one.
Steps to Take After You’ve Been Injured as a Pedestrian
Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Pedestrian Accident?
Depending on your situation, you may be tempted to take a settlement offer from the auto insurance company right away and handle your case on your own when pedestrian accidents happen. Remember, Chicago personal injury lawyers negotiate for a living. They can use their extensive knowledge of pedestrian accident cases to help you navigate the process and maximize the value of your accident claim.
Be Wary of Insurance Companies
Insurance companies and their adjusters may seem compassionate when they deal with accidents involving pedestrians or a fatal accident, but they are for-profit businesses, so their motivations are not exactly in line with yours and your needs. It’s in their best interest to offer you low payouts for pedestrian-car accidents.
If you are seeking compensation in a Chicago pedestrian accident claim, then you want someone on your side that will fight for you and not their bottom line. An experienced Chicago pedestrian accident attorney will protect your right to compensation under Illinois law and negotiate for a fair settlement.
Can I Afford an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
After suffering serious injury in a pedestrian crash, you may be too hurt to return to work and, thus, lose your ability to make income. We understand you may struggle to make ends meet while you recover. Monetary concerns shouldn’t stop you from preserving your legal rights and securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
We Work on a Contingency-Fee Basis
Our law firm works on a contingency-fee basis. That means we only get paid when you do. Our clients don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses for excellent legal care from an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
We will fight to get you the settlement you’re entitled to and only then will we collect a fee.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Pedestrian Accident?
There is no one right time to contact an experienced Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer. You can call us from the motor vehicle accident scene, from your hospital bed, or when you’re looking over a settlement offer from the insurance company.
The important thing is to call as soon as you are able to. As soon as you call us, a personal injury attorney from our law firm can step in and take over the legal side of things for you and fight for full compensation for your pedestrian injuries.
Statute of Limitations on Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Illinois
Illinois has a statute of limitations on personal injury cases. You have just two years from the date of the accident to start your personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit. If you let this deadline pass, you may miss your chance to seek financial recovery for your life threatening injuries in a pedestrian accident lawsuit.
Do not let this deadline pass you by and miss out on compensation that could be critical to your physical and financial recovery. Being left with the physical and financial bill for someone else’s negligence is not something that you should let happen.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, an attorney from The Kryder Law Group, LLC is here to help.
(312) 223-1700