The Kryder Law Group, LLC has a team of experienced Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers who are ready to help you if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident. We understand the challenges you’re facing and we’re here to help you get the monetary compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident in the South Shore neighborhood in Chicago, contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
In this article:
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents
There are many different types of auto accidents involving pedestrians, but some of the most common include:
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Being hit by a motorcycle while walking on the sidewalk
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Being hit by a car while crossing the street at an intersection
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Being hit by a car while jogging or running
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Being hit by a bulldozer or other construction site traffic
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Being hit by a e-scooter while waiting for a bus
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Being knocked over by a delivery truck
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Getting hit by a car reversing in a driveway or parking lot
Who is responsible?
In most cases where a pedestrian has been hit by a car or there are pedestrian fatalities, the driver of the vehicle will be held responsible. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if the pedestrian was not following traffic laws or was crossing the street illegally, the driver may not be held completely liable.
Driver and Pedestrian At-Fault
In some cases, both the driver and the pedestrian may be at fault. For example, if the pedestrian was jaywalking and the driver was speeding, both parties may be held liable. Chicago municipal code regarding pedestrians outlines pedestrians’ duties to use crosswalks, pedestrian bridges and tunnels.
Other Liable Parties
Other parties may be held liable if the accident occurred in an area they were responsible for maintaining. For instance, the city or municipality may be held responsible if the accident was caused by, or made more serious due to the dangerous condition of the roadway, such as a pothole, missing sidewalk sections, or faulty traffic control signals causing pedestrians walking at the wrong time.
Call today for a free case evaluation with a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss the details of your case and serious injuries.
Establishing Negligence in Pedestrian Accident Cases
In order to recover damages and the cost of medical bills after sustaining pedestrian accident injuries in the South Shore neighborhood, you must be able to prove that the driver was negligent and caused your injuries.
There are many ways to establish negligence in cases involving pedestrian accidents.
Some common examples of driver negligence include:
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The driver was speeding
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Distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, etc.)
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The driver failed to stop at a traffic light
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The driver was intoxicated by alcohol or recreational drugs
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The driver was impaired by the side-effects of medication, affecting their reaction times or causing them to be drowsy
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The driver did not maintain their vehicle to appropriate safety standards (such as ensuring their tire tread had not worn down)
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The driver is driving dangerously for the current road conditions (such as not slowing down on wet roads or around construction works).
Call today for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case with a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer.
Do I have a personal injury case?
If you suffered serious injuries in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may have a case if:
The experienced South Shore, Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC will be able to determine if you have a case, and fight for you to get the financial compensation you deserve. We will work with you to build a strong case and negotiate with the auto insurance company on your behalf.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Damages You May Recover
If you are successful in your case, you may be entitled to recover a range of damages, including:
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Medical expenses (past and future)
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Lost wages and loss of earning capacity (such as from brain injury)
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Pain and suffering (including long term neck injuries)
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Mental anguish and emotional distress
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Loss of consortium (companionship) for fatal accidents
Call today to speak with one of our knowledgeable South Shore, Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys to find out how much your case may be worth.
What should I do if a car hits me while walking?
Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you should do is seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured or have broken bones. Often, the full extent of injuries caused by traffic accidents may not be immediately apparent.
Whiplash, concussions, severe bruising, and traumatic brain injuries are some examples of severe injuries you may not notice immediately at the accident scene.
Gather Evidence
Next, you should gather as much evidence as possible. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and damage to the vehicle. It is also important to get the contact information of any witnesses, the license plate of the motor vehicle, and to make a description of the vehicle.
Be sure to include details such as tinted windows (or modifications which may have impeded the driver’s view or reaction time).
File a Police Report
Also be sure to file a police report. Illinois requires each driver involved in crash to file a crash report when there is bodily injury or death. All of this evidence will be crucial in building your case to establishing negligence on the part of the driver.
Contact a Lawyer
Finally, you should contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. At The Kryder Law Group LLC, our team of Chicago personal injury attorneys are experienced at representing injury victims of Chicago pedestrian accidents and handling wrongful death cases.
We will fight to recover compensation for you and will handle the details of your case including negotiations and communication with the insurance company. We can also take your case to court if necessary. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we only get paid when we get you your financial recovery.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If a negligent driver hit you while you were walking, don’t wait to take action. The experienced personal injury lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC will be able to help you build a strong case to get the full and fair compensation you deserve. We represent injured pedestrians in South Shore.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the details of your wrongful death or pedestrian accident case.
(312) 223-1700