If you’ve been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident caused by driver negligence, it’s important to seek advice from a skilled Des Plaines pedestrian accident lawyer. Our personal injury legal team is here to help.
In this Article
Do I Need a Des Plaines-Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys handle all aspects of the complex legal process. We can gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf. Serious injury cases may require medical and accident reconstruction experts. Since the negligent party’s insurance company may try to downplay the severity of injuries and shift blame onto the pedestrian, claiming they ignored traffic laws or were distracted, you need a skilled lawyer who can counter these attacks and negotiate for maximum compensation.
We can also fight for a fair settlement in court (if necessary) to hold liable parties accountable.
Which Traffic Laws Safeguard Pedestrians in Illinois?
According to the Illinois Secretary of State, pedestrians have the right-of-way at unmarked and marked crosswalks and intersections. Illinois law also requires drivers to exercise “due care” to avoid pedestrian collisions.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Des Plaines, Illinois
Pedestrian accidents are often caused by negligent or distracted drivers (talking on the phone or texting). Drivers may fail to yield, drive under the influence, or drive recklessly (such as running red lights or disobeying traffic signals). Speeding also increases the likelihood of pedestrian fatalities. Inclement weather, poor lighting (76% of pedestrian deaths occur at night, often due to poor lighting), or vehicle malfunctions may also play a role.
What to Do When Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Des Plaines
If you’re injured by a negligent vehicle owner:
- Seek medical attention immediately; keep all medical records.
- Call 911 and get a copy of the police report.
- Gather the driver’s name, contact, and insurance information.
- Collect witness statements and contact details.
- Take photos of the accident scene and injuries.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to insurance companies until speaking to a lawyer.
- Contact our IL pedestrian accident lawyers to discuss a personal injury claim.
Who Is Liable for Pedestrian Crashes in Des Plaines, IL?
When determining liability for a pedestrian accident, an experienced Des Plaines pedestrian accident lawyer knows multiple parties may be at fault, including the driver, government agencies for unsafe infrastructure, vehicle manufacturers for faulty parts, or third-party drivers causing distractions.
Under Illinois’s comparative negligence laws, pedestrians may also share liability (a fault percentage) if their actions contributed to the accident.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Des Plaines
Pedestrians can sustain severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment from medical professionals, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, broken bones or fractures, cuts, bruises, and lacerations.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrian accident victims may recover compensation like:
- Current and future medical bills (such as rehabilitation costs)
- Lost wages and future income
- Physical pain and suffering or emotional trauma
- Compensation for disfigurement or disabilities
- A wrongful death claim for fatal accidents—pedestrians account for 13 to 18.4% of traffic fatalities in Illinois—in 2024, 219 pedestrians died in crashes across Illinois.
How Much Is My Des Plaines Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
Experienced pedestrian accident injury lawyers evaluate the worth of cases for injured pedestrians by considering factors such as the severity of injuries, amount of medical expenses, long-term physical effects, impact on future employment, lost wages, and emotional distress.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations gives Des Plaines residents two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury cases against a responsible party. It’s essential to consult an attorney quickly to avoid missing deadlines.
Contact Our Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
Attorneys with specific experience in pedestrian accident cases are more effective advocates, so contact our Cook County personal injury lawyers if you or a family member has sustained serious injuries due to negligent or distracted driving.
Our personal injury law firm offers a free consultation to review your case with a personal injury attorney, where we can discuss your options for pursuing fair compensation. Like most reputable personal injury attorneys in Illinois, we operate on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless our legal team wins your pedestrian accident claim.
(312) 223-1700