In 2023, Illinois saw a nearly 14% rise in pedestrian-involved crashes compared to previous years, with nearly 200 pedestrian deaths statewide. If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in Chicago (or really anywhere in Illinois), knowing where to turn for legal help can feel overwhelming. Talking to an experienced Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take.
At IllinoisLawyers.com, we offer a free legal referral service that offers confidential, no‑cost consultations and answers your questions. When appropriate, we personally recommend experienced Illinois lawyers whom we trust with our own family’s case, giving you honest advice and connecting you with the best legal help available. Call us any time for a free case review at 312-346-5320.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 6 key things to know, including what to expect after a pedestrian accident, how a lawyer can help, and how our Illinois lawyer referral service makes the process simple.
1. Pedestrian Accidents: Causes, Types & Injuries
Pedestrian accidents in Chicago can happen anywhere—crosswalks, intersections, parking lots, and even sidewalks. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting or talking on the phone)
- Speeding or running red lights
- Failing to yield at crosswalks
- Police chases
- Poor weather or low visibility
- Big crowds that driver try and maneuver around
An experienced Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer understands these factors and can build a strong case to prove negligence. Identifying fault is crucial to your claim.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents
- Crosswalk and intersection accidents (failure to yield, red-light running)
- Parking lot and driveway collisions (backing-up incidents)
- Hit-and-run pedestrian crashes
- Jogger or runner accidents (sidewalks, trails, shoulders)
- Public transportation accidents (buses, rideshares, taxis)
- Sidewalk or off-road pedestrian impacts (vehicles leaving roadway)
- School zone and child pedestrian accidents
- Injuries or death due to high speed police chases in residential areas
- Injuries from falling objects while walking (e.g., tree branches, poorly secured portable AC units)
- Collisions with bicycles, e-bikes, or motorized scooters
Injury Types & Long-Term Impacts
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractures, paralysis
- Mental health trauma
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
- Death
2. What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident
Taking the proper steps after an accident can protect your health and legal rights:
- Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, injuries like concussions or internal damage might not show symptoms right away. Always see a doctor.
- Report the Accident: Call the police to document the crash. An official report is essential for insurance claims and legal action.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, the vehicle involved, and your injuries. Collect witness contact information.
- Contact a Lawyer: Speaking to a pedestrian accidents lawyer can help you understand your rights and avoid mistakes with insurance companies.
Need help now? Contact our law firm for a free consultation.
3. Why Hire a Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Pedestrian accidents happen all too often in Illinois. Distracted drivers, speeding, and failure to yield at crosswalks can lead to devastating injuries. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer Chicago residents trust knows how to handle these cases. They can:
- Investigate your accident and collect evidence
- Handle insurance companies that often try to undervalue claims
- Work to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Take your case to trial if needed
- Find hidden insurance policies that you might not otherwise be aware of. This act alone can make your case worth dramatically more money
A good lawyer doesn’t just argue your case—they build it with substantial evidence. This includes reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, securing security camera footage, collecting medical records, and even working with accident reconstruction experts. These steps help prove driver negligence and maximize your compensation.
We only recommend top attorneys with years of experience and a real track record of success.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Helps Your Case
A skilled pedestrian accident attorney doesn’t just file paperwork—they fight for you every step of the way. Here’s how:
- Case Investigation: Reviewing police reports, witness statements, and security footage
- Negotiation: Dealing directly with insurance adjusters to make sure they don’t take advantage of you
- Litigation: Taking your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t reached
4. Recoverable Damages After a Pedestrian Accident
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, future care)
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of support in wrongful death cases
5. Insurance Coverage & Fault in Pedestrian Accidents
After a pedestrian accident, one of the most stressful questions is: Who’s going to pay for my medical bills? The truth is, the answer depends on the details of your case. But don’t worry—we’re here to help make sense of it.
If you’re hit by a car while walking, your medical bills might be covered by:
- The driver’s auto insurance: In many cases, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance should cover your medical costs. But if they don’t have insurance—or not enough—you may have other options.
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: This can kick in even if you were walking and not driving. It’s often an overlooked source of coverage.
- An umbrella policy: Some people have these extra insurance policies to protect themselves from being personally sued. This puts more money in your pocket, but you have to know that it exists.
What If You Were Partly at Fault?
Let’s say you were crossing the street outside a crosswalk, or the signal had already turned. Does that mean you’re automatically out of luck? Not necessarily. Illinois follows comparative negligence rules. That means you can still get money for your injuries even if you were partially at fault, as long as you’re less than 50% responsible.
Why Insurance Companies Try to Undervalue Claims
It’s no secret—insurance companies are in the business of protecting their profits, not your recovery. After an accident, they’ll often offer a lowball settlement or try to deny liability altogether. Here’s what they may do:
- Downplay your injuries or say they were pre-existing
- Blame you for part (or all) of the accident
- Rush to settle before you understand the full value of your claim
That’s where a pedestrian accident attorney can make a big difference. A lawyer can gather the evidence, document your injuries, and fight for the full amount you’re owed, not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
6. Choosing the Best Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Chicago
Finding the right lawyer can make or break your case. Here’s what to look for:
- Proven experience handling pedestrian accident claims
- Strong track record of settlements and verdicts
- Access to expert witnesses like accident reconstruction specialists
- Positive client reviews and testimonials
At our law firm, we only refer you to the best pedestrian accident lawyer in Chicago for your unique situation. Our Illinois lawyer referral service is completely free and unbiased—no attorney pays us to recommend them.
How Our Law Firm Makes the Process Easy
We’ve been helping people find trusted attorneys since 2001. Here’s how our Illinois attorney referral service works:
- Contact: Call or fill out our online form.
- Talk: Speak directly with an Illinois attorney for free.
- Succeed: Get honest advice and a referral to a qualified lawyer.
We’ve helped thousands of Illinois residents find the right lawyer for their cases, and we can help you too.
FAQs
Do I have to go to court for a pedestrian accident case?
Not always. Most pedestrian accident cases settle out of court, but a pedestrian accidents lawyer Chicago IL offers will be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Having a skilled lawyer ensures you’re fully protected.
What if the driver fled the scene?
You may still have options for compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues. A lawyer can investigate the incident, work with police reports, and explore every possible insurance route to help you recover damages.
How long do I have to file a claim in Illinois?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Starting your case early gives your pedestrian accident attorney time to collect evidence and build the strongest claim possible before the deadline passes. Minors and crime victims may have a longer time to sue.
