In a troubling trend that shows no signs of slowing, Chicago’s city streets are seeing more fatal pedestrian accidents, even as overall traffic deaths are trending downward.
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According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) historic snapshot, total car accident fatalities have seen a slight decrease while pedestrian deaths have climbed steadily, particularly in urban centers like Chicago. Early data from 2025 continues to reinforce this alarming pattern.
Understanding why pedestrian deaths are increasing requires a hard look at the changing landscape of American roads. Larger vehicles, rampant driver distraction, nighttime visibility issues, and outdated infrastructure are all fueling this crisis. For victims and families, the consequences are life-altering, making strong legal advocacy more critical than ever. Firms like Ankin Law are stepping up to fight for injured victims and families who can no longer fight for themselves.
The Data: Pedestrian Deaths on the Rise
As of 2024, IDOT recorded 219 pedestrian fatalities across Illinois — a significant uptick from 2023 and 2022. Chicago alone accounted for a large share of these deaths, with dense traffic, speeding vehicles, and distracted drivers creating lethal conditions for anyone traveling on foot.
National data echoes the same warnings. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reported a 77% increase in pedestrian fatalities since 2010. Even with improved vehicle safety technologies, pedestrians have become increasingly vulnerable.
In 2025, early IDOT snapshots show that the upward trajectory is not slowing. Counties like Cook, DuPage, and Lake are seeing higher numbers, often concentrated in neighborhoods with high foot traffic and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure.
Why Are Pedestrian Fatalities Increasing?
Several factors are converging to create a perfect storm for pedestrians in Illinois. These include, but are not limited to:
Larger Vehicles Are Deadlier
Americans love their SUVs and pickup trucks — and the bigger, the better. Unfortunately, larger vehicles pose a much greater risk to pedestrians. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that SUVs and trucks are significantly more likely to cause fatal injuries in pedestrian crashes compared to smaller passenger cars.
Their elevated front ends can push a pedestrian under the vehicle rather than over the hood, leading to more serious head and torso injuries. Simply put, the “arms race” of bigger vehicles has deadly consequences for people on foot.
Distracted Driving Is Out of Control
Smartphones have become a constant distraction. Despite public awareness campaigns, hands-free laws, and penalties, distracted driving remains rampant. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022 — and pedestrians are often the collateral damage.
In Illinois, distracted driving citations have increased, but enforcement often lags behind behavior. Many fatal pedestrian accidents involve a driver who was texting, checking navigation apps, or simply not paying attention at a crucial moment.
Nighttime Is Especially Dangerous
Most pedestrian fatalities happen after dark. In fact, about 76% of pedestrian deaths occur at night, according to NHTSA.
Poor street lighting, dark clothing, and reduced driver visibility all compound the risk. Urban areas like Chicago, where nightlife and public transportation use remain high after sunset, are especially vulnerable.
Moreover, even when pedestrians are doing everything right — using crosswalks, following signals — drivers who are speeding or distracted can still strike them in low-light conditions.
Speed Kills — And Chicago Streets Are Fast
Speeding is another major culprit. In urban environments, even a few extra miles per hour can dramatically increase the risk of fatal injury to a pedestrian. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle going 40 mph has an 85% chance of dying; at 20 mph, that drops to just 5%.
Despite efforts like Vision Zero Chicago, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities by redesigning streets and lowering speed limits, enforcement remains inconsistent, and reckless driving continues to plague the city.
Infrastructure Still Prioritizes Vehicles
Many streets in Illinois, and particularly in Chicago’s outer neighborhoods, were designed with only cars in mind. Wide lanes, long crossing distances, and a lack of pedestrian refuges make it dangerous for people on foot.
Even well-intentioned programs to improve pedestrian infrastructure often face budget constraints, political hurdles, or slow implementation. As a result, pedestrians remain “afterthoughts” in the transportation system.
Substance Use Is Also a Factor
Both driver and pedestrian substance use play roles in fatal crashes. NHTSA data shows that nearly half of fatal pedestrian crashes involve either a drunk driver or a pedestrian with a blood alcohol content over the legal limit.
Chicago Police reports indicate that impaired driving incidents have ticked up post-pandemic, further putting sober pedestrians at risk.
What Victims and Families Face After a Pedestrian Accident
When a pedestrian is struck, the injuries are often catastrophic. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and internal bleeding are common. The financial toll includes sky-high medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care needs.
For families who lose a loved one, the emotional and financial impact is overwhelming. Insurance companies often move quickly to limit their payouts, while cities and municipalities may deny any responsibility for unsafe infrastructure.
Why Choose Ankin Law for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim?
After a serious pedestrian accident, the last thing you need is to get the run-around from a faceless insurance company. You need results. That’s where the pedestrian accident lawyers at Ankin Law come in.
Our law firm has decades of experience handling complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, including high-stakes pedestrian accident claims. We understand the unique legal challenges these cases present: proving driver negligence, demonstrating inadequate roadway design, and battling insurance companies that are motivated to pay out as little as possible.
Here’s what sets Ankin Law apart:
- Proven Results: With a track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, Ankin Law gets the outcomes clients deserve.
- Aggressive Advocacy: They don’t wait for insurance companies to “play fair.” Ankin Law fights back hard, using accident reconstruction experts, medical testimony, and cutting-edge evidence.
- Local Knowledge: As a Chicago-based firm, they know the streets, the courts, and the municipal players. That insider knowledge can make the difference between a lowball settlement and a full recovery.
- Personalized Service: Clients aren’t treated like case numbers. Ankin Law offers personalized legal strategies tailored to each victim’s needs and goals.
In a legal environment where big firms often churn through cases assembly-line style, Ankin Law stands out by treating every pedestrian accident claim with the urgency and respect it deserves.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically two years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also two years in most cases. Waiting too long can destroy your chance to seek justice.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Ankin Law today at 312-600-0000 for a free consultation. The sooner you act, the better your chances of building a strong case and securing the compensation you deserve.
The streets of Chicago aren’t getting safer on their own. Until systemic changes are made, it’s up to vigilant legal advocates to hold negligent drivers and responsible parties accountable — and Ankin Law is ready to lead that fight.
