Chicago Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If a careless driver hit you while you were walking, don’t settle for excuses, and don’t settle for less than full compensation. At Ankin Law, our pedestrian accident lawyers win cases that other firms can’t.
We bring more than 100 years of combined experience, a team of over 80 attorneys and staff members, and access to top medical experts and accident reconstructionists to prove your case. When you hire Ankin Law, you’re not just hiring an accident lawyer. You’re putting a powerhouse legal team in your corner.
Ankin Law delivers:
- 24/7 access to your legal team
- 100+ years of combined trial experience
- A FREE, no-obligation consultation
- No fees unless we win your case
When losing is not an option, contact a Chicago pedestrian accident attorney at Ankin Law. (312) 600-0000
Table of Contents
Ankin Law Attorney Telly Liapis Secured 1.4M Settlement for a Pedestrian Accident Victim
In August 2020, Allen M’s life changed drastically when he was struck by a car while walking his dog in Will County, IL. Suffering severe injuries, he underwent extensive treatment and rehab, leaving him in a wheelchair.
Despite an initial $525,000 offer, Allen followed his attorney’s advice to go to court, resulting in a $1.4 million settlement within six months.
The Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Ankin Law Help Injured Victims Win
The pedestrian accident lawyers at Ankin Law have been protecting the rights of victims in Chicago since 1940. As one of the largest injury law firms in Illinois, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in jury verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.
We Aren’t Afraid to Go Up Against Large Insurance Companies
Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys have taken on some of the largest insurance companies and most powerful corporations in the United States, and won. We have developed such a reputation for excellence in Illinois, that our law firm name is often enough to convince the other side to settle.
We Only Represent Injured Victims
At Ankin Law, we only represent injured victims and the families of people who were killed. This allows our attorneys to focus on victim rights and the Illinois laws that protect them. Over the years, our personal injury and motor vehicle accident lawyers have helped more than 25,000 injured victims recover compensation from at-fault parties.
We Have the Tools It Takes to Win
Our lawyers prepare every case as if it is going to trial. We will work with top safety experts, accident investigators, medical experts, and other specialists to help us prove the severity of your injuries, establish the cause of your accident, and determine how much your personal injury or wrongful death case is worth.
We Have a 99% Win Rate
Only about 51% of accident victims who handle their cases without hiring a personal injury lawyer recover compensation for their losses. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Chicago have a 99% win rate for personal injury cases in Illinois, and we can help you recover up to three times more than the average settlement for a pedestrian hit by a car who doesn’t have a lawyer.
Center:
Injured by a medical provider? Check out our medical malpractice knowledge center to learn more about medical malpractice cases.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
The Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that drivers strike and kill approximately 7,400 pedestrians in the United States each year. Tens of thousands more suffer catastrophic injuries.Alarmingly, the number of severe injuries and deaths caused by pedestrian accidents continues to increase.
Recent studies reveal a disturbing trend in the occurrence of pedestrian accidents that caused severe injuries and deaths in the last few years. Despite improved infrastructure and increased awareness about pedestrian safety, pedestrian accidents are on the rise in the United States, and they continue to occur at an alarming rate. Since reaching their low point in 2009, the number of pedestrians who were killed by drivers throughout the U.S. increased by 83%. In 2022, 7,500 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents, a record high compared to the previous four decades.
Additionally:
- Pedestrian accidents account for 18% of crash fatalities.
- GHSA data suggests that 7,485 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2021.
- That is an increase of approximately 11.5% since 2020
- It is equal to just over 20 deaths per day.
In Illinois, 228 pedestrians lost their lives to traffic accidents in 2021, up from 175 death in 2020. The majority of the traffic crashes that contributed to the 30.3% increase in pedestrian deaths in Illinois occurred in Chicago.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Chicago?
Roughly 80% of pedestrian accidents in the United States happen in urban areas, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Roughly 30% of deadly pedestrian accidents in Chicago happen in marked crosswalks. In recent years, the city has made numerous improvements to crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety. Some of these include installing timed countdowns at crossings, creating pedestrian refuge islands, reducing crossing distances, and creating “bump-outs” at corners. Despite their efforts, however, certain areas remain unsafe for pedestrians.
According to Dangerous By Design 2021, the following roads, intersections, and areas are the most dangerous for pedestrians in Chicago.
- South Ashland Ave
- Lake Shore Drive
- South Stony Island Avenue
- North Avenue
- S Archer Avenue
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Most pedestrian accidents in Chicago are caused by negligent drivers who are distracted, speeding, impaired, or failing to yield at crosswalks. In Chicago, pedestrian safety experts have predicted that the number of injuries and deaths in the city would decrease if the following driver behaviors were addressed.
- Distracted Driving – Texting, phone calls, or other distractions
- Speeding – Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases impact severity
- Drunk Driving – Impaired drivers pose significant pedestrian risks
- Failing to Yield – Not respecting pedestrian right-of-way at crosswalks
- Reckless Driving – Aggressive driving behaviors endangering pedestrians
Additionally, exercising extra caution in school zones, in congested areas with a lot of parked cars, and at intersections and crosswalks can help reduce the number of pedestrian accident injuries and deaths in the city.
Who Is Liable for Pedestrian Accidents?
In most Chicago pedestrian accidents, the at-fault driver is liable, but other parties may share responsibility depending on how the crash occurred.
Liability is determined by investigating the cause of the accident and identifying everyone who contributed to it. Injured victims and families may bring personal injury or wrongful death claims against:
- Negligent drivers who failed to yield, drove distracted, sped, or drove under the influence
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers if a defect contributed to the crash
- Employers if the driver was on the job when the accident occurred
- Government agencies or contractors responsible for unsafe roads, missing signs, or malfunctioning traffic signals
Because multiple parties may be involved, proving liability in a pedestrian accident case often requires accident reconstruction, witness testimony, and legal knowledge and experience.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Chicago
Once you’ve received medical treatment and your condition has stabilized, the steps you take in the days and weeks following your accident are critical. Your actions can help impact whether you recover the full compensation you deserve. By focusing on your health, preserving key evidence, and letting Ankin Law deal with the insurance companies, you can protect your physical and emotional recovery and your financial future.
Collect and Preserve Evidence
If your condition allows, take photos or videos at the scene of the crash. Include skid marks, crosswalk signals, traffic lights, and your injuries. In the days following, preserve damaged clothing and footwear, and write down your own account of what happened while it’s fresh in your mind. If there were witnesses, gather names and contact information. These details can be crucial when investigators and reconstruction experts start building your case.
Refrain From Using Social Media
Insurance companies monitor victims’ online activity. Posting photos, “checking in,” or commenting on your recovery might feel harmless, but insurers twist this information to claim you’re not as injured as you say. Stay off social media—or at least avoid sharing anything about your accident, your health, or your daily activities—until your case is resolved.
Don’t Deal Directly With the Insurance Company
After a pedestrian accident, expect calls, letters, and even home visits from insurance representatives. They’ll want you to give statements, speculate about fault, or accept a quick settlement. Don’t take the bait. Everything you say can be used against you. Direct all communication to your accident attorney. We know the games insurers play, and we don’t let them get away with it.
Contact a Chicago pedestrian accident attorney at Ankin Law for help with your injury claim. To get your FREE case evaluation, call (312) 600-0000
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Common pedestrian accident injuries range from minor bruises to severe trauma, depending on the impact and nature of the accident. Minor injuries include cuts, bruises, and sprains, which can result from falls or collisions with objects. More serious injuries involve fractures, especially of the legs, arms, or hips, due to the force of being struck by a vehicle or falling. Head injuries are also prevalent and can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), sometimes leading to long-term consequences.
Soft tissue injuries such as whiplash and damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common, particularly in accidents involving sudden stops or impacts. Pedestrians are vulnerable to internal injuries as well, including damage to organs from blunt force trauma. Emotional and psychological trauma may also result, causing anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Overall, pedestrian accident injuries can vary widely in severity, but even seemingly minor incidents can have lifelong physical, emotional, and financial impacts on victims.
Damages Available in a Pedestrian Accident Claim
In a Chicago pedestrian accident claim, victims may be entitled to three main categories of damages: economic, non-economic, and, in rare cases, punitive damages.
Economic Damages – Cover measurable financial losses, such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs and out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages – Compensate for intangible harm, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Impact on relationships (loss of consortium)
Punitive Damages – Awarded only in cases involving reckless or egregious misconduct. These damages punish the at-fault party and discourage similar behavior.
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the long-term impact on your life, and the strength of your evidence. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer at Ankin Law can evaluate your case and pursue every category of damages available under Illinois law.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit is typically two years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to initiate legal action within this timeframe, as failure to do so can result in the court dismissing the case. Consulting with a pedestrian accident attorney promptly after the accident can ensure you understand your rights, gather necessary evidence, and file within the statute of limitations to protect your legal claim.
Who Can Help Reduce the Number of Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago?
Everyone plays a role in improving pedestrian safety and making Chicago communities walkable. This includes:
- Pedestrians
- Passenger car drivers
- Commercial truckers
- Parents and caregivers
- Government agencies
- Law enforcement
- Vehicle and parts manufacturers
- Transit companies
- Road designers
Pedestrian Safety Tips
There are numerous steps our community can take to help ensure walkers and bicycle riders are safe in our city. When we work together, the people of Chicagoland can help save hundreds of lives and prevent thousands of people from suffering severe, and even disabling, pedestrian accident injuries.
Pedestrian Safety Tips for Walkers
It’s easy to get distracted while walking in a busy city like Chicago. Sometimes, walkers step out into traffic, disobey traffic signals, walk in unsafe locations, or don’t take steps to make sure they are seen. As pedestrians, there are things we can do to help ensure we stay safe when walking through our city.
- Only cross streets at intersections and marked crosswalks.
- Look both ways before crossing, and continue to watch for oncoming traffic as you cross.
- Don’t anticipate that drivers will stop.
- If you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic.
Pedestrian Safety Tips for Parents
Approximately, one in five pedestrian fatalities in the United States are children under the age of 15. Young children and toddlers are the most likely to suffer disabling or deadly injuries after getting hit by a car. Fortunately, parents can make a significant difference in keeping our children safe as they walk and play in Chicago.
- Don’t allow children under 10 years of age to cross the street by themselves.
- Teach young children not to play in parking lots and driveways.
- Instruct children to only walk on sidewalks and in protected areas that are designed for pedestrians.
- Make sure kids wear reflective clothing and carry flashlights if they must go walking before dawn or after dusk.
Pedestrian Safety Tips for Drivers
Most of the time, negligent drivers cause or contribute to pedestrian accidents that cause severe injuries and deaths in Chicago. By following a few safety tips, however, motorists can reduce the risk of striking walkers and cyclists with their vehicles.
- Slow down at intersections and crosswalks.
- Yield to pedestrians who are walking in the roadway.
- Anticipate children darting out into traffic, especially near parks and playgrounds, schools and bus stops, and where there are a lot of parked cars.
- Don’t driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Contact the pedestrian accident lawyers at Ankin Law right away if you or a loved one was hit by a car. Call (312) 600-0000 to get started with your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois
What Should I Do If the Driver’s Insurance Company Calls Me?
You should avoid speaking directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company after a pedestrian accident. Their adjusters are trained to get you to admit fault or accept less than your case is worth. Instead, direct all calls and correspondence to your pedestrian accident lawyer, who can protect your rights and negotiate on your behalf.
What happens if the at-fault driver leaves the scene of a pedestrian accident?
If the at-fault driver left the scene of your pedestrian accident and cannot be located, you may still have options for financial recovery. You may be able to file claims against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to recoup some of your costs. Additionally, your MedPay or health insurance may help pay for your medical bills.
Can I get punitive damages after a pedestrian accident in Illinois?
Punitive damages are only awarded in rare situations in personal injury and pedestrian accident cases. If the at-fault driver or other liable party acted maliciously, or without regard to your safety, however, the jury may award punitive damages in your case.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partly at Fault for a Pedestrian Accident?
Yes. Under Illinois’ comparative negligence law, you can recover damages even if you were partly at fault—as long as you were less than 51% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 20%.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Chicago
At Ankin Law, you pay nothing upfront. Our pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Your initial consultation is free, and there are no hourly fees or hidden costs.
What Our Clients Say About Us
My life was upended when I was struck by a car going 35 MPH while walking across the street. My tibia was dislodged at the knee, requiring major leg surgery. It was a difficult recovery with great pain and discomfort and almost five months of physical therapy. When I was in the hospital, I contacted Ankin Law to represent me. From the moment of initial contact and throughout the entire process I felt like I made the right choice as everyone I came into contact at Ankin was very friendly, caring and helpful, special thanks to Cynthia. Matt Friedman was the attorney assigned to my case. It was a pleasure working with Matt, he did a great job in explaining how things work and proceed in a case of this nature and was always very responsive to me. In less than eight months, Matt secured the highest possible insurance settlement that was available. I am writing this review on Thanksgiving morning, and I am so thankful that I didn’t sustain further injuries upon the accident, and so very thankful that Ankin Law represented me.
