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Trusted Pedestrian Accident, Injury, and Fatality Attorneys in Chicago, Illinois

These accidents can cause life-altering injuries or, tragically, even fatalities. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, just last year, 3,564 pedestrians were injured, 818 catastrophically, and 182 were killed in traffic collisions.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, Wallace Miller’s pedestrian accident lawyers in Chicago are here to help. We’ll guide you through the legal process with care and empathy, ensuring your rights are protected.

You may be eligible for financial compensation after the accident. Although money can’t change what happened, it can help you address current and future struggles the accident occurred or may have caused.

Speak with a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer for more information about your options. A member of our team at Wallace Miller will gladly discuss your case. Call 331-425-8022 or start your free case evaluation online.

What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Chicago, Illinois?

The from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides insight into how common accidents involving pedestrians are in the U.S.

Consider the following points:

Almost 8,000 pedestrians in the U.S. lost their lives in crashes involving motor vehicles in a single year. That’s about one death every 64 minutes.
One in five victims of fatal crashes over the same year were pedestrians.
An estimated 140,000 emergency department visits of pedestrians treated for non-fatal crash-related injuries annually.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified several factors that often contribute to pedestrian accidents.

They include:

Driver speed: The faster a motorist travels, the more difficult it may be to stop in time to avoid crashing into a pedestrian. A vehicle’s speed can also majorly affect the severity of a victim’s injuries.
Alcohol: About 43 percent of all fatal pedestrian accidents in a single year involved someone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more. That said, pedestrians should understand that drunk drivers aren’t always the ones who harm pedestrians due to intoxication. Some pedestrians may accidentally put themselves in harm’s way, as public intoxication may be at least as dangerous as drunk driving.
Vehicle type: Vehicle type can influence how serious a pedestrian accident victim’s injuries are. A heavier vehicle is more likely to cause significant injuries than a light one. Sometimes, vehicle type may even determine whether a crash occurs at all. Maneuvering a small vehicle around a pedestrian is easier than maneuvering a large vehicle.
Distraction: Distracted driving accidents are on the rise across the U.S., often due to smartphones and other in-vehicle distractions. While much of the focus is on drivers, it’s also important to recognize that distracted pedestrians—those using phones or other devices—can be at risk too. According to NHTSA research, pedestrian distraction isn’t the leading cause of accidents, but it still plays a meaningful role in some cases.

Chicago’s streets are busy with cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians. This means accidents still occur while crosswalks and traffic signals are intended to keep everyone safe. If you or someone you love was injured or tragically lost their life while walking, 331-425-8022 or start your free case evaluation online today to learn more about your legal options.

Who can be held liable for pedestrian accidents, injuries, and fatalities in Chicago, Illinois?

In a Chicago pedestrian accident, the liable party is the person or entity whose actions—or failure to act—caused the crash. Identifying who is legally responsible depends on the specific circumstances of the accident, including who had the duty to act safely and whether that duty was breached.

However, multiple parties may be held responsible, including:

Negligent drivers

Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections.
Distracted drivers texting, eating, or using devices while operating their vehicles.
Drivers speeding or running red lights in pedestrian-heavy areas.
Those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Municipal or government agencies

Poorly maintained roads or sidewalks that create hazards for pedestrians.
Missing or defective traffic signals and crosswalk markings.
Unsafe design or inadequate lighting in pedestrian zones.

Cyclists and other pedestrians

Cyclists who disregard traffic laws or ride recklessly in pedestrian areas.
Other pedestrians whose careless actions lead to collisions, such as abruptly stepping into traffic.

Property owners

Businesses or homeowners who fail to maintain sidewalks or pedestrian pathways near their property.
Construction companies that improperly manage zones or leave debris obstructing pedestrian paths.

Vehicle manufacturers

In cases involving vehicle defects, including faulty brakes or steering, that contributed to the accident.

An experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Chicago can investigate the accident, determine who is at fault, and build a strong case. Identifying all liable parties ensures that victims and their families seek fair compensation for their injuries or losses. Call 331-425-8022 or start your free case evaluation online if you’ve been affected by a pedestrian accident.

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What are the most common Chicago pedestrian accident injuries?

Chicago is a vibrant, walkable city where thousands of people travel on foot every day. Yet with constant traffic, fast-paced intersections, and distracted drivers, serious pedestrian accidents remain a harsh reality. When these incidents occur, they often result in devastating injuries, extended medical treatment, and lasting emotional and physical challenges for those affected.

When a motor vehicle strikes a vulnerable person, the victim’s injuries could include:

Spinal cord injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Fractures.
Amputations.
Scarring/disfigurement.
Lacerations.
Internal organ injuries.
Internal bleeding.
Death.

Treatment for pedestrian accident injuries is often costly, and some victims with severe injuries require ongoing care throughout their lives. Paying for care can be challenging after a pedestrian accident. A victim might struggle to work and earn an income due to their injuries. The inability to make money can add to a victim’s financial burden.

Tragically, some accidents even result in fatalities, leaving families devastated by the sudden loss of a loved one. If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, Wallace Miller’s pedestrian accident lawyers in Chicago are here to help. We’ll guide you through the legal process with care and empathy, ensuring your rights are protected.

What type of compensation is available after a Chicago pedestrian accident?

Compensation for a pedestrian accident can cover both economic and non-economic losses.

Here’s a breakdown:

Economic losses
- Medical bills for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications.
- Lost wages due to time missed at work.
- Future medical expenses if ongoing treatment or care is required.
Future economic losses:
- Victims might need long-term care or treatment for permanent injuries.
- These future losses require estimating their potential value based on medical and financial projections.

Non-economic losses

Examples of non-economic losses:
- Pain and suffering caused by the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life if injuries prevent victims from engaging in activities they once loved.
- Emotional distress and mental anguish resulting from the trauma of the accident.
Calculating non-economic losses:
- Non-economic damages don’t have a precise dollar value.
- Specialized formulas are often used to assign a monetary value to these losses, considering the severity of injuries and their impact on the victim’s life.

This combination of economic and non-economic damages ensures that victims can seek fair compensation to cover the full extent of their losses.

Can I pursue a wrongful death claim if I lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Chicago, Illinois?

Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident is an unimaginable tragedy. These accidents often leave families grappling with grief, unexpected expenses, and the absence of the support their loved one once provided.

In Illinois, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. This legal action can provide financial relief and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Those who may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois include:

A wrongful death claim is typically filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. This may be a family member or someone appointed by the court.
The compensation from the claim is distributed to the surviving spouse, children, or other next of kin.

The compensation that may be available in an Illinois wrongful death claim may include:

Economic damages:

Medical bills incurred before your loved one’s passing.
Funeral and burial expenses.
Lost financial contributions, such as the deceased’s income or benefits.

Non-economic damages:

Loss of companionship, love, and emotional support.
Mental anguish experienced by surviving family members.
Loss of guidance and care for dependent children.

To succeed in a wrongful death claim, you must demonstrate that:

The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, which may include a driver who should obey traffic laws and yield to pedestrians.
The defendant breached this duty through negligence or misconduct.
This breach directly caused the accident and your loved one’s death.
The death resulted in damages, such as emotional pain and financial losses.

Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident is an unimaginable tragedy, and we know the pain you’re facing can feel overwhelming. At Wallace Miller, our compassionate attorneys are committed to helping families pursue justice and accountability. Call 331-425-8022 or start your free case evaluation online to discuss your legal options and how we may assist you during this challenging time.

How Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys at Wallace Miller can help

Investigating the accident to gather evidence of liability is one way a law firm may help you pursue compensation.

Additional ways an attorney can help include:

Explaining options: You may have questions about how to proceed after a pedestrian accident. A lawyer can review your case, answer your questions, and help you feel more confident about potential strategies.
Documenting losses: Documentation of your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses can help show an insurance company why you deserve the compensation you’re pursuing. An attorney can gather documentation of such losses to include with your claim.
Assessing your losses: A personal injury attorney can help calculate your economic damages, estimate future financial impacts, and use accepted methods to evaluate non-economic losses like pain and suffering. While no lawyer can promise a specific outcome, it’s their responsibility to offer honest guidance, manage expectations, and help you understand what a fair settlement might look like in your case.
Negotiating:

A law firm can also manage all the administrative tasks the claims process often involves. Legal professionals may complete claim paperwork, handle correspondence with adjusters, and file paperwork by deadlines. These are all tasks you’d have to hold yourself if you didn’t have legal representation.

Our pedestrian injury lawyers can help after a Chicago hit and run accident

What are your options if a driver flees the accident scene after striking you? Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for drivers to try to avoid responsibility after pedestrian crashes. NHTSA data indicate that about 23 percent of pedestrian fatalities over a single year involved hit-and-runs.

It may still be possible to identify the liable party in these circumstances. A lawyer can investigate independently and coordinate with police to potentially identify a vehicle or driver matching your description. They may gather additional valuable information by interviewing witnesses as well.

Get in touch with pedestrian accident attorneys as soon as you can after a hit and run. The sooner they can begin investigating, the better their odds of identifying the liable party.

Can you afford to hire a personal injury lawyer in Chicago?

Hiring a personal injury lawyer doesn’t have to add to your financial stress. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case—and their fee is taken as a percentage of the compensation you recover. If you don’t receive any compensation, you don’t owe the attorney anything. This arrangement also motivates your lawyer to fight for the highest possible recovery on your behalf.

What is the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident lawsuits in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, for a pedestrian accident lawsuit, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. You also have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit if a pedestrian accident claimed the life of a loved one. Act fast to avoid waiving your right to sue.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers Also Focus on the Following Areas:

Contact our pedestrian accident lawyers in Chicago, Illinois, today

You may have to rely on various forms of support after a pedestrian accident. Fortunately, dedicated support can be valuable in paving the way for a comfortable future after a traumatic event.

At Wallace Miller, we’re here to help by pursuing the compensation you deserve after a careless driver strikes you. Learn more about how the Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers can assist you by calling 331-425-8022 or start your free case evaluation online.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Chicago