Attorneys for Pedestrians Injured by Cars & Vehicles
Attorneys for Pedestrians Injured by Cars & Vehicles
Chicago Pedestrian Accident Attorney
The City of Chicago has made efforts in recent years to create additional incentives for more people to walk to get to destinations. While Chicago is among the most walkable cities in the nation, thousands of automobiles pass through the city limits every hour, and negligent motorists cause car accidents that seriously injure pedestrians.
People traveling by foot are susceptible to serious injuries or possibly even wrongful death when they are struck by motor vehicles. Victims in these cases may require extensive medical care while being completely unable to return to work—and such inability to maintain employment may be permanent in some cases.
We help victims seek maximum compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance company for their medical bills and more.
Common types of damages may include but are not limited to the following:
- medical expenses,
- emergency room expenses,
- future related medical costs,
- pain and suffering,
- emotional distress,
- lost income,
- loss of future wages stemming from an inability to work,
- loss of a normal life,
- loss of companionship,
- reconstructive surgery expenses,
- loss of consortium,
- wrongful death and
- other non-economic damages or punitive damages.
Insurance policy adjusters often attempt to offer low settlement amounts that don’t fully account for your damages. Our legal team will fight to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Why Choose Susan E. Loggans & Associates P.C. for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
Dr. Susan E. Loggans is not only an experienced personal injury attorney but also a pioneer in holding negligent parties accountable. Her team is dedicated to helping pedestrian accident victims rebuild their lives. When you choose Susan E. Loggans & Associates, P.C., you gain a legal team that cares about your future and understands the emotional and financial challenges you face.
Our firm personally manages every pedestrian accident claim from start to finish, ensuring no detail is overlooked. From analyzing police reports and medical records to working with medical experts, we build a strong personal injury case to secure maximum compensation for pedestrian injury victims.
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call us today at (312) 588-9773 for a free case evaluation, and let us guide you through the legal process with care, determination, and expertise.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents occur due to the negligence of at-fault drivers who fail to exercise their duty of care. Whether it’s a drunk driver ignoring traffic signals or a distracted motorist failing to yield the right of way in parking lots, these accidents often stem from preventable actions.
Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using mobile devices or engaging in other distractions are a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians.
- Drunk Driving: A drunk driver’s impaired judgment and slowed reaction time can result in catastrophic collisions with pedestrians.
- Failure to Yield at Intersections: Pedestrians often have the right of way, but negligent drivers who fail to obey traffic laws or red lights can cause severe injuries.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: Some drivers flee the accident scene, leaving injured pedestrians without immediate assistance.
- Inclement Weather: Rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and make it harder for motorists to see pedestrians and for pedestrians to move out of the way.
- Reckless Driving: Speeding, improper lane use, and other reckless behaviors increase the likelihood of pedestrian accidents.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Unlike drivers and passengers in vehicles, pedestrians have no physical protection during a crash. As a result, the injuries sustained are often catastrophic, requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Broken Bones: Fractures to legs, arms, ribs, or other areas are prevalent in pedestrian crashes.
- Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries: Severe cuts and bruises may result from the impact or contact with the pavement.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can cause partial or complete paralysis, altering a victim’s life permanently.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions and other head injuries are common due to the force of impact during a motor vehicle accident.
- Internal Organ Damage: Internal bleeding and organ damage often require emergency medical treatment.
- Amputations: In extreme cases, pedestrians may lose limbs due to the severity of the collision.
- Death: Pedestrian deaths are tragically common in collisions involving high speeds or reckless driving.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to contact an attorney as early as possible in the process. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and deal with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
It’s also critical to take the following steps to protect your legal rights:
- Move to Safety: If possible, move away from oncoming traffic.
- Call 911: Notify authorities to create a police report, which will be crucial for your insurance company claim and car accident case.
- Gather Evidence: Collect contact and insurance information from the driver, passengers, and any witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and injuries.
- Check Injuries: Seek immediate medical attention and keep all medical records.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in Illinois
Illinois follows the rule of comparative negligence, which means that even if you share some fault for the accident, you may still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for the accident, your financial compensation will be reduced by 20%.
Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims
Under Illinois personal injury law, injured pedestrians generally have two years from the date of the motor vehicle accident to file a personal injury claim. It’s critical to act quickly to gather evidence and build a strong case. Missing the statute of limitations could result in losing your right to compensation.
Pedestrian Accident Resources
City of Chicago | Pedestrians
Visit this section of the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) website to learn more about its Pedestrian Program. You can find additional information about Chicago pedestrian crash analysis, crosswalk enforcement initiatives, and a Downtown pedestrian count study. You can also learn more about recent news releases and other services.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety | Illinois Secretary of State
On this section of the Secretary of State website, you can learn more about the rules of the road for pedestrians and bicyclists. The website includes information about pedestrian fatalities and injuries. You can also use this website to take safety quizzes.
Contact the Law Firm That Fights for Pedestrians
If you suffered severe injuries or your loved one was killed anywhere in Illinois as the result of a pedestrian crash, it is in your best interest to quickly seek legal representation. Susan E. Loggans & Associates helps people in communities all over Chicago.
Chicago personal injury attorney Susan E. Loggans will fight to get you all of the compensation you need and deserve for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Call (312) 588-9773 or complete an online contact form to have our personal injury lawyers provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case during a free, no-obligation consultation.