Every year, a substantial number of pedestrians in Chicago sustain serious and sometimes fatal injuries as a result of being struck by vehicles. While the number of pedestrian accidents has been declining in recent years, they still occur far too often.
If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, it is important to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you understand your legal options and get the compensation you deserve.
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How Many People Get Hit By a Car in Chicago Each Year?
Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States, home to about three million people. There are also numerous tourist attractions in the city, bringing in millions of people each year to enjoy the sights. Due to the high volume of traffic consisting of both locals and visitors, Chicago is a notoriously dangerous city for car and truck accidents.
Aside from car accidents, many pedestrians are hit and seriously injured or killed by cars in Chicago each year. Of those who are struck, many suffer serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or internal bleeding. In some cases, these injuries can lead to long-term disability or even death. Pedestrians were responsible for roughly half of all traffic fatalities in Chicago in 2021.
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According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, an average of 30 to 40 pedestrians are either hit, injured, or killed on Chicago roads and sidewalks every year. Although statistics show a decrease in pedestrian car accidents between 2019 and 2020, there is still a substantial risk of being hit by a car while walking the streets of Chicago.
While many pedestrian-car accidents are caused by driver error, there are also a number of other factors that can contribute to the risk of being hit by a car. These include poor visibility due to weather conditions or low light levels; distracted walking (such as using a cell phone); and walking in high-traffic areas.
Pedestrians can help to reduce their risk of being hit by a car by paying attention to their surroundings and taking extra care when walking in areas where vehicles are present.
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What Makes Pedestrian Accidents In Chicago So Common?
Pedestrian accidents are quite common in many large cities across the United States, and Chicago is no different. Pedestrian accidents account for a significant number of personal injury claims in the city each year. Why are these accidents so common in our city?
There are a number of factors that contribute to the problem. First of all, Chicago is a densely populated city, which means that pedestrians are more likely to be struck by vehicles. Furthermore, a large number of pedestrians in Chicago rely on public transportation, which is frequently delayed or crowded. This can lead to pedestrians feeling like they must hurry across the street, increasing their risk of being involved in an accident.
Finally, navigating Chicago’s streets can be difficult with so many one-way streets and construction sites. As a result, pedestrians can become disoriented and unintentionally cross in front of moving vehicles.
While there is no easy solution to the problem of pedestrian accidents in Chicago, raising awareness of the issue is a good first step. By understanding the factors that contribute to these accidents, we can begin to take steps to prevent them from happening in the future.
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Pedestrian Protection in Chicago: The City’s Response
While pedestrians are ultimately responsible for their own safety, the city has also taken steps to ensure its citizens are safe on the sidewalks.
In order to protect pedestrians, these measures have been put in place.
Crosswalks for Street Crossing
Crosswalks are something that most of us take for granted. They are such a commonplace sight that we often don’t think twice about them. However, crosswalks serve a vital role in keeping pedestrians safe. By providing a designated crossing point, crosswalks help to minimize the risk of pedestrians being struck by vehicles.
In Chicago, crosswalks are mandatory for all pedestrians where they are present. You should always look both ways when crossing the street at a crosswalk and ensure all cars have stopped before crossing. While crosswalks can’t completely eliminate the risk of pedestrian-vehicle accidents, they help to make our streets safer for everyone.
Pedestrian Bridges and Tunnels
Besides crosswalks, Chicago has also invested in pedestrian-friendly bridges and tunnels to help people cross roads and avenues with limited access. The bridges and tunnels may seem long, but they will save you a lot of pain and stress in the long run.
Laws Ensuring Pedestrians are Safe Walking on the Roadway
Chicago is known for its bustling streets and crowded sidewalks. With so many people on the go, it’s important to ensure that pedestrians are safe when walking on the streets.
In order to ensure pedestrians are safe, the city has put in place a number of laws and regulations. For example, walking on a roadway is prohibited if a sidewalk is available. If there is no sidewalk, pedestrians must walk on the shoulder of the road, facing traffic.
In addition, pedestrians are required to yield the right-of-way to vehicles if crossing where there is no crosswalk present. By following these laws, pedestrians can help to keep themselves safe while walking in Chicago.
Traffic Rules and Signs
The city has put in place a number of traffic rules and signs to help keep pedestrians safe. For example, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing at marked crosswalks or intersections with stop signs or traffic signals. They must also exercise caution when driving near playgrounds, school zones, and other areas where pedestrians are likely to be present.
In addition, the city has installed a number of pedestrian-only zones downtown, where vehicles are not allowed. These zones provide pedestrians with a safe haven from the hustle and bustle of traffic. By following these simple traffic rules and signs, Chicago helps to ensure that its pedestrian population remains safe.
Hire an Experienced Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Chicago pedestrian accidents have been reducing over the last few years, but people still continue to get struck by cars. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to speak with an experienced Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Our lawyers at Drake & Collopy, P.C. understand the complexities of these cases and are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations so that you can discuss your case with a qualified attorney and learn about your legal options. Contact us today to get started on your case.
