As personal injury attorneys in Chicago, we have seen firsthand the devastating effects of pedestrian accidents. These types of accidents can result in serious injuries or even death, and they often have a profound impact on the lives of those involved.
Pedestrian accidents occur when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle while walking or crossing the street. These types of accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver distraction, failure to yield, speeding, and intoxication.
Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago: What the Statistics Show
According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 1,112 pedestrian crashes in Chicago in 2019. These accidents resulted in 1,169 injuries and 114 deaths.
In terms of demographics, men and women were equally likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents in Chicago, but those aged 65 and older were disproportionately affected. In 2019, nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities in Chicago were people aged 65 or older.
Pedestrian accidents in Chicago also disproportionately affected people of color. In 2019, 73% of pedestrian fatalities in the city were Black or Latino.
Causes
In our experience, pedestrian accidents are usually caused by driver negligence. This can include things like texting while driving, failing to stop at a stop sign or traffic light, or failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. In these cases, the driver may be held responsible for the accident and the resulting injuries.
However, keep in mind that pedestrians are required to follow the rules of the road and to look out for their own safety. Crossing the street at a location not designated as a crosswalk or crossing against a red light will make it much more difficult to prove that the driver was at fault.
Significant Injury
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, depending on the severity of the accident and the speed and size of the vehicle involved. Some common injuries caused by pedestrian accidents include:
- Head injuries: These can range from minor concussions to more severe brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries: These can result in paralysis or other permanent physical limitations.
- Fractures: These can occur in any bone, and may require surgery or other medical treatment to heal.
- Soft tissue injuries: These can include bruises, sprains, and strains, and may result in pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Internal injuries: These can range from minor bruising to more serious injuries such as organ damage.
In some cases, pedestrian accidents can also result in amputations or fatalities. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a pedestrian accident to ensure that any injuries are properly treated.
It’s also important to keep in mind that pedestrian accidents can have a lasting impact on the lives of those involved. In addition to physical injuries, there may be emotional trauma and financial difficulties associated with the accident.
This is why it’s important to seek legal representation if you or someone you love has been involved in a pedestrian accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Damages You Can Claim in Chicago Pedestrian Accidents
When your Chicago personal injury lawyer files a claim with the insurance company, they will obtain the necessary documentation to support your damages claims. Some of the damages you can claim include:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering (past and future)
- Hospital expenses
- Surgical expenses
- Ambulatory services
- Rehab costs
- Funeral expenses if the injuries led to death
These damages include economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cost you money, such as medical bills. Non-economic damages are funds rewarded to victims to cover the accident’s impact on their well-being.
Hire a Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. This can include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can work to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Chicago, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Together, we can fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free case review.
