PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS SERVING CHICAGO, ILLNOIS

Many people enjoy walking around the city of Chicago. Even if you take every precaution and remain alert at all times when crossing streets or simply walking, you are still at the mercy of all vehicle drivers on the road. When an unprotected human body meets about 4,000 pounds of metal and steel, the consequences may be devastating or, in some cases, deadly.  

Pedestrians do not have the protection of an enclosed vehicle frame, seatbelts, and airbags, and are more vulnerable to serious injuries or death compared to vehicle drivers and their occupants. At Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC, we understand the serious nature of such accidents and the lasting impact injuries can have on an injured pedestrian’s life. Our personal injury attorneys in Chicago, Illinois, strive to get accident victims the highest compensation possible. We proudly serve clients throughout Cook County and the collar counties.  

Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

When we walk on or near a roadway or driveway, we trust that motorists will follow traffic laws and drive in a cautious and safe manner. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. When a driver is negligent, they can place your body and life at risk.  

When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, they may suffer one or more of the following injuries: 

• Broken bones 

• Traumatic brain injuries 

• Spinal cord injuries 

• Internal bleeding 

• Soft-tissue damage 

• Loss of limb 

• Paralysis 

A pedestrian accident can have devastating consequences that alter the lives of those involved. However, some injuries may not be apparent right away, which is why it is always best to go to a hospital and seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. This step helps the victim receive proper and timely treatment to begin recovering and also strengthen their future claim for compensation.  

Fault in Pedestrian Accidents

Both drivers and pedestrians must act responsibly and with reasonable care when using the public roadways. When either party fails to do so, an accident may occur. Motorists may be at fault if they: 

• Exceed the posted speed limit. 

• Fail to yield the right of way. 

• Get distracted by their cell phone while driving. 

• Do not slow down when approaching crosswalks. 

• Get behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs. 

However, there may be situations in which a pedestrian may be partially or fully at fault for causing a collision. Some examples of pedestrian negligence include: 

• Improperly crossing the road or jaywalking. 

• Ignoring traffic signals. 

• Walking in an area off-limits to pedestrians (e.g., highways). 

• Darting out into the road in front of a vehicle. 

When a pedestrian accident occurs, the injured victim can pursue compensation through the at-fault party’s insurance company since Illinois follows a fault insurance system. When an injured pedestrian is trying to recover damages after being hit by a car, they have to prove the following elements:  

1. the driver owed them a duty of care; 

2. the driver breached the duty because they failed to yield the right of way, did not slow down, or were otherwise at fault;  

3. the pedestrian was hit because of the driver’s negligence; and, 

4. the pedestrian suffered an injury and actual damages (e.g., medical bills) as a result.  

If you were struck by a vehicle or your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, an attorney will work to prove the other party’s fault by gathering all the available evidence at the scene to help you get justice and obtain the compensation you deserve.  

How Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC, Can Help

Our attorneys at Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC, can help accident victims fight for their legal rights and build the strongest case possible. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Chicago, Illinois, or other parts of Cook County, we have the resources to assist you with the following: 

• Determining if you have a case. We can review the facts of your case to help you determine whether or not you have a case. If you do, our pedestrian accident attorneys will help you develop the best plan of action.  

• Investigating your accident. Our attorneys can send investigators to the location where your accident occurred to examine the scene and collect all available evidence. When it is not clear who is at fault, our attorneys can work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.   

• Communicating with the insurance company. We can handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf to protect your rights and ensure that the insurer does not pay you less than you deserve.  

• Fighting for fair compensation. We strive to help clients obtain the maximum compensation to which they are entitled through our personalized, fearless, and effective legal advocacy. With our attorneys, you do not have to worry about settling for less than what your case is worth.  

Our results-driven attorneys treat every client with respect, empathy, and compassion. We will take the time to listen to your story and then inform you of your legal rights and options.