Illinois is home to Chicago, one of the most walkable cities in America. Many residents walk to work, shop, visit friends, and run errands on foot. You may think that walking is a relatively safe activity, but pedestrian accidents happen, even while jogging or simply waiting at a bus stop. Navigating one-way streets and construction sites can be disorienting to some people, and the rush to get somewhere on time can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents.
Injuries from a pedestrian accident can include severe lacerations, broken bones, head trauma, or internal bleeding. In some cases, these injuries can lead to long-term disability or even wrongful death, which our Chicago wrongful death attorneys have helped.
Driver negligence is the most common cause of pedestrian accidents and deaths. Drivers must stop completely and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the street in a crosswalk. Nevertheless, some of the most common causes of such accidents include:
If the operator of a motor vehicle is negligent, they can be held accountable for pedestrian accidents leading to injury or death. Our Chicago car accident lawyers know Illinois motor vehicle laws in and out and have years of combined experience to help you get the compensation you are owed.
Business owners also have responsibilities. They must keep sidewalks and parking lots on their property in good condition and are responsible for removing snow and ice which can present a serious hazard in winter to pedestrians. Homeowners do not have a legal responsibility to remove snow and ice. Consulting with a Chicago premises liability attorney can help you determine which type of claim you have against a negligent party.
Finally, pedestrians themselves also have rights as well as duties. When crossing a roadway other than within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, you must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles. You also must obey the traffic signs and control signals, use pedestrian tunnels and bridges when provided, avoid attempting to go over or around a bridge or railroad gate, and generally, exercise due care.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident because of another person’s negligence, there is no reason why you should be left to bear your losses alone. The law allows you to recover financial compensation for your damages from the person or entity that caused your injury.
The first step is to hire an experienced pedestrian accident attorney to investigate your case and determine whether you have a valid legal claim. If you have a valid claim, your personal injury lawyer will work with you to prove who is responsible for your injury, gather evidence, and file a claim for damages.
Determining the responsible party is not always a straightforward task. Working with experienced pedestrian accident lawyers from Smith LaCien LLP is a good place to start to ensure that your case is handled with the seriousness and professionalism it deserves. We have a reputation for getting top-dollar compensation for our clients. Our lawyers have recovered more than $2.5 billion in verdicts and settlements for victims like you who have been injured by another’s wrongful actions.
The statute of limitations governs how much time you have to file a lawsuit after you have been injured by another person’s negligence or wrongful acts. In Illinois, the statute of limitation for personal injury is two years but can depend on the case, just as a Chicago truck accident lawyer. This means that a victim must file their claim within two years from the date of the accident that caused their damage.
If you have been injured or lost a family member in a pedestrian accident, you must act quickly. Your lawyer will need time to prepare a strong case for you within the stipulated time limit. You only get one chance to file your claim. Do not gamble with your right to compensation. Let the personal injury lawyers at Smith LaCien LLP handle your case.
Pursuing a claim with a Chicago personal injury attorney requires time, resources, expertise, and diligence. While recognizing that you need legal assistance, you may be discouraged by the thought of legal fees. At Smith LaCien LLP, we are passionate about helping you get justice. Every case begins with a free, no-obligation consultation, and claims are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win.
Our reputation for results, now totaling more than $2.5 billion, is proof of our commitment to helping injured people throughout Illinois get the justice they deserve.
If you believe you may have a pedestrian accident case, contact an experienced, personal injury law firm you can trust. Call our pedestrian accident law office in Chicago today at (312) 509-8900 or fill out our online contact form.