Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Being hit by a car, truck, or other motor vehicle as a pedestrian, even at low speed, can have life-changing consequences. At Power Rogers, we firmly believe that if you were not responsible for your accident, you shouldn’t be responsible for the financial fallout, nor should you have to navigate the devastating physical and psychological consequences alone.

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled  to recover compensation. Call Power Rogers to set up your free consultation with a Chicago pedestrian accident attorney today.

Why Power Rogers Is the Right Pedestrian Injury Law Firm for You

Power Rogers is a pre-eminent, nationally recognized civil trial law firm with a reputation for securing record-setting results on behalf of victims and families. We set the standard for Chicago Personal Injury Firms. Our firm has recovered over $5 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients—that’s $900 million more than any other Chicago Personal Injury firm  since the year 2000, according to the Chicago Lawyer Annual Settlement Survey.

Our pedestrian accident case results include:

• $91 million for a man who was struck while waiting for a ride to work while standing outside of a 7-Eleven
• $6.85 million for a pedestrian struck in a parking lot
• $6.5 million for a child struck by a car after running out into the street
• $5.5 million for a teenager who suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury after being struck by a work van while crossing the street
• $5.5 million for the death of an elderly woman struck by a truck that failed to stop at a stop sign
• $5.15 million for the death of a teenager who was struck by a tractor-trailer while crossing outside of a crosswalk
• $4.3 million for a woman struck by a CTA bus
• $2 Million for a woman who was hit while crossing in a marked crosswalk and suffered multiple serious injuries, including fractures and a head injury

We help you by:

• Thoroughly investigating the accident to identify all liable parties.
• Collecting critical evidence such as traffic footage, witness statements, and medical records.
• Handling the negotiation process with insurance companies for you.
• Guiding you through the legal process, including filing your pedestrian accident claim on time and pursuing a lawsuit when necessary.
• Fighting for compensation that covers both your immediate and long-term damages, from medical bills to lost wages and pain and suffering
• Pursuing an uninsured motorist claim and other remedies if you were hit by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.

If you were injured or your loved one was harmed or killed while walking, our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys are available to discuss how we may be able to help. We offer FREE consultations and serve victims across Illinois and beyond.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive in a Successful Pedestrian Accident Claim?

At Power Rogers, we fight to help clients secure the compensation they need to pay for losses they’ve incurred up to the time a case is resolved and any losses they are likely to incur beyond the conclusion of their case due to permanent or long-term injuries.

From a legal perspective, “damages” refer to compensation for losses you’ve suffered, and they typically fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.

Here are a few examples of losses you may recover economic damages for:

• Cost of immediate medical care
• Cost of ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
• Income lost while recovering
• Future income lost due to disability

These are some of the losses our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys may help you recover non-economic damages for:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment or quality of life
• Disfigurement

Who Is Liable When a Vehicle Hits a Pedestrian in Chicago?

Victims and families who suffer losses in pedestrian accidents can bring personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits against the individuals and/or entities they allege to be liable. While the facts of your case need to be investigated and analyzed to determine the proper parties to name as Defendants, those parties are generally individuals or entities whose negligence was a substantial cause of your injuries. Examples include:

• Negligent drivers who strike pedestrians in crosswalks or parking lots
• Owners or employers of negligently driven vehicles
• Commercial truckers and trucking companies responsible for truck-versus-pedestrian crashes
• Contractors, developers, or other parties on construction sites that create traffic and/or pedestrian hazards
• Premises owners who fail to address unsafe property conditions on their land, including hazards that pose slip and fall risks
• Other pedestrians or bicyclists who fail to safely share sidewalks and walkways

Ultimately, determining liability in a pedestrian accident requires a careful analysis of who contributed to the incident and whether their actions violated a duty of care under the law.

How to Prove Driver Negligence in a Chicago Pedestrian Accident Case

While it’s up to your Chicago pedestrian accident injury lawyer to prove negligence, it can be helpful to understand how negligence is legally defined. To successfully argue your case, your lawyer must prove the following:

• The At-Fault Party Had a Duty of Care Toward You: A “duty of care” refers to an obligation to act in a way that will not harm others. For instance, drivers have a duty to obey traffic laws and yield to pedestrians.
• They Breached That Duty: This simply means the at-fault party violated their obligation for a duty of care. If a driver goes straight through a crosswalk while you are crossing, they have breached their duty of care to you.
• The Breach of Duty Directly Caused Your Injuries: In a pedestrian accident case, this element is usually very easy to prove. Using the example above, the driver’s going through the crosswalk caused the vehicle to hit you, which, in turn, caused your injuries.
• As a Result of Those Injuries, You Suffered Damages: This means you have suffered legally-recognized losses as a result of your injuries. Legally-recognized damages include the cost of medical care caused by the crash, lost earnings, pain, suffering, disfigurement, and emotional distress.

You and your lawyer might know the at-fault driver’s actions clearly constitute negligence, but a court (or an insurance company) isn’t just going to take your word for it. Your Chicago pedestrian accident attorney will gather evidence to prove both the driver’s negligence and the extent of your injuries, including:

• The police report for your accident
• Witness statements
• Photos of your injuries and the accident scene
• CCTV footage of the accident
• Your medical bills
• Testimony from your doctors or medical experts
• Proof of your lost wages

Make sure you keep copies of all your medical bills and receipts for any accident-related expenses. This can make it much easier for your pedestrian accident attorney to gather the evidence they need.

Expert testimony can also be helpful in pedestrian accidents, especially when it comes to proving the severity of your injuries. Insurance companies often downplay the significance of injuries in order to justify low settlement amounts. A medical expert can help you and your attorney fight back.

How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago?

According to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), people who walk in Chicago are 12 times more likely than people in vehicles to be injured or killed in a traffic crash. In 2024, data from the Chicago Data Portal indicates that more than 2,900 pedestrians were injured or killed in reported traffic crashes in Chicago. That includes 451 people with serious, incapacitating injuries, 1,803 with non-incapacitating injuries, and 647 who reported pain or other symptoms despite no visible injury. In total, 34 pedestrians were killed.

These numbers highlight just how serious pedestrian accidents are in Chicago, and how important it is to take legal action if you or a loved one has been hurt.

What Are the Main Causes of Chicago Pedestrian Accidents?

Several factors contribute to pedestrian accidents in Chicago, many of them tied to unsafe driving behaviors:

• Reckless driving: Speeding, running red lights, and failing to yield are some of the most common causes of pedestrian crashes. In 2024, reckless driving was cited in over 1,200 crashes across the city.
• Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers pose a major risk to pedestrians, especially at night or in poorly lit areas. In 2024, Chicago reported more than 500 crashes involving alcohol or drug use.
• Distracted driving: Texting, using a GPS, or other in-car distractions can easily lead to missed crosswalks or delayed reactions. At least 867 crashes in 2024 were linked to distracted drivers.
• Unsafe turns and failure to yield: Many pedestrian accidents happen when drivers make left turns without checking for people in the crosswalk or ignore walk signals.
• Low visibility and poor lighting: Crashes are more likely to occur at night or in areas with limited street lighting, especially when drivers aren’t paying close attention.

Know Your Rights: Illinois Pedestrian Laws

625 Ill. Comp. Stat. § 5/11-1002 makes it clear that pedestrians have the right of way when using a crosswalk. In particular, Illinois law directs that:

Drivers Must Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalks

If there is no traffic control signal at the crosswalk or if it isn’t working, any oncoming vehicle must come to a complete stop and allow the pedestrian to cross the street when they are on the same half of the road, or when the pedestrian is close enough to the driver’s half to be in danger if the driver continues to move.

Drivers May Not Pass at Crosswalks

Oncoming vehicles cannot overtake and pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to allow a pedestrian to cross.

Drivers Must Obey Stop Signs and Flashing Red Signals

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians when there is a flashing red signal or stop sign in place at a marked crosswalk or intersection.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Chicago: A Quick Guide for Victims

If you’re hit by a car, truck, bus, or other vehicle as a pedestrian, taking the right steps early on can make a big difference, both when it comes to your recovery and any potential legal claim:

• Seek medical attention fast. Even if you think you’re uninjured or your injuries are minor, some problems (like internal injuries or concussions) may not show up immediately. Getting checked protects your health and creates important medical records.
• Report the accident to the Chicago police. A police report serves as an official document of the incident and can be vital evidence later. Be sure to get a copy for your records.
• Collect information from everyone involved and witnesses. Get names, contact info, vehicle details, and insurance info whenever possible.
• Document the scene and your injuries. Take photos, videos, and notes to capture details about the road, traffic signs, weather conditions, and any visible injuries or damage. All this can help support your Chicago pedestrian accident claim.
• Be cautious when speaking to insurance companies. Avoid providing recorded statements or more information than necessary.
• Contact our pedestrian accident attorneys as soon as possible. Our attorneys will focus on fighting for you while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Illinois?

In most cases, the statute of limitations in Illinois gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a pedestrian accident claim. However, there are several exceptions to this rule. It’s important to consult an Illinois pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to analyze the applicable statute of limitations period.

Can I Still File a Pedestrian Accident Claim if I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence standard. This means that as long as you are less than 50% at fault, you may recover compensation. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What If I Was the Victim of a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident?

Unfortunately, some drivers in pedestrian accidents will choose to commit a hit-and-run, meaning they flee the scene of the accident. Even if police cannot track down the driver, a pedestrian accident attorney may be able to help you obtain compensation from your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

What Are the Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

Pedestrian accident injuries are often extremely serious, if not catastrophic. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, lacerations, and broken bones.

Can I Sue the City of Chicago if Poor Road Design Caused My Accident?

In some cases, you may be able to sue the city for poor road design, poor road maintenance, or even the lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. If you think the city may be responsible for your injuries, contact a pedestrian accident attorney. Chicago is challenging to sue, and your attorney can tell you if you have a viable case.

How Long Does it Take to Settle a Pedestrian Accident​?

The time it takes to settle an accident depends on several factors, including case complexity and whether the case goes to court. Cases that involve minor injuries and settle out of court could be resolved in a matter of months, while those that go to trial may take years.

Were You Hit As a Pedestrian in Chicago? Contact Power Rogers to Learn How We Can Help

In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, it’s easy to feel helpless. Between intense physical pain, piling medical bills, and being unable to work and enjoy the activities you once did, navigating daily life can feel like a struggle.

That’s where we come in. At Power Rogers, our Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers have a commitment to justice and to our clients—and that commitment is reflected in our results. If we take your case, you can count on us to fight for you.

Call us or fill out our contact form today. Consultations are free and confidential.