Chicago Pedestrian Accidents
In Chicago, pedestrian accidents are all too common. They are often caused by distracted driving – when a driver is otherwise engaged by looking at an object outside the car or changing the radio station. Sometimes an accident occurs because the driver is not actively looking for pedestrians crossing or getting ready to cross the road. Many are cell phone accidents, where the driver is talking or texting. Speeding can also play a role in pedestrian accidents. In some cases, these auto accidents are simply caused by a motorist’s decision to not yield the right of way to a pedestrian.
Unlike head-on accidents or rear-end accidents, the pedestrian is not protected inside a vehicle. Therefore, catastrophic injury can occur more often. Common auto accident injuries that pedestrian victims often face are severe fractures and lacerations, soft tissue damage, traumatic brain injuries and death.
Schaumburg Personal Injury Attorneys
Personal injury attorneys have found that some drivers try to blame the accident victim for being inattentive. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation states that only 15 percent of pedestrian accidents are caused by pedestrian error. Most of the time, the driver is found to be at fault and is held responsible for the effects of the accident. This is particularly true in alcohol-related accidents and weather-related accidents because the driver made the choice to drive while impaired or under conditions of slick roadways or poor visibility. In rare cases, road design defects or auto defects may also contribute to pedestrian accidents.
Chicago law aims to restore accident victims to the state they would be in had the accident never occurred. This means that injured pedestrians are entitled to be compensated for their medical bills, lost wages due to time away from work, property damage and any other expenses associated with the accident, as well as for their pain and suffering.
Pedestrian Accident Fatalities
It can be difficult to know what to do after an auto accident, especially when the accident results in a pedestrian fatality. It is important to know that the deceased’s family members may still have legal recourse and may file a suit for wrongful death. Such a suit offers relief for a family that has lost the financial support they need.
Whether you were injured by a reckless driver or your loved one passed away after a pedestrian accident, the personal injury attorneys at Cary J. Wintroub & Associates understand the tumultuous, life-altering effects of these serious accidents. Our attorneys are prepared to investigate your claim and fight for compensation on your behalf. Contact us today by calling (312) 726-1021 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney.
