As a pedestrian, you expect drivers to follow the rules of the road and keep a watchful eye out for you. However, the reality is that many drivers don’t respect the right of way the pedestrians have, and many drivers are too distracted to pay as much attention as they should to pedestrians.
Driver carelessness can lead to severe and fatal injuries for pedestrians. At the law offices of Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, our Chicago personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for our clients in a wide range of personal injury cases. We can help you recover the compensation you and your family need.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case — contact us today.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
Contact an Attorney at Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC Today
The Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC Advantage
- Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys have over 40 years of experience helping injury victims secure maximum compensation for their damages.
- We will handle your case on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing until we secure compensation for you.
- We will customize a legal strategy for the specific facts of your case. At Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, you are never just a number to us. We genuinely care about you and are committed to helping you move forward after a pedestrian accident by protecting your rights and working to secure the full value of your claim.
- We offer free consultations to evaluate your case, answer your questions, and explain your rights.
Driver Negligence In Pedestrian Accidents
The cause of most accidents involving a pedestrian and motor vehicle is the negligence of the driver. This comes in many forms such as:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Running red lights
- Failing to stop at a stop sign
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Not looking for pedestrians in crosswalks
- Distracted driving involving texting and mobile phone use
Compensation For Your Injuries
Whatever the cause of your accident is, our attorneys will investigate your case to determine fault and build the best legal case to recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Head injuries, which may range from a concussion to traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Broken bones
- Back, neck and shoulder injuries
- Road rash
Any of these injuries can require treatment that results in extensive medical bills, resulting in compensation for you to help deal with the effects of the accident. You may be entitled to receive damages for:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Loss of parental or spousal support
- Pain and suffering
- Pedestrian fatalities resulting in wrongful death claims
If you are contacted by an insurance company after the incident, do not discuss anything with them until you have had a chance to talk to an experienced Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer.
One of our skilled car accident attorneys in Chicago can help you understand your claim, and negotiate with the insurers on your behalf. Our law firm has over 30 years of experience in personal injury law, and we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Liability in Chicago Pedestrian Accidents
The driver who hits you is usually the primary liable party. However, other parties may also share responsibility. Some potentially liable parties in Chicago pedestrian accidents include:
- The driver
- The vehicle owner
- The driver’s employer (if the driver was on the job at the time of the accident)
- A vehicle or auto part manufacturer
- A negligent auto repair or maintenance business
- A government entity responsible for dangerously designed or negligently maintained roads
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence model that allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, if you are 51% or more at fault for the accident, you will be barred from recovering any compensation.
If you are less than 51% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found to be 30% at fault, you could still recover $70,000 after deducting your percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations in Chicago Pedestrian Accident Claims
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims is two years. This means you must file your claim within two years of your accident. If you miss your filing deadline, you will not be able to recover compensation.
However, there are some exceptions to the two-year filing deadline. You must promptly consult an experienced Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer to determine how long you have to file.
In addition to determining your filing deadline, you should act quickly after a Chicago pedestrian accident to help protect your claim. Evidence can be lost, destroyed, or diminished soon after an accident if action is not taken promptly. At Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys work quickly to help preserve and gather the evidence to build your strongest case.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can seek the full compensation you are entitled to.
Why You Need a Chicago Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Insurance companies are in business to make a profit. They will try to deny, delay, and devalue your claim and pay you as little as possible for your damages. You need the assistance of an experienced Chicago pedestrian accident attorney to protect your rights and help you secure the full value of your claim. If a potential claim exists, photos capturing the condition at the time of the injury can be critical.
An experienced Chicago pedestrian accident attorney can carefully investigate your accident to determine whether parties other than the driver may be liable for your damages. They can establish and accurately value your damages so you know what your claim is worth. Your attorney can work to hold the insurance companies accountable and negotiate to reach a fair settlement as fast as possible.
When a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can take your case to trial to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.
Your chances of securing maximum compensation for your damages are much greater when an experienced Chicago pedestrian accident attorney represents you.
Let Us Evaluate Your Case
At Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC, we strive to take the worry out of your legal case so that you and your family can focus on healing. We will complete a thorough investigation of your claim and advise you on the best course of legal action, whether you should take a settlement or file a personal injury lawsuit. We handle accident cases throughout the Chicago area. Se habla español.
Call us today at (312) 701-0090 for a free consultation with an experienced accident lawyer.