When thinking about car accidents, most of us are aware of how the drivers and passengers involved can suffer serious injuries. However, you may not realize how many pedestrians suffer injuries every year in traffic.Like other personal injury accident victims, pedestrians must prove that someone else acted in a negligent manner if they wish to recover compensations for their injuries. At The Rooth Law Firm, our Evanston pedestrian accident lawyer has been bringing such proof to negotiation tables and courtrooms in Illinois for over 40 years.Call now to learn more about the benefits of hiring our personal injury lawyer in Evanston.
Why Choose Our Evanston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
Rather than handling your case alone, stay focused on your recovery and leave the legal work to us. Our team could:
- Investigate what happened and who is responsible
- Collect evidence to strengthen your case
- Contact the at-fault party and their insurance company on your behalf
- Negotiate for a fair settlement, if possible
- Represent you at trial at a venue like the Cook County Law Division, if necessary
We have developed the know-how and skill for creating strong cases in pursuit of maximum compensation for our clients. Our aggressive approach is based on a passion to right the wrongs you have suffered at the hands of the careless and negligent. That is why the Evanston pedestrian accident lawyer at The Rooth Law Firm fights tooth and nail to bring you the justice you deserve under the law.
What Is Your Pedestrian Injury Case Worth?
Our Evanston law firm can pursue damages for some or all of the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Disability
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
Call The Rooth Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our office is right here in Evanston, so we can respond quickly to your call, and we are very familiar with local road conditions, hazards, courtrooms, and applicable laws.
Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois
The first page of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study indicates that the most common risk factors for pedestrian accidents are:
- Being in urban areas, such as in greater Chicago
- Walking in dark areas or at night, when visibility can be limited
- Alcohol consumption by either the driver or the pedestrian
How Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Speed is an important factor in many traffic crashes. The faster a car is traveling, the more damage it can inflict, but even cars traveling at such low speeds as 35 mph can cause serious physical damage to others.
This is especially true when pedestrians are involved. Without any body protection against an impact, pedestrians are at risk for the most severe injuries. This makes them the most vulnerable of all individuals in traffic.
Other common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted drivers, such as those talking on cell phones or texting
- Drivers who fail to follow traffic laws
- Drowsy drivers
- Drivers who are just not paying attention
These behaviors can be made worse in bad weather, at night, and in crowded traffic conditions.
Pedestrians also have a responsibility while in and around traffic to avoid causing accidents. Whether you are walking in a heavily trafficked area like the streets around Northwestern University or in a residential area like the roads around James Park, you should:
- Walk safely: do not make unpredictable or sudden moves
- Stick to crosswalks and sidewalks where available
- Not dart out into traffic
- Check for oncoming traffic before crossing the road
- Avoid staring at your phone instead of the environment
If, despite your best efforts, you were injured in a crash, let us hold the reckless driver accountable. The Rooth Law Firm realizes that you are angry, and justifiably so. We can pursue compensation and protect your future by providing personalized, compassionate legal support.
Rely on the Experience, Skill, and Determination of The Rooth Law Firm
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident in or around Evanston, we highly recommend that you contact our firm today. It is never a good idea to rely on an insurance company. Their priority is not what is best for you but what is best for their company.
Robert J. Rooth and our entire team is committed to providing the legal representation you deserve. Call us now to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get Compensation if the Pedestrian Accident Was Your Fault?
Because Illinois operates under a comparative fault law, a pedestrian may be partially responsible for an accident. Your portion of fault will reduce your compensation by that amount.
For example, if your damages amounted to $100,000 and you are found to be 25 percent at fault, your damages would be reduced to $75,000. Your fault as a pedestrian must be under 51 percent to recover any damages at all.
The issue of fault can dramatically affect your case, so it is a good idea to have a legal professional on your side.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Evanston, IL?
The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that there were 57 pedestrian accidents in Evanston in 2023. Of these, 54 crashes resulted in at least one injury, and two pedestrian crashes were fatal.
These statistics highlight just how dangerous pedestrian collisions are and the importance of road safety.
What Are the Most Common Injuries After a Pedestrian Crash?
Common pedestrian injuries can include:
- Neck injuries
- Concussions
- Shoulder displacement
- Bruises/contusions
- Back injuries
- Jaw fractures
- Other bone fractures
- Internal injuries/bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
No matter what kind of injury you sustained, The Rooth Law Firm’s personal injury attorney can protect your rights after a crash.