DuPage County Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Being involved in a traffic accident can be a traumatic and life-changing experience. This is especially true for vulnerable pedestrians who get struck by cars or find themselves caught in the crossfire of a serious car crash. Thanks to Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley, the people of Illinois don’t have to face this challenging experience alone. Our DuPage County pedestrian accident lawyers are standing by to help you obtain a significant financial settlement for your injuries.
Illinois residents who get around on foot or by bicycle have the right to feel safe when going about their business, but, unfortunately, vehicle-pedestrian collisions are an all too regular occurrence in DuPage County and other parts of Illinois. These devastating accidents have many potential underlying causes, but some common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding or driving recklessly
- Failure to properly stop or yield
- Poorly maintained roads or sidewalks
- Impaired visibility due to weather conditions or environmental factors
- Pedestrians failing to cross traffic properly
Pedestrian Accidents: A Complex Area of Personal Injury Law
It’s easy to understand why pedestrian accidents so often result in severe injuries. People traversing or crossing Illinois roadways on foot face a serious lack of protection when compared to drivers of automobiles and trucks. While a pedestrian being struck by a car might seem like a straightforward case on the surface, such incidents can quickly become complex legal headaches due to complicating factors, such as:
- Determination of Fault – Determining which party is responsible for damages is a crucial aspect of car crash investigations and personal injury claims alike. A case of a car striking a pedestrian is no exception. While pedestrians have the legal right of way in many situations, this does not always mean that the motorist in an accident will be found at fault.For example, there are situations where a municipality or construction company could be held liable due to unsafe road conditions. A pedestrian could also share fault.
- Insurance Challenges – Insurance companies are notorious for downplaying injuries, delaying the claims process, or trying to shift blame in order to minimize or avoid payouts. A good pedestrian accident lawyer will have swift and effective responses to these sorts of bad-faith tactics.
- Long-Term Implications – Serious incidents that result in brain trauma, spinal cord damage, or other serious injuries can have lifelong consequences, such as recurring medical expenses. These consequences should be factored into the damages you seek in your pedestrian injury case. Your attorney can work to ensure every legally compensable factor is considered in settlement negotiations.
- Lack of Evidence – While many busy intersections and crosswalks are covered by 24/7 traffic cameras, other places lack this type of security infrastructure, which can make it difficult to gather hard evidence in the aftermath of a pedestrian-vehicle collision. A great attorney can ensure all available evidence is collected and worked into a cohesive and compelling legal strategy that ultimately results in the largest possible payout for the injured party.
It’s important to understand that no two pedestrian accidents are exactly alike. You should find an attorney that understands this too. At Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley, we take the time to get to know our clients, their struggles, and the exact details of their cases. We do not use any “one size fits all” legal strategies here. Instead, our approach to each case is informed by the unique factors of that case, as well as our client’s individual goals and needs.
A settlement or judgment for a serious pedestrian accident can be quite substantial, encompassing a range of different damages, including the following:
- Emergency medical treatments in the aftermath of the injury
- Ongoing or long-term medical and rehabilitative treatments
- Lost income due to the injury
- Pain and suffering
The talented legal minds at Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley can ensure that every legally compensable damage is included in your case. We pride ourselves on making sure our injured clients walk away from the legal process with the largest compensation packages possible.
FAQs About DuPage County Pedestrian Accident Law
Q: What Should You Do if You Are Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian in Illinois?
A: If you are hit by a car as a pedestrian in Illinois, you should immediately call for medical help if you are able, even for minor injuries. Report the accident to law enforcement so that they can create an accident report. If at all possible, take photos of the scene, the vehicle, and your injuries, and get the contact information of the driver and any eyewitnesses. All of this will be vital for filing an insurance claim or a legal claim.
Q: How Long After a Pedestrian Accident Can You Claim Injury Compensation in Illinois?
A: You can usually claim injury compensation up to two years after a pedestrian accident in Illinois. It is important to understand, however, that this standard statute of limitations may be subject to various exemptions, extensions, or changes depending on the specific circumstances of your accident. To make sure you know the exact statute of limitations that applies to your case, you should consult directly with a trusted attorney.
Q: Can You Sue Someone for a Pedestrian Accident in Illinois?
A: Yes, you can sue someone for a pedestrian accident in Illinois. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to claim a substantial financial package to help cover medical bills, ongoing expenses, and even intangible damages, such as emotional suffering. In some situations, you may receive sufficient compensation through an insurance claim, but in other cases, litigation may be required.
Q: What Is the Personal Injury Law in a Pedestrian Accident?
A: The personal injury law is a complex, comprehensive framework that allows injured pedestrians to take legal action to pursue financial damages from the parties responsible for the accident. A personal injury case takes place in civil court and can apply to pedestrian accidents and many other scenarios. Note that this process is separate from any sort of criminal court trial intended to punish the perpetrator of a crime.
Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley – Highly Effective Legal Assistance for Pedestrian Accidents
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in DuPage County, our law firm is standing by to help you seek significant financial compensation. Contact our Marengo, IL, based offices today to set up a consultation and take the first step toward getting justice for your injuries.
