If you were hit while walking, a claim can feel overwhelming. As your pedestrian accident lawyer in Oak Lawn, we help injured pedestrians and their families pursue accountability and fair compensation. We handle crosswalk crashes, hit-and-run events, DUI-related injuries, wrongful death cases, and similar claims involving pedestrian accidents.
Our team at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. will fight to prove you weren’t at fault, deal with insurers who offer too little, and prepare claims with the facts needed for a strong negotiation or trial.
Choose Charlie. Contact our Oak Lawn personal injury lawyer today and schedule a free consultation.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Oak Lawn
The steps you take immediately after being hit by a vehicle can have a significant impact on your claim. Your health comes first, but preserving evidence is also critical in the hours and days that follow.
If you are physically able, try to document the scene before leaving. Photos, witness contact information, and the responding officer’s report can all become important pieces of evidence later.
Here are some important steps to take after a pedestrian accident:
- Call 911 and get a police report filed at the scene
- Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor
- Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle involved
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
- Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without speaking to an attorney first
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents in Oak Lawn and throughout the Chicago area often happen because drivers are not paying attention. Crosswalks, parking lots, and busy intersections are among the most dangerous locations for people on foot.
Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving, including phone use behind the wheel
- Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections
- Speeding in residential or school zones
- Backing out of driveways or parking spaces without checking for pedestrians
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Injuries Pedestrians Commonly Suffer
Pedestrians have no protection when a vehicle strikes them. The resulting injuries are often severe and can require months of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Broken bones, head trauma, and internal injuries are among the most common outcomes. In serious cases, victims may suffer spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries that affect them for the rest of their lives.
The financial impact of these injuries can be just as devastating as the physical one. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs can add up quickly, making it important to pursue every dollar of compensation available to you.
Illinois Law and Pedestrian Accident Claims
Illinois law generally gives pedestrians the right of way at marked crosswalks and many intersections. When a driver violates the right of way and causes an injury, they may be held liable for the resulting damages.
Illinois also follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found to be partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. If your fault exceeds 50%, you may not be able to recover at all.
An Oak Lawn pedestrian accident lawyer can review the facts of your case and help you understand how these rules may apply to your situation. Acting quickly is important because evidence can disappear and legal deadlines can limit your options.
What Compensation May Be Available to You
A successful pedestrian accident claim may allow you to recover damages for a range of losses. The specific amount depends on the facts of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the insurance coverage available.
Compensation may include medical expenses, both current and future, as well as lost wages if your injuries keep you from working. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life may also be factored into your claim.
In cases involving particularly reckless behavior, such as a driver who was intoxicated or speeding excessively, additional damages may be available. An attorney can help you identify all potential sources of recovery.
How Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. Can Help
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we have been standing up for injured people in the Chicago area since 2002. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and bring more than 75 years of combined legal experience to every case.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We also have relationships with medical providers who accept liens, so you can access the care you need even without health insurance.
Our client portal allows you to upload documents and communicate with our team easily, and we offer Zoom consultations so you can speak with us from wherever you are most comfortable. You will never feel like just a number when you work with us.
Speak With a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Oak Lawn Today
After a serious pedestrian accident, every day counts. Evidence fades, witnesses become harder to reach, and Illinois law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims.
Contact Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. today to schedule your consultation. Our Oak Lawn pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to listen, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you may be entitled to receive.
