When a driver’s mistake puts you in harm’s way, you need clear answers fast. If you were hit while walking in Orland Park, our team can help you understand your options.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we represent injured pedestrians and families in local crosswalk, intersection, parking lot, rideshare, commercial vehicle, and hit-and-run cases.
Our founding attorney brings experience from the insurance side, giving us valuable insight into how claims are evaluated and negotiated. We pride ourselves on being accessible, responsive, and truly involved in every case. We pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and lasting harm.
You do not have to figure this out alone. To learn more, talk to our personal injury lawyer in Orland Park today and schedule a free consultation.
How Pedestrian Accident Claims Work in Orland Park
A pedestrian injury claim starts with liability. In Illinois, drivers must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and use due care to avoid collisions. When a motorist speeds, texts, fails to yield, or turns across a crosswalk, that breach opens the door to a claim.
Most cases begin with an insurance claim against the at-fault driver. We gather evidence, value your losses, and present a demand package. If the insurer disputes fault or damages, we file suit in the appropriate court. Many claims settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it will be presented to a jury.
Your own auto policy can matter, too. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) and medical payments coverage may help after a hit-and-run or a low-limit policy. A skilled Orland Park pedestrian accident attorney can coordinate these benefits to avoid gaps.
Compensation You Can Pursue After a Collision
Illinois law allows you to seek both economic and non-economic damages. The goal is to make you whole for what was taken and what you will continue to face.
Common categories include:
- Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation.
- Follow-up visits, prescriptions, medical devices, and home modifications.
- Lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and job retraining costs.
- Pain, emotional distress, loss of normal life, and sleep disruption.
- Scarring, disfigurement, and disability impacts on daily activities.
- Property damage to items like phones, watches, or eyewear.
Families may also bring wrongful death claims for funeral costs, loss of support, and loss of society. We document these losses with medical records, bills, employer statements, and professional opinions to present a clear, supported number.
Steps To Take After a Street or Crosswalk Crash in Orland Park
Your health comes first. Get medical care immediately, even if symptoms seem minor. Head injuries, internal bleeding, and soft-tissue trauma often appear hours or days later.
If you can do so safely, take the following steps:
- Call 911 and obtain a police report number.
- Photograph the scene, vehicle, skid marks, and your visible injuries.
- Collect driver and witness contact information.
- Preserve clothing and shoes; do not wash them.
- Avoid posting about the crash on social media.
- Contact a pedestrian accident injury lawyer in Orland Park from our team promptly.
Keep bills, receipts, and any insurer letters in one place. Early legal help protects your claim, helps you avoid common pitfalls, and keeps the process organized.
When the Driver Flees the Scene
Hit-and-run crashes are common in pedestrian cases. Call the police right away and note any vehicle details you remember, including color, make, partial plate, or damage pattern.
We move quickly to pull nearby camera footage, canvass businesses, and gather witness statements. If the driver is not found, UM coverage under your auto policy can still apply.
Orland Park Pedestrian Accident Deadlines and Fault Rules
Most Illinois personal injury claims typically have a two–year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims generally have a two–year deadline as well.
Claims involving government entities can carry shorter deadlines and special notice requirements. The safest move is to speak with an attorney as soon as possible so that filings are not late.
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are 50% or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover. In many pedestrian cases, evidence shows the driver failed to yield, sped through a turn, or was distracted, which reduces or eliminates any claimed fault against you.
State law also requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise due care near schools and residential areas. We use these rules, paired with scene evidence, to build a strong liability story.
What To Expect When You Hire Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Orland Park
First, we take over all insurer communication so you can focus on healing. We map your medical plan, track bills and liens, and keep you updated on case milestones. You will always know what we need from you and what comes next.
As records and bills arrive, we draft a settlement demand that reflects your full losses, including future care and the impact on your daily life. If the insurer’s offer falls short, we file suit and move the case forward without delay.
We work on a contingency fee. You owe no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you. From day one, our goal is to deliver clear communication, steady progress, and a result that reflects what you have endured.
Speak to a Lawyer Today
When you’ve suffered a crash, the injuries can be life-changing. You should not carry the costs of a driver’s carelessness. Let our Orland Park lawyer for pedestrian accidents fight for the medical care, income, and dignity you need to move forward.
At our firm, we build cases the right way—evidence first, pressure where it counts, and trial-ready when necessary. Choose Charlie and reach out now for a free, confidential consultation. The sooner we start, the stronger your claim can be.
