If you were hit by a car or bike, the days afterward can feel chaotic. You may be facing medical bills, missed work, and questions about fault. When you need direction, a team that handles cases like yours can help. That’s where a pedestrian accident lawyer in Palatine comes in.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., you’re not just another case—you’re someone who deserves attention, respect, and guidance. We help injured pedestrians and families after crosswalk crashes, hit-and-runs, school-zone incidents, and fatal collisions.
We have recovered over $100 million for injured clients, and we bring more than 75 years of combined experience to every case we handle. To learn more, talk to our personal injury lawyer in Palatine today and schedule a free consultation.
Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident in Palatine
Illinois law protects people walking on or near public roads. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and take due care to avoid collisions. If a motorist violated a traffic law or failed to keep a proper lookout, you can pursue compensation for your losses.
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can recover damages if you are not more than 50% at fault, and any award is reduced by your share of responsibility. We address fault arguments early and use evidence to push back on claims that you “jumped out” or “came out of nowhere.”
Deadlines matter. In most injury cases, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit, and claims against local governments can have a shorter one–year limit. Some notice requirements apply in limited circumstances. We track all timelines for you, so a technical deadline does not derail your case.
How our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Palatine Build Your Claim
A strong claim starts with a focused investigation. We secure the crash report, interview witnesses, obtain nearby videos, preserve vehicle data, and document the scene before it changes. When needed, we work with reconstruction professionals to explain speed, sightlines, and impact.
Next, we build the medical and financial picture. That includes records, bills, prognosis statements, and estimates for future care and rehabilitation. We document lost wages, time off for appointments, and reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your career path.
We then present a well-supported demand to the insurer and move the case forward through negotiation or litigation. If the other side downplays liability or damages, we are prepared to file suit, take depositions, and bring your case to a Cook County jury when appropriate.
Common Causes and Evidence That Prove Fault
Pedestrian crashes often stem from predictable driver errors. Common causes include failure to yield at marked and unmarked crosswalks, distracted driving at intersections, speeding on arterial roads, illegal turns, and backing out of driveways or parking stalls without checking mirrors and cameras. Nighttime visibility, poor lighting, and obstructed signs can also play a role.
We look carefully at the path of travel for both the vehicle and the pedestrian, right-of-way rules, and line-of-sight issues. In some cases, third parties share responsibility, such as a construction contractor that closed a sidewalk without safe detours or a ride-hailing driver who stopped in a lane of traffic.
Evidence We Gather To Support Liability
- Traffic camera, dashcam, storefront, and doorbell videos.
- Event data recorder downloads and vehicle inspection photos.
- Phone records and app data showing distraction or ride-hail status.
- Scene measurements, skid marks, lighting conditions, and signage.
- Eyewitness statements and 911 audio.
- Medical documentation tying the injuries to the collision mechanics.
Damages You Can Seek for Short- and Long-Term Losses
A pedestrian collision often brings both immediate costs and ripple effects that last for months or years. Your claim should reflect both. Illinois law allows recovery for economic and non-economic losses tied to the crash.
Depending on your case, recoverable damages can include:
- Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation.
- Future medical treatment and in-home assistance.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain, suffering, and loss of normal life.
- Scarring, disfigurement, and mobility limitations.
- Wrongful death damages for eligible family members.
Our Palatine pedestrian accident attorneys work with your providers to quantify treatment needs and with economists or vocational professionals when future losses are contested. Our goal is to document each category with clear support so that an adjuster, judge, or jury sees the full impact on your life.
Why Choose Us for Your Case in Palatine
Local knowledge matters in pedestrian cases. We regularly handle claims in Palatine and throughout Cook County.
We keep you informed with clear updates and practical guidance. You will know what we are doing, why it matters, and what comes next. Whether you prefer phone, email, or secure portal messaging, we adapt to keep the process straightforward.
Our approach is evidence-first and client-focused. From the first meeting, we outline a plan, set near-term goals, and get to work. If the insurer is fair, we resolve your case efficiently. If not, we are ready for depositions, motion practice, and trial.
How Fault Is Determined Under Illinois Law
Fault is based on negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages. Traffic statutes support your case when a driver violates a rule of the road, such as failing to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Even outside a marked crosswalk, drivers must keep a proper lookout and reduce speed to avoid people on the roadway.
Comparative fault is often raised in pedestrian cases. Our Palatine pedestrian accident injury lawyers work to reduce any percentage assigned to you by highlighting driver choices—speed, distraction, line-of-sight, and reaction time. Surveillance videos, time-distance calculations, and human factors analysis can clarify what truly happened.
If a city sign, signal, or roadway design contributed to the collision, we examine potential public-entity liability. These claims involve unique defenses and shorter timelines, so it is wise to act promptly.
Speak to Our Legal Team Today
Your recovery starts with clear information, steady communication, and a plan that fits your life. If a driver has hit you in Palatine, we can investigate, handle insurers, and push for the compensation the law allows.
Let us review the crash, your injuries, and your options at no cost. If we move forward, you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid when we recover for you. Choose Charlie for clear, reliable support—contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move ahead.
