If you are searching for a pedestrian accident lawyer in Waukegan, you may be facing medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about what comes next. You do not have to navigate this process alone. Our team explains your rights under Illinois law, how pedestrian accident claims are handled in Lake County, and what steps you can take to pursue fair compensation. At Charlie Therman Injury and Accident Lawyers, P.C., we understand how disruptive a serious accident can be for hardworking individuals and families.
Our client-focused approach ensures your case receives personal attention at every stage. With more than 75 years of combined experience, we have recovered over $100 million for our clients and are prepared to stand up to major insurance companies to protect your recovery. If you need broader context on injury claims, you can also review our Waukegan personal injury lawyer page.
Why Choose A Waukegan Personal Injury Team For Your Pedestrian Case
Local knowledge matters when a collision happens on Sheridan Road, Belvidere Road (IL-120), Grand Avenue (IL-132), Washington Street, or Green Bay Road (IL-131). Intersections near Downtown Waukegan, the Metra station, Pace bus stops, and school zones see heavy foot traffic, and we are familiar with how these specific conditions affect liability and damages.
We handle pedestrian claims from start to finish, from securing surveillance footage on Genesee Street to coordinating with the Waukegan Police Department for the Illinois Traffic Crash Report. We also prepare cases with litigation in mind at the Lake County Circuit Court in Waukegan, while always exploring efficient settlement options that align with your goals.
How Illinois Pedestrian Accident Claims Work
Illinois follows a fault-based system; if a driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may seek compensation from their liability carrier. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, your own auto policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can often step in, even though you were walking.
The process usually involves an investigation, medical documentation, a claim presentation to the insurer, negotiation, and, if needed, filing a lawsuit. We build claims with evidence that speaks to liability and damages, including:
- Traffic signal data
- Vehicle damage and skid marks
- Witness statements
- Future medical care needs
Common Causes Of Pedestrian Injuries In Waukegan
Busy corridors, seasonal weather, and mixed traffic contribute to various crash scenarios in Waukegan. Common patterns include:
- Drivers failing to yield at marked or unmarked crosswalks
- Left turn impacts at intersections when drivers watch oncoming traffic instead of pedestrians
- Speeding or distracted driving near bus stops and school zones
- Impaired driving at night along Sheridan Road and Grand Avenue
- Delivery and rideshare pickups blocking sightlines at curbs
Steps To Take After A Crash In Waukegan
Taking practical steps can strengthen your claim. If you are able, consider the following:
- Call 911 and request medical care; report the incident to the Waukegan Police Department.
- Photograph the scene, crosswalk signals, vehicle positions, and your injuries.
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact details.
- Preserve your shoes and clothing, as they can show impact points and damage.
- Keep all medical records, receipts, and a symptom journal.
- Avoid detailed statements to insurers before obtaining legal guidance.
Proving Fault Under Illinois Law
Illinois law places clear duties on both drivers and pedestrians. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks under 625 ILCS 5/11-1002. They must also exercise due care at all times to avoid striking someone on foot, as required by 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1.
When a pedestrian is injured, establishing fault requires careful analysis of how the collision occurred. Traffic conditions, visibility, speed, and driver behavior all play a role. Each detail helps show whether the driver failed to meet their legal obligations.
We prove fault through a layered approach. This includes reviewing police reports, traffic and surveillance footage, and vehicle data when available. Expert analysis is often used to reconstruct the event and clearly demonstrate how the collision could have been prevented.
Comparative Negligence And Your Recovery
Illinois uses modified comparative negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and recovery is barred if you are more than 50% at fault. Insurers often overstate pedestrian fault by citing “dark clothing” or “stepping outside the crosswalk,” but we counter these arguments with roadway design facts, lighting conditions, and traffic signal timing.
Damages Available In A Waukegan Personal Injury Claim
Damages are meant to address both financial losses and the human impact of the accident. These include:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and future treatment.
- Lost Income: Missed paychecks and reduced earning potential.
- Non-economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of normal life.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent physical changes.
- Wrongful Death: If a family member passed away, recovery for grief and loss of companionship is available under 740 ILCS 180/2.
Many of our clients do not have health insurance and do not realize they can get care; we have relationships with medical providers who accept patients on liens to ensure you receive proper treatment.
Insurance, Deadlines, And The Lake County Court Process
Most personal injury claims are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies, but we prepare every case as if it will proceed to court. When necessary, we are ready to litigate in the Lake County Circuit Court in Waukegan and present a well-supported case before a judge or jury. This preparation strengthens our position in settlement discussions and ensures we are ready if insurers refuse to offer fair compensation.
Deadlines are strict and unforgiving. In most Illinois personal injury cases, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Shorter timelines often apply when a local government entity or employee is involved, such as cases involving municipal vehicles, public property, or roadway conditions, making early action especially important.
How Our Law Firm Helps You Move Forward
We begin with a free consultation to learn your story, understand your concerns, and answer your questions. During this initial conversation, we review the facts of your situation and explain how the legal process works so you know what to expect from the start.
From there, we gather medical records, accident reports, and other key evidence, investigate liability, and build a damages package that reflects both immediate costs and long term impacts. Throughout the process, we keep you informed, remain accessible for questions, and explain your options in clear language so you can make confident decisions.
Speak With A Waukegan Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
You should not have to juggle insurance calls and legal questions while you heal. We are ready to review your case, explain how Illinois law applies, and map out your next steps. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let us help you pursue the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
