A pedestrian accident can happen in seconds, but the effects may continue for months or longer. A person crossing a street, walking near traffic, or using a marked crosswalk can be seriously hurt when a vehicle strikes them.
An Aurora, IL Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can review the crash and help explain the legal issues that may affect an injury claim.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian crashes can happen for many reasons. A driver may be distracted by a phone, fail to yield, speed through an intersection, make an unsafe turn, or overlook someone crossing the road.
Poor lighting, blocked views, missing signs, road defects, and other conditions can also contribute. Finding the cause of a crash may require more than looking at the injuries.
Photos of the scene, traffic signals, vehicle damage, witness information, police reports, and available video footage can help establish what happened.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Crash?
Get medical attention after a pedestrian accident, even when an injury does not seem severe at first. Keep medical records, treatment notes, prescriptions, bills, and information about appointments. If it is safe, photograph the location, vehicle, road, traffic signs, and your injuries. Keep copies of insurance communications and records showing time missed from work.
Who May Be Responsible?
The person responsible for a pedestrian accident depends on the facts. A driver may be liable when careless or unlawful conduct causes a collision. Illinois uses comparative fault rules when more than one person may share responsibility. The amount a person can recover may be affected by the percentage of fault assigned to them.
What Injuries Can a Pedestrian Suffer?
A pedestrian has little protection against a moving vehicle.Injuries may include broken bones, fractures, cuts, bruising, head injuries, spinal injuries, nerve damage, or other serious trauma.
Recovery may involve medical treatment, physical therapy, medication, rehabilitation, or future care. An injury can also affect work, household responsibilities, transportation, and normal activities.
What Can a Pedestrian Accident Claim Cover?
The losses from a crash depend on the circumstances and severity of the injuries.
A claim may involve medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning ability, property damage, pain and suffering, and costs connected with future treatment.
Records of medical care, expenses, missed work, and other losses can help show the financial impact of the accident. Attorney Adam Jacobson can review the available information and discuss the legal issues surrounding a potential claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a pedestrian accident in Aurora, IL?
Can I make a claim if I was partly responsible for the crash?
What evidence can support a pedestrian accident claim?
What compensation can I seek after being hit by a vehicle?
Discuss Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
If a pedestrian crash has left you with injuries, medical bills, missed work, or other losses, it is important to keep the records connected to the accident.
An Aurora, IL Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can review what happened and discuss the legal questions that may apply. Jacobson Injury Firm can talk with you about your pedestrian accident claim and possible next steps.
