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Pedestrian Accidents

Northern Illinois
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Experienced legal representation for injured pedestrians in Rockford, McHenry County, Algonquin, and other Illinois communities. Rob and Keith Shindler are personally involved in every case.

Why Choose Shindler & Shindler 

The risk to pedestrians in the United States is alarming. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 7,000 pedestrians lost their lives in crashes with vehicles in 2020 alone. This tragic statistic means that every 75 minutes that year, a pedestrian death took place.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, or if you have suffered a devastating loss due to a fatal pedestrian accident in Algonquin, Chicago, or the surrounding Chicagoland area, you need aggressive legal advocates on your side. You can speak with the compassionate and results-driven pedestrian accident attorneys at Shindler & Shindler today to learn more about your legal options for filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation. Our skilled legal team understands how devastating these incidents are and the extensive, life-altering injuries and losses victims of pedestrian accidents suffer. We will fight tirelessly for you to get the maximum compensation possible from an injury accident claim. 

At Shindler & Shindler, you aren’t just another case file. You work directly with Keith Shindler and Robert Shindler, who are personally involved in every case. We provide the personalized attention of a small firm with the powerful resources and legal acumen needed to take on large insurance companies in Cook County and McHenry County.

Case Results

Top Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago and Algonquin

Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injury or death because pedestrians have no protection against a moving vehicle. These incidents are almost always the result of a driver’s negligence.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents we see in the Chicago and Algonquin areas include:

Distracted Driving

  • Drivers using cell phones, eating, or otherwise not paying attention to the road and crosswalks.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI)

  • Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs have delayed reaction times and poor judgment.

Speeding

  • Exceeding the speed limit dramatically reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.

Ignoring Traffic Laws

  • Drivers running red lights, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, or ignoring stop signs.

Failure to Use Turn Signals

  • Misleading other drivers and pedestrians about a vehicle’s intended path.

Quiet Vehicles (Electric/Hybrid)

  • Electric cars and hybrid vehicles, particularly at low speeds, are much quieter than traditional combustion vehicles, making them harder for pedestrians to hear.

Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Illinois?

In nearly all cases, the pedestrian who is hit by a vehicle suffers the most severe physical bodily harm from the accident. Determining legal liability is critical for recovering compensation. Illinois operates under a system of modified comparative negligence. This means that even if a pedestrian is partially at fault, they may still be able to recover damages, provided their degree of fault is not 51% or greater.

Here’s how liability might be determined:

Driver is Liable

  • A driver is not paying attention to the road and fails to notice a pedestrian who is legally crossing the street in a marked crosswalk with the right-of-way (e.g., when the traffic light signals they can). The driver would be the liable party for causing the pedestrian accident.

Pedestrian is Partially or Fully Liable

  • If a pedestrian is impaired, jaywalking outside of a crosswalk, or suddenly darts into traffic against a signal, they could be found partially or fully liable for their accident.

Determining who is at fault for a pedestrian accident takes the investigative skill and legal acumen of a talented and seasoned personal injury attorney at Shindler & Shindler. We meticulously gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to prove driver negligence.

Recovering Compensation: Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Claim

The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be devastating, resulting in long-term medical care, lost income, and emotional trauma. Victims may be able to file a claim for the following types of damages and more:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

  • Past and future medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications)
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
  • Property damage (if applicable)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Losses)

  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent disfigurement and scarring
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional distress

Wrongful Death Damages (in Fatal Accidents)

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of consortium and companionship
  • Loss of future financial support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pedestrian Accidents

Q: What should I do immediately after being hit by a car in Chicago?

A:Your first priority is safety and medical attention.

  • Call 911for police and emergency medical services. Even if you feel fine, internal injuries may not be immediately apparent.
  • Do not admit faultor apologize to the driver or police.
  • Get the driver’s information:Name, contact information, insurance company, and license plate number.
  • Gather evidence:If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the vehicle.
  • Contact Shindler & Shindlerbefore speaking to any insurance companies.


Q:
How much does it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer in Algonquin?


A:
At Shindler & Shindler, we handle all pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no upfront fees for our legal services. We only get paid if we successfully secure a settlement or verdict for you. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover.


Q: The insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I take it?


A:
No, you should not accept a settlement offer before consulting with a lawyer. Insurance companies often offer a quick, low-ball settlement to close the case before you understand the true, long-term value of your claim, especially in cases involving serious pedestrian injuries. We can evaluate your medical needs and losses to ensure you receive fair compensation.


Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Illinois?

 

A:In Illinois, the statute of limitations (the legal deadline) for most personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is generally two yearsfrom the date of the injury. For claims against a government entity, the deadline is much shorter. It is critical to contact a pedestrian accident attorney immediately to preserve your legal rights. Talk to a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Serving Cook and McHenry Counties Today

Call Today

Whether you were a pedestrian severely harmed by a reckless driver in Chicago or Algonquin, or if you are dealing with the complex aftermath of a fatal accident, the skilled personal injury lawyers at Shindler & Shindler are here to help.

CallShindler & Shindlertoday at 847-WE-FIGHTto schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case. We serve clients across the Chicagoland area, including Cook County, McHenry County, and surrounding communities.

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