Being the victim of a pedestrian accident can impact every part of your life, leaving you with severe physical, psychological, and financial injuries. Sadly, the number of these collisions continues to increase yearly.
When you are in a collision with a negligent motorist, you may be eligible to collect compensation from the liable party with the help of a knowledgeable injury representative. Call a hard-working South Elgin pedestrian accident lawyer to schedule a consultation and learn more.
Pedestrian accidents occur for many reasons, and they are often entirely avoidable. Some of the most common accident causes include:
An experienced South Elgin attorney could answer questions about the common causes of on-foot crashes and potential settlement amounts for damages.
Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to catastrophic and life-altering injuries when vehicles strike them. Some of the most common include severe facial injuries, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and paralysis.
After determining the defendant is liable for the damages, the civil court will award damages within two primary categories: the first addresses the plaintiff’s physical injuries from the accident, and the second addresses their emotional pain and suffering from the collision.
Economic damages are the plaintiff’s objective and tangible losses from the accident. These damages cover the total cost of medical care, including ongoing expenses and lost income experienced while recovering.
On the other hand, non-economic damages cover the plaintiff’s non-monetary and subjective losses sustained in the crash, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of the enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship. A knowledgeable lawyer in South Elgin could help a plaintiff document their losses to demand appropriate compensation for the damages associated with a pedestrian crash.
Walkers and joggers have the right-of-way in crosswalks when a car approaches, and they are crossing the street, including in intersections with marked or unmarked crosswalks.
However, pedestrians must stay on the curb when cars are coming. While motorists and those on foot have a legal duty to use caution and avoid accidents, motor vehicles can cause more damage. Under the Illinois Compiled Statutes 625 § 5/11-1003.1, motorists must exercise extreme care to avoid causing harm to pedestrians, regardless of who has the right-of-way.
Drivers must also warn the pedestrians they are approaching by sounding the vehicle’s horn when necessary and exercising caution when a child or incapacitated person is on the roadway. A diligent lawyer in South Elgin could review the case specifics to determine if the motorist complied with the regulations at the time of the pedestrian incident.
Pedestrians are vulnerable to significant injuries and losses when a vehicle strikes them. With so many motorists in a rush to get to their destinations, they often fail to follow traffic laws, including the rules of the road.
When accidents occur, those on foot almost always suffer severe and lasting consequences. A civil claim for compensation could cover your medical care, loss of pay and benefits, and physical and mental pain and suffering. Call a South Elgin pedestrian accident lawyer soon to begin working on your case if you need help with a claim.