Car accidents are scary for everyone, but some of the most terrifying collisions can occur when you’re not even in a vehicle. Accidents involving pedestrians happen every day and can be among the most deadly crashes. Pedestrians don’t have the body of a car to protect them during a sudden impact, so they are particularly vulnerable to sustaining serious injury.
Keep reading to learn more about your rights and duties as a pedestrian involved in a car accident. If you’ve been hit by a car, contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.
A large percentage of pedestrian traffic accidents occur in areas with a high density of cars and people, so Metropolitan travelers should be especially aware of their rights and responsibilities. According to Illinois Crash Fact Statistics, in 2012 there were close to 5,000 pedestrian crashes in the greater Illinois area, most of them occurring in the Central Business District of Chicago.
When you are traveling by foot, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities so that you always make it to your destination safely. In general, pedestrians may travel on any public road or highway, with restrictions limiting where they may cross and specifying how and where to walk.
As a pedestrian, you should always walk on the sidewalk where possible. Cars expect you to be there, and it’s where you are safest. As a pedestrian, it’s your responsibility to follow traffic signs and signals telling you where and when to cross at intersections.
Illinois pedestrians have the right of way at all crosswalks. This means that vehicles must yield to people walking across the street inside of a crosswalk. Pedestrians may not however suddenly walk in front of moving cars, even within a crosswalk. Pedestrians attempting to cross anywhere other than a marked crosswalk must yield to the vehicles on the road. Although cars have the right of way as to a pedestrian crossing outside of a crosswalk, drivers must still exercise caution and avoid hitting anyone on foot.
If you have been involved in a Chicago pedestrian traffic accident, wait for the police to come to the scene to make an official report. A police report could be a vital piece of evidence for civil liability, criminal liability, and insurance claims.
Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. When you are a pedestrian who has been injured by a driver’s negligence, a Chicago pedestrian traffic accident may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. works in personal injury claims and pedestrian traffic accidents. Call us today at (312) 236-2900 to schedule your free consultation.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
