Were you or a loved one hit by a negligent driver while walking in Monticello? The physical and emotional pain of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, especially when medical bills pile up. Many think hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer is just about getting compensation, but that’s not the full story.
Drivers often fail to exercise proper caution around pedestrians, putting innocent lives at risk. This negligence can leave you suffering from severe injuries, lost wages, and long-term trauma. Trying to navigate the legal system alone while recovering can be overwhelming and lead to inadequate settlements.
But there’s a better way. Our team at Onward Injury Law has helped numerous clients just like you secure the maximum compensation they deserve. We’ll handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing while we fight for your rights.
Compensation Available After Pedestrian Accident
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident caused by negligence, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.
These claims allow you to seek compensation for the full extent of damages you suffered, including:
- Medical expenses: Past and future costs related to emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: Income lost due to time away from work and any reduced earning potential caused by your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident and your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Wrongful death damages: Compensation for losing a loved one, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.
The pedestrian accident attorneys at Onward Injury Law help pedestrians obtain favorable insurance settlements or jury awards to cover all of their losses.
Negligence is at the Root of Most Pedestrian Accidents in Monticello
In personal injury cases, negligence refers to a failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. When it comes to pedestrian accidents in Monticello, driver negligence is frequently the root cause. This section will explore the various types of driver negligence that commonly contribute to pedestrians being struck and injured.
It can take many forms, including:
- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting vehicle instruments while behind the wheel.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Failing to yield to pedestrians, running red lights, or losing vehicle control.
- Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication.
- Poor road conditions: Inadequate lighting, poorly maintained sidewalks, or construction zones.
When drivers fail to follow the rules of the road and prioritize pedestrian safety, innocent lives can be instantly changed.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents
The human body is no match for the force and weight of a moving vehicle. Many times, pedestrians suffer the following severe, life-altering injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Concussions and more severe brain damage leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord resulting in partial or complete paralysis, affecting every aspect of a person’s life.
- Broken bones and fractures: Vehicle impacts causing multiple fractures and requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Soft tissue damage and lacerations: Deep cuts, bruises, and torn ligaments provoking significant pain and scarring.
- Internal organ damage: Blunt force trauma leading to life-threatening internal bleeding and organ failure.
Emotional trauma and PTSD: Psychological impact of pedestrian accidents, just as devastating as physical injuries and often requiring ongoing therapy and support.
Illinois Laws Protecting Pedestrians
The Illinois Vehicle Code outlines the responsibilities of both drivers and pedestrians to ensure safety on the roads.
Right of Way Statutes
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and exercise due care to avoid public collisions. Pedestrians also have a duty to follow traffic signals and use designated crosswalks when available.
Sharing Accountability
In pedestrian accident cases, Illinois follows a modified comparative system. This rule applies when the courts or insurers find a pedestrian partially liable for an accident. A fact finder may reduce your settlement or award up to 50% when you bear some responsibility for your harm. However, liability over the 50% threshold bars you from recovering damages for your injuries.
Time Limits on Claims
It’s important to note that the statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident claim in Illinois is generally two years from the accident date.
Contacting an experienced Monticello pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your claim rights and ensure you file your action within the legal timeframe.
How Our Monticello Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help
After being injured in a pedestrian accident caused by driver negligence, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers are here to guide you through the entire process and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way. We’ll handle all aspects of pursuing your claim so you can focus on recovering while we:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident and gather evidence from the scene, witness statements, police reports, and medical records.
- Identify all liable parties, including negligent drivers, government entities responsible for road maintenance, and vehicle manufacturers in cases of defective parts.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Assess your economic and non-economic damages, and hire professionals, if necessary, to quantify your future losses.
- Represent you in court and present compelling evidence and arguments to fight for the maximum award possible.
We understand that every pedestrian accident case is different, so we offer personalized attention and tailored legal strategies to meet each client’s unique needs.
Onward Injury Law: Your Path Forward After a Pedestrian Accident
If you or a loved one were struck by a negligent driver while walking in Monticello, don’t wait to take legal action. The pedestrian accident lawyers at Onward Injury Law have a proven track record of holding reckless drivers accountable and recovering maximum compensation for our clients.
From building a strong case that gets you the settlement you deserve to handling all negotiations with insurers so you can focus on healing, we’ll be by your side throughout this challenging time. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can be your trusted advocates and champions for justice after a pedestrian accident changes your life.