Pedestrians lack the protective steel cage and security features car occupants enjoy, making them especially vulnerable in accidents. When the worst happens, and you’re hit by a negligent driver, you deserve justice and compensation. A Belleville, IL pedestrian accident lawyer at Bradley Law can help you navigate the aftermath of an accident.
We can assess your legal options, protect your rights, and fight for maximum compensation. Contact us now for a free consultation to learn about your legal rights.
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How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois?
The statistics are sobering. According to 2021 crash figures from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), accidents involving pedestrians accounted for only 1.3% of total crashes in the state but represent 17.5% of fatal crashes and 5.6% of injury crashes. Therefore, pedestrians are overrepresented in fatal and injury crashes in Illinois.
To us, you are not just a number. At Bradley Law, we know that every person mentioned in these reports represents a life or a family forever changed. If you were severely injured or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, our Belleville, IL pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help.
Who Is At Fault for Your Pedestrian Accident in Belleville?
Fault in pedestrian accidents isn’t always straightforward, and several parties could be responsible for your damages, including:
Motor Vehicle Drivers
Pedestrian accidents can be caused by car drivers, motorcycle riders, truck drivers, and others. Common scenarios where a driver may be at fault include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drunk driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents, with about one in five fatal pedestrian accidents in 2021 involving intoxicated drivers.
Government Entities
Poor road conditions, inadequate signage, and defective traffic signals or crosswalks can all contribute to serious pedestrian accidents. In such cases, the government entity responsible for maintaining the roadway or infrastructure could be liable for your damages.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Sometimes, a vehicle maker or parts manufacturer can be responsible for an accident. Defects contributing to pedestrian crashes can include:
- Faulty brakes
- Defective tires
- Malfunctioning steering systems
- Faulty safety features such as airbags or seat belts
Additionally, defective vehicle design or errors in the manufacturing process could lead to accidents or even increase the severity of injuries in a pedestrian collision.
What If You Have Some Responsibility for the Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrians are responsible for exercising caution and adhering to traffic laws to ensure their safety. For example, if a pedestrian ignores a traffic signal and gets hit by a car, they may share some degree of fault.
Comparative Negligence Explained
Illinois has adopted the legal principle of modified comparative negligence. This means you can only recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for your accident and injuries. In addition, your compensation may be reduced according to your degree of responsibility.
For example, if the vehicle driver who hit you is 70% responsible and you are 30% at fault, you may collect compensation. However, the amount will likely be reduced by 30%, which is the degree of fault assigned to you. So, if your damages amount to $100,000, you would only be recovering $70,000.
Having a Belleville, IL pedestrian accident lawyer in your corner is crucial when you have some responsibility. The insurance company may try to assign you an unfairly high degree of fault to try and get out of paying what you deserve. A personal injury lawyer at Bradley Law can protect your rights and ensure you’re not getting shortchanged.
How Hiring a Belleville, IL Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
Dealing with a car accident can turn your world upside down and impact your health, finances, and emotional well-being. At Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our team can offer you crucial assistance and support during this challenging time.
You or a Loved One Suffered Severe Injuries
Severe or disabling injuries can impact every aspect of your life, from your health to your home life and career. Handling a lawsuit alone could leave you out of pocket. Our lawyers can identify all responsible parties and pursue the maximum compensation possible for your losses.
The Insurance Company Isn’t Playing Fair
If the insurance company is offering you a lowball settlement for your Belleville pedestrian accident, don’t stand for it. Never settle for less than you deserve, and if necessary, hire a lawyer to pursue your best interests.
Our car accident lawyers are seasoned negotiators who can advocate for your rights. If an insurer drags its heels, we don’t shy away from taking them to court and fight hard for what you deserve.
You’re Facing Blame or Partial Fault
If you’re being unfairly blamed for the accident or accused of partial fault, our legal team is ready to argue your side of the story. We can gather compelling evidence to support and strengthen your case, such as traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness statements.
If you are partially responsible for the accident, we can protect you from the other side’s attempts to put all the blame on you and argue strongly in your favor.
The Legal Process Seems Daunting
Navigating the legal system can be exhausting. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through every step of the process, explaining your rights and responsibilities along the way. From filing your lawsuit to representing you in court, our Belleville, IL pedestrian accident lawyers can handle all aspects of your case.
Compensation You Could Recover
No two pedestrian accidents are the same, and what you could recover will depend on the accident’s circumstances, your injuries, and damages. However, compensation awards may include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of earnings
- Property damage
- Physical pain
- Emotional trauma
- Disability
- Loss of life enjoyment
FAQs – Ask a Belleville, IL Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Do I Qualify for a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?
If you’re wondering whether you qualify for a compensation claim, consider the following circumstances that could entitle you to damages and may warrant legal action:
- Your accident occurred due to the negligence of a motor vehicle driver, such as speeding or drunk driving.
- A vehicle defect caused or contributed to your pedestrian accident.
- The crash occurred due to inadequate signage, faulty traffic signals, potholes, or other roadway defects.
The best way to know for sure if you have a legal case is to speak to our Belleville, IL pedestrian accident lawyers as soon as possible. They can assess your situation and guide you through the next steps.
How can I maximize my compensation?
Unfortunately, insurance companies are not on your side. As a business, they focus on profitability, meaning they will look for ways to deny or reduce your claim. Working with a seasoned Belleville, IL pedestrian accident lawyer who can level the playing field gives you the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
However, you can also take some additional steps to maximize your recovery:
- Cooperate with your doctor and follow your treatment plan
- Stay away from social media and refrain from posting anything about your accident or injuries
- Record details of your recovery and daily life in a journal
- Gather all receipts of your accident-related costs and losses
How much does a Belleville, IL pedestrian accident lawyer cost?
The cost of hiring a lawyer can be a real concern when you’re significantly injured and dealing with a myriad of expenses, such as medical bills and wage loss. Fortunately, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
This means you don’t have to pay any upfront attorney’s fees. Instead, the lawyer’s fees are “contingent” (dependent) upon the successful resolution of your case. In other words, your attorney only gets paid when you get paid. However, always discuss fees before signing on the dotted line, as some attorneys charge legal fees, such as court filing expenses and the cost of depositions, upfront.
At Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we don’t charge you a dime when we take your case, so you don’t have to worry about any unexpected bills. We only receive our fee when you receive compensation.
When should I file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Belleville?
Knowing when to file a lawsuit can be complicated. On one hand, you don’t want to file too soon. Unless you have fully recovered from your injuries or reached maximum medical improvement, it can be tough for doctors and your lawyer to understand your accident-related financial costs, such as future medical bills.
On the flip side, filing too late can be a serious mistake. In Illinois, the statute of limitations determines that you have only two years from the date of your accident to sue for a personal injury. Filing your case after the deadline could mean losing all rights to compensation. Consult with an attorney to determine the best timing for your lawsuit.
Contact our Belleville, IL Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
Getting hit by a car can be one of the most painful and frightening experiences in your life. We care about you and understand how hard it can be to get justice, whether from an insurer or the at-fault party.
However, you don’t have to struggle through a legal claim alone. Our attorneys know how to determine the worth of your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for what you deserve at trial if necessary.
Bradley Law regularly recovers multi-million-dollar results for clients who are getting nowhere with an insurer. Contact us now for a free case review to discover how we could help.
