Why Choose Walner Law for Your Chicago Pedestrian Accident Claim

When dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. At Walner Law, we have been representing accident victims in Chicago since 1961. With decades of experience, an accomplished legal team, and a track record of obtaining multi-million-dollar settlements for our clients, we are dedicated to making sure justice is fully served.

We know that being injured in an accident presents challenges that go beyond physical pain. You might feel financial strain from unexpected medical bills and lost wages. You might wonder if life will return to normal. At Walner Law, we take the time to listen closely to your story, understand the impact the accident has had on your life, and provide the moral support you need. Through every step of your case, we’ll work to reduce your stress, handle the complexities of your claim, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

When you choose Walner Law, you can rest assured that we will stop at nothing to protect your rights. Our firm prioritizes building strong relationships with our clients because we know trust is essential. Our priority is simple—to help you regain control of your life and move forward toward a brighter, healthier future.

How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents?

Thousands of innocent victims are injured or killed each year in the United States when they try to do the seemingly harmless act of crossing the street. Driver negligence results in an astonishing number of pedestrian accidents each day with nearly 70,000 people injured and nearly 4,500 people killed annually in pedestrian accidents across the U.S.

Pedestrian accident victims can be anyone, but the greatest numbers of serious injuries and fatalities involve children and the elderly. Left exposed at a crosswalk, even the slowest moving vehicle can leave an innocent bystander with severe injuries or even result in the death of a pedestrian.

At Walner Law, our team of Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers works hard to get accident victims justice. After all, a crash can really change things for victims and their family members. It’s important to be able to focus on recovery from a pedestrian accident and not about lost income or other financial woes.

Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Even if a collision occurs at a reduced speed, such as in a parking lot, a vulnerable pedestrian often suffers severe or life-threatening injuries if struck by a motor vehicle.

Injuries can include:

• Fractured bones
• Lacerations
• Brain injuries
• Amputation injuries
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Wrongful death

Reasons for Pedestrian Accidents

A pedestrian accident can be the result of many factors which most often result from the negligence of motorists, including:

• Drivers who fail to follow the posted speed limit
• Pedestrians crossing the street in a driver’s blind spot
• Preoccupied or inattentive drivers
• Drivers who do not stop at pedestrian crossings or when a pedestrian has the right of way
• Pedestrians failing to cross at crosswalks
• Drivers who run red lights or stop signs
• Pedestrians crossing on a walk signal without looking to see if the crosswalk is clear
• Drivers and/or pedestrians who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Premises Liability Cases

If a pedestrian accident occurs on private or commercial property, it may fall into the category of a premises liability claim. Businesses and property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for the people who cross their property. If a hazardous condition was caused by the negligence of a property owner or manager, that person or entity could be held liable for your severe injuries. Examples of hazardous conditions include poor lighting, uneven sidewalks, or slippery walkways.

Do I Have a Pedestrian Accident Case in Chicago?

After being injured as a pedestrian, you might wonder whether you have a legal case. Most claims revolve around the concept of negligence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation, and this failure causes harm to another person. A successful pedestrian accident case must establish four key elements of negligence.

1. Duty of Care: Drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles in a safe manner, and pedestrians have a duty to obey traffic laws.
2. Breach of Duty: This occurs when someone fails to uphold that duty. For example, a driver speeding through an intersection or running a red light has breached their duty.
3. Causation: You must prove that the driver’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries. If a car hit you while you were crossing the street legally, the driver’s actions are likely the cause.
4. Damages: Finally, you must show that the accident resulted in damages, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, or lost earnings.

If these four elements are present, you may have a valid pedestrian accident claim. Don’t face this daunting process on your own—Walner Law’s experienced legal team can help analyze your case, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights.

The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?

After a pedestrian accident, receiving an offer from an insurance company might seem like a quick and easy solution. However, accepting it without consulting a lawyer could leave you with far less than you deserve. Insurance companies are primarily focused on protecting their bottom line, not your well-being.

These companies often use tactics to minimize your payout. They might pressure you to settle quickly before you understand the full extent of your injuries or ongoing treatment needs. They might also argue that your actions contributed to the accident in an attempt to reduce their liability. By speaking with a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer at Walner Law, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that any settlement reflects the full scope of your losses. With our experience handling insurance companies, we’ll help you fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.

Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims in Chicago

Victims of pedestrian accidents often face overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Compensation can help alleviate these burdens and pave the way toward recovery. Common types of damages available include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical treatments.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost while recovering, as well as any reduced earning capacity due to long-term injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Recovery for personal property damaged during the incident, such as a phone or clothing.

If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, surviving family members might also be eligible to recover damages. These can include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial contributions the deceased would have provided. At Walner Law, we handle every case with compassion, working tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the justice our clients deserve.

Chicago Pedestrian Accident FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding Chicago pedestrian accident cases:

How much does a personal injury attorney cost?

At Walner Law, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Our payment comes as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. This structure allows you to focus on your recovery without added financial stress. If we’re unable to secure compensation, you owe us nothing.

What if I’m partly to blame for the accident?

Being partially at fault doesn’t automatically disqualify you from pursuing compensation. Under Illinois’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. A skilled attorney at Walner Law can help evaluate your case and minimize any undue blame placed on you by insurance companies.

Is there a statute of limitations for pedestrian accident cases?

Yes. Illinois law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you might lose your right to pursue compensation. Because this timeline can differ based on the specifics of your case, we recommend contacting Walner Law as soon as possible to protect your rights and build a strong claim.

Contact the Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Walner Law Today

Dealing with a pedestrian accident can feel overwhelming, but Walner Law is here to help. Having an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer in your corner makes all the difference. Here’s how our team supports you through this challenging time:

• Conducting a thorough investigation to determine liability and gather evidence.
• Handling all negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• Building a strong legal strategy to take your case to trial if necessary.
• Providing compassionate and personalized guidance every step of the way.

Take the first step toward recovery by contacting Walner Law today. Contact us today at (312) 410-8496 or through our online form for a free consultation. You’ve been through enough—our dedicated team is ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.