In Chicago, many pedestrian accidents occur in crosswalks. A distracted motorist may fail to notice a stop sign or light and speed through an intersection, placing pedestrians at risk of serious injuries. While compensation may be available, experienced Chicago lawyers know that crosswalk accident cases can be difficult. Insurance companies and defense counsel may argue that the injured person was to blame for being distracted or failing to follow signals. For this reason, many victims choose to retain a skilled pedestrian accident attorney for help maximizing their compensation.
Crosswalk Laws in Chicago
Crosswalks are everywhere in Chicago. Being a major metropolitan area, the city is filled with commuters, tourists, and other people on foot. Some of the most prominent areas for pedestrian activity include the Magnificent Mile, the areas around North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach, and anywhere there is nightlife. The area around Wrigley Field also sees significant pedestrian accident, especially at Clark and Addison during the summer.
Pedestrians are generally required to use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever they are available. These laws are in place to protect people, and a failure to follow them can impact the outcome of a personal injury case. For example, if a pedestrian is struck while attempting to cross the street outside of a crosswalk, they may be considered partially or wholly at fault. This would make them responsible for their own medical bills, and the driver who struck them may not have to pay anything.
At the same time, drivers also have a responsibility to respond appropriately to crosswalks. Motorists are required to stop anytime they see a pedestrian attempting to cross at a crosswalk. This is the case even if the crosswalk is not in an intersection. Many Chicago drivers are not expecting to see crosswalks in the middle of the street, but it is important to be cautious and keep an eye on their surroundings.
Recoverable Damages for Pedestrian Accident Victims
After a pedestrian accident, victims can seek compensation, or damages, for all of their losses directly related to the injury. This can include medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of a normal life. However, calculating these damages can often be a challenging and complex task.
Noneconomic damages like pain and suffering are different for everyone, and it can be difficult to quantify these intangible losses. This makes it important to have an attorney who can describe the impact of the accident and articulate how it affects the victim on a person and professional level.
For example, it may be difficult for an individual to get out of bed, lean over a crib and pick up their baby, or reach down to load a printer at work. Not only can an accident have a serious emotional impact on the lives of a victim, permanent or long-term impairment can also put them at risk of losing their job. A fair compensation package should take into account the full impact of the accident on the victim’s life.
Discuss Your Crosswalk Accident With a Chicago Attorney
If you were hit by a car in a Chicago crosswalk, you deserve fair compensation for all of your losses stemming from the accident. To discuss your situation and begin holding the at-fault driver accountable for their actions, consider speaking with an experienced attorney. Call now for a consultation.