Legal rules of the road are set up so that drivers operating bigger and more dangerous vehicles have a greater obligation to keep other drivers and passengers safe. This means if you drive a car or a truck, you must yield to pedestrians and bicyclists and drive safely within the confines of the law.
Unfortunately, each year approximately 70,000 pedestrians are injured or even killed on American roads. To make matters worse, pedestrian accidents are on the rise—in fact, they rose almost 15 percent between 2006 and 2015, according to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, you may need the services of an experienced and compassionate personal injury attorney. A Bolingbrook pedestrian accident lawyer could review your case with you, help you take inventory of your damages, and provide guidance regarding whether you could file suit to recover for them. En Español.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
While no two pedestrian accidents are exactly the same, there are some common factors that can cause them. Being aware of such factors can help everyone stay safe on the road, no matter if they are a pedestrian or operating a vehicle.
These common causes of motor vehicle accidents in Bolingbrook involving pedestrians include:
- Speeding
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- Distracted driving such as texting or talking on the phone
- Not watching for pedestrians in crosswalks or when turning
- Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light
What to Know About Filing Suit in Bolingbrook
Pedestrian accidents can cause a lot of stress and severe injuries. After an accident, many victims and their families tend to focus on their medical and financial issues and sometimes forget about what resources are available to them during this difficult time. While these issues are extremely important, so too is obtaining the representation of a skilled lawyer who could help accident victims seek justice for injuries.
For example, in Illinois there is a time limit to file personal injury claims in civil court known as the statute of limitations. This time limits runs for two years from the date of the accident, as outlined in 735 Illinois Compiled Statues 5/13-202.
If a victim files a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has passed, the defendants in the case would likely file to have the case dismissed because it is time-barred. Barring certain unique circumstances, the judge would typically dismiss the case on that basis alone. A Bolingbrook pedestrian accident lawyer could help an injured individual keep track of this deadline and ensure it does not pass before they file.
Reach Out to a Bolingbrook Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured by a reckless or careless motor vehicle driver while walking, a Bolingbrook pedestrian accident lawyer is available to help you. A compassionate local attorney could take the time to truly understand and investigate the circumstances that led to your accident. A lawyer’s job is to make your life less stressful during a time that can be overwhelmingly difficult.
Attorneys take pride in offering each person individualized attention and are always available to answer your questions. Call today to find out more about pursuing a personal injury claim for your pedestrian accident.