Pedestrian accidents remain a serious problem in Joliet. Pedestrians frequently sustain significant and catastrophic injuries, even in low-speed collisions. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Joliet can look at how the crash occurred, determine who is responsible, and help you navigate the claims process before the deadline.
Postman Law has been representing clients since 2018, securing more than $3 billion in settlements and verdicts. Our personal injury lawyer in Joliet can help you through this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Serious Pedestrian Accident
If you have been involved in an accident as a pedestrian, what you do next is crucial. While there are important steps to protect your health, it is also necessary to keep the integrity of your claim in mind. To best protect yourself and your rights:
- Contact emergency services: Make sure to dial 911 or have someone call emergency services immediately. Law enforcement and emergency medical professionals should be at the scene as soon as possible.
- Seek medical care: Even if you don’t believe your injuries are very serious, it is important that medical professionals assess you. Delaying medical care can inadvertently hurt your claim.
- Report the accident: If you can talk, tell law enforcement the facts of the accident as you can remember them. It is in your best interests not to accidentally assume responsibility. An investigation can help determine the cause later. Answer any questions briefly and stick to the facts.
- Document what you can: Ask for a copy of the police report. Take note of any witnesses around and ask for their contact information. If you can, snap several pictures of the scene, traffic signals, the road, any vehicles involved, and your injuries.
- Keep and maintain records: It can be difficult for others to understand the physical and emotional trauma you have experienced. Keeping a written account of your pain, treatment, how your injuries affect your day-to-day, and how you are healing can be vital to supporting your pedestrian accident claim. In addition, request copies of your medical records whenever you go back to the doctor or physical therapist, and keep an account of the work you miss and any wages lost.
We understand how overwhelming dealing with a pedestrian accident can be. At Postman Law, our team is here to help. Our Joliet pedestrian accident lawyer can speak to the insurance company on your behalf, help track down records, prepare and file your claim, and even reach out to witnesses and local businesses to see if there is any video footage or dashcam recordings of your accident.
For a free legal consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer serving Joliet, call 844-767-8626
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Serious
Pedestrians suffer disproportionate damage in vehicle collisions. While car passengers have a full metal cage to protect them, pedestrians are left exposed to absorb the full force of the impact. In addition, pedestrians frequently are thrown into objects and onto the ground. This second impact can exacerbate any physical trauma, as well.
Is Joliet Pedestrian-Friendly?
Joliet, Illinois, is predominantly car-centric. While some parts are walkable, the infrastructure has largely been designed for cars and trucks, making pedestrian accidents all too common. According to Crash Data Trends, in the last reporting year:
- Pedestrian accidents increased 24%
- Pedestrians involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes rose by 8%
- 25.5% of pedestrians involved in accidents were between 21 and 34
- The highest percentage of pedestrian-involved fatalities involved those 45 to 59 years of age, or 24% of all pedestrian deaths
Pedestrian accident trends show why safety remains a key issue in Joliet. The city of Joliet is currently creating a comprehensive plan to address key safety issues and expected growth.
Joliet Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me 844-767-8626
What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents?
Despite lagging infrastructure improvements, driver negligence remains the top cause of pedestrian accidents. While a pedestrian is responsible for their own safety, there are many situations when a driver is at fault in a pedestrian accident.
Some of the most common examples of driver negligence include:
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failure to slow down in a residential area or school district
- Failure to yield at a crosswalk
According to Section 11-1003.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, drivers need to exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians. This includes children or an obviously confused or incapacitated person.
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Pedestrians Often Suffer Catastrophic Injuries
Pedestrian accidents usually cause significant physical damage. People walking or running are often struck on their legs and torso, causing severe internal injuries. In addition, pedestrians are thrown either to the ground or over the hood or windshield of the vehicle. This impact can cause significant lacerations and head injuries.
The most common injuries suffered by pedestrians include:
- Broken arms, legs, and ribs
- Internal organ damage
- Crush injuries
- Neck and back injuries, including spinal cord damage
- Road rash
- Skull fractures, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Pelvic fractures
- Nerve damage
- Loss of limb or amputations
- Severe lacerations and scarring
Some injuries may continue long after rehab. For example, when you suffer spinal cord damage or a TBI, it can affect your ability to work and live independently. TBIs can cause significant cognitive decline. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis or chronic pain, often requiring extensive physical therapy and multiple surgeries.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
Compensation for a pedestrian accident is expressed as damages. These damages can range from physical and emotional pain to reimbursement for bills you incurred as a direct result of the accident. Damages vary from case to case and depend heavily on the unique circumstances of your claim:
- Medical expenses: Ambulance ride, hospital stay, surgeries, diagnostic testing, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments
- Lost wages: Earnings from missed work, including bonuses, wages, and benefits
- Loss of future income: Permanent injuries that affect your ability to perform your previous job may cause reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain associated with the accident, injuries, and recovery as well as mental anguish
- Emotional distress: The psychological toll of the accident, including PTSD, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Diminished capacity to enjoy activities previously enjoyed
Speaking to a Joliet pedestrian accident attorney can help you determine the damages you qualify to recover and the true value of your claim. If the insurance company should deny your claim or offer you a settlement less than fair, our team can push back and fight for your fair compensation.
A Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Joliet Can Fight for Compensation
Postman Law has represented the best interests of more than 1.4 million clients. We have a long track record of success.
Our highly skilled legal team can evaluate the circumstances of your pedestrian accident and pursue damages on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation with a Joliet pedestrian accident lawyer to go over the details of your case today.