Matteson IL Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Michael J. Brennan Injury & Accident Lawyer stands up for the rights of pedestrian accident victims in Matteson. We hold careless drivers fully accountable when they strike defenseless victims. Our focus is on making sure clients have everything they need to make a full recovery and rebuild their lives. We offer a free case consultation to all Cook County accident victims. Contact us today to find out what your injury may be worth.

How Do I Know If I Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

Amazingly, some pedestrians walk away from accidents with only a few scratches. But most pedestrian collisions expose victims to powerful blunt-force trauma, leaving those on foot at risk of devastating injuries. When injuries are serious, like a broken leg or a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), it’s a good idea to discuss your options with a skilled Matteson pedestrian accident lawyer. A lawyer on your side can often make a big difference in the compensation you receive.

When insurance companies see hospital bills piling up, they shift from being helpful to looking for ways to avoid liability. They’ll attempt to twist the evidence to make it look like you caused your own accident. They may also cast doubt on the severity of your injuries so they can get away with offering you less in support. Your attorney is your shield against these unfair insurance tactics. MJB Law fully investigates your case and then demands the maximum compensation for your injury.

Where Are Pedestrians Most at Risk in Matteson?

Pedestrians can enjoy strolls on local sidewalks and in parks, but at some point, many people on foot must cross busy Matteson intersections. This puts them at the mercy of drivers who are often distracted and reckless.

Pedestrians trying to cross huge intersections like Cicero Avenue and the Lincoln Highway, often have little time to get across eight lanes of traffic before impatient drivers are turned loose again. We also can’t forget that we all become pedestrians when we pull into a parking lot and park. We are at risk of collisions caused by careless drivers whenever we get out of our cars.

The dangers for those traveling on foot seem to grow every year. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reports that there were 3,164 pedestrian accidents in Cook County in 2022. 2,956 injuries were documented in those accidents along with a tragic 110 fatalities.

Who Is Responsible for Pedestrian Accidents?

If drivers would follow the law and show pedestrians a proper “duty of care,” many collisions could be avoided. This legal duty requires drivers to monitor the roadway for pedestrians at all times, no matter where they are. Drivers must slow down when spotting someone on foot attempting to cross the road and be ready to stop to avoid an impact.

When drivers fail in this duty, they can be held liable for the harm they cause. Victims can seek financial support to pay their medical bills. Families who lose a loved one in a pedestrian collision can also seek money to pay for a funeral and to help in the future when the victim can no longer contribute financially to support close relatives.

Insurance companies will be as unhelpful as possible, even after a tragedy, and that’s why a skilled personal injury lawyer is often the key to forcing insurers to do the right thing.

Can I Seek Compensation If I Was Crossing the Street Outside a Crosswalk?

Motorists bear much of the responsibility in these situations because of the extreme harm a human body endures when struck by a heavy, fast-moving vehicle. This vulnerability is why drivers can be held liable for accidents, even if a pedestrian was crossing the street illegally at the time.

Drivers are still responsible for slowing down as much as they can before an unavoidable impact. When they don’t take reasonable action to avoid an accident, they can be fully or partially responsible for the costs of a victim’s recovery, no matter how long it takes. At-fault drivers must help their victims get back on their feet again physically and financially.

What Types of Things Earn Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident?

Economic damages such as medical bills and lost income will be a big part of your injury settlement check. Your physical and emotional suffering must also factor into the support you receive.

A serious injury will cause you physical pain, perhaps for weeks, months, or years. You’ll also have to deal with emotional trauma to some degree. Some pedestrian accident victims suffer PTSD-like symptoms. People with severe injuries often experience depression and anxiety during long, difficult recoveries.

You could also experience a loss of enjoyment of life. This can stem from being unable to participate in the hobbies you enjoy or take part in family activities. These factors and more should be considered when you seek full compensation.

Your MJD Law representative will also seek support for many other factors to increase the amount you receive:

• Totals on current medical bills and estimates on any care expected to be necessary in the future.
• Estimates on a lifetime of support if the victim endures a permanent physical disability. Money for home care and to pay for medical equipment.
• Support determined to be fair for the physical pain the victim endures.
• Support for the emotional trauma the victim endures.
• Support for the victim’s loss of consortium (loss of intimacy with a spouse).
• Totals on travel costs as the victim must attend doctor’s appointments while unable to drive.
• Totals on the income and benefits lost while the victim is unable to work.
• Totals on property damage for any personal possessions damaged when you were hit.
• Wrongful death benefits. Benefits for family members after a loved one has been lost in a tragic pedestrian accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any support available if I’m struck by a hit-and-run driver?

In many cases, yes. If you are struck while walking and the driver escapes identification, you can file an injury claim with your own car insurance provider using uninsured motorist coverage. If you don’t have car insurance, you should check to see if you are covered by a family member’s policy.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Illinois?

Illinois allows personal injury victims up to two years to file claims. You shouldn’t wait years to file though. Take action quickly to allow your lawyer to capture fresh evidence and track down witnesses.

What if I can’t afford to pay a lawyer to represent my accident case?

Michael J. Brennan works on a contingency basis. It means you won’t owe anything unless he wins your case for you. Then his attorney fee comes out of the settlement money you and your family are awarded.

Contact a Matteson Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Illinois personal injury attorney, Michael J. Brennan serves victims in Matteson and across Cook County. He has over 35 years of legal experience and is a former State’s Attorney for Cook County. He has earned his reputation as a fierce negotiator and an aggressive trial lawyer.

If you or a loved one were struck by a careless driver, you do not have to face your physical or financial issues alone. Contact MJB Law to schedule a case consultation that’s free and comes with no obligation for you. It’s a way to stay informed of every benefit available to you and your family before an insurance company tries to limit the support you receive.

Mr. Brennan is ready to ensure your rights are honored, you receive a fair financial recovery, and justice is served for your injuries and losses.