
Zayed Law Offices is proud to serve Chicago and communities across Illinois with experienced personal injury representation, including cases involving pedestrian accidents. Chicago is a walkable city, with residents and visitors crossing busy intersections in the Loop, strolling along the lakefront, and navigating crowded sidewalks in neighborhoods throughout Cook County every day. When a distracted or careless driver strikes a pedestrian, the results are almost always severe, since pedestrians have no protection against the force of a vehicle.
Pedestrian accident victims often face a long road to recovery, along with insurance companies eager to minimize their claims. Zayed Law Offices fights to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure full compensation for injured pedestrians and their families.
Injured as a pedestrian in Chicago? Contact Zayed Law Offices for the representation you deserve — no fee unless we win.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago

Pedestrian accidents often occur at intersections, crosswalks, and other areas where vehicles and pedestrians share the same space. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use behind the wheel
- Failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Speeding through residential neighborhoods or school zones
- Turning vehicles failing to check for pedestrians
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor visibility due to inadequate street lighting
- Backing out of driveways or parking spaces without checking for pedestrians
- Aggressive driving in heavy downtown traffic
Because pedestrians are far more vulnerable than occupants of vehicles, even accidents that occur at relatively low speeds can result in life-changing injuries.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Without any protective barrier between a pedestrian and an oncoming vehicle, pedestrian accidents frequently result in severe, sometimes catastrophic injuries. Zayed Law Offices regularly assists clients dealing with:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations
- Road rash and abrasions
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
These injuries often require extensive hospitalization, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation, along with substantial medical bills and lost income during recovery.
Determining Fault in Chicago Pedestrian Accidents
While pedestrians are sometimes unfairly blamed for accidents, Illinois law recognizes that drivers bear significant responsibility for watching out for pedestrians, particularly in marked crosswalks and at intersections. Insurance companies frequently attempt to argue that a pedestrian was jaywalking, distracted, or otherwise at fault to reduce their payout, even when the driver’s negligence was the primary cause of the collision.
Zayed Law Offices works to gather traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence to establish exactly how a crash occurred and to counter unfair attempts to shift blame onto the injured pedestrian.
Illinois’ Modified Comparative Fault Rule
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning an injured pedestrian can recover compensation as long as they are found less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. Even if a pedestrian was not using a marked crosswalk, a driver may still bear significant responsibility if they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise failed to exercise reasonable care. Thorough evidence gathering is essential to ensuring fault is fairly assigned.
Illinois’ Two-Year Statute of Limitations
Illinois law generally requires personal injury claims, including pedestrian accident cases, to be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Because evidence such as traffic camera footage and witness memories can fade over time, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
The steps you take immediately after a pedestrian accident can significantly affect both your health and your legal claim.
- Seek emergency medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
- Call the police and obtain a copy of the accident report
- Photograph the scene, including traffic signals, crosswalk markings, and your injuries
- Get contact and insurance information from the driver involved
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before speaking with an attorney
Don’t navigate the claims process alone — schedule a free case review with Zayed Law Offices before speaking with an adjuster.
Why Chicago Pedestrian Accident Victims Choose Zayed Law Offices
Zayed Law Offices is a nationally recognized personal injury firm known for combining aggressive advocacy with genuine care for injured clients. Led by attorney Adam Zayed, the firm has represented pedestrian accident victims throughout Cook County, including matters brought before the Cook County Circuit Court at the Richard J. Daley Center, and understands how to counter insurance company attempts to unfairly shift blame onto injured pedestrians.
Our team is committed to helping injured pedestrians recover the full compensation they deserve, whether that means negotiating a fair settlement or pursuing litigation against a negligent driver. Consultations are always free, and there is no fee unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Pedestrian Accident Claims
Am I automatically at fault if I wasn’t in a marked crosswalk?
No. While crossing outside a marked crosswalk can be a factor considered in determining fault, a driver’s negligence, such as speeding or distraction, is often the primary cause of the accident regardless of where the pedestrian was crossing.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Illinois’ modified comparative fault rule allows you to recover compensation as long as you are found less than 51 percent at fault, though your award may be reduced based on your share of responsibility.
How long do I have to file a claim after a pedestrian accident?
Illinois generally requires personal injury claims to be filed within two years of the accident date. Speaking with an attorney early helps preserve important evidence.
What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
If you were struck by a hit-and-run driver, your own uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation, and an attorney can help investigate to identify the responsible driver.
What compensation might be available after a pedestrian accident?
Depending on the case, victims may be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and compensation for long-term or permanent injuries.
What does it cost to hire Zayed Law Offices?
Nothing upfront. Zayed Law Offices works on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact Zayed Law Offices Today
Injured pedestrians across Illinois have trusted Zayed Law Offices when they needed a powerful advocate after a serious accident. Don’t wait — the statute of limitations could limit your right to recover. Contact Zayed Law Offices today for your free consultation.ntingency fee basis, so hiring us costs you nothing upfront. Further, we only get paid if we obtain compensation for you.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Chicago, IL
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 726-1616
Business Hours: 24/7
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