When walking on or near roads in Joliet, IL, pedestrian safety is a major concern. Unfortunately, accidents can and do happen. They often lead to severe injuries or even tragic losses. At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys , our Joliet pedestrian accident lawyers specialize in representing injured victims in the area.
With decades of combined experience, we understand the complexities of personal injury law and the impact pedestrian accidents have on victims and families. We aim to provide you with compassionate and skilled representation so your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our Joliet personal injury lawyers have recovered over $100 million in compensation for injured clients, including victims of bicycle accidents, motorcycle injuries, Joliet nursing home abuse cases, dog bite injuries, Joliet workplace accidents, brain injuries, and more.
Contact our personal injury law firm, you can call us today at (815) 726-1616 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Should I Hire Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys After My Pedestrian Accident in Joliet?
At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, we are focused on making you whole again after a pedestrian accident. Our Joliet personal injury lawyers have recovered over $100 million in compensation for injured clients, including victims of pedestrian accidents. Our success has earned our attorneys distinctions as Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, as well as membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Our Joliet pedestrian accident attorneys can help you after an accident with the following:
- Evaluating your case and your best legal course of action
- Investigating your pedestrian accident and collecting evidence
- Filing insurance claims
- Calculating your damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses
- Maximizing your compensation through strategic settlement negotiations
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
We’re here to help you get through this difficult time to the best of our ability. Call our law offices in Joliet, Illinois, today to set up a free case review.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents are more common than you might expect. In the United States alone, there were an estimated 60,577 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes in 2021. This represented a national 11-percent increase than in 2020, according to the National Highway Safety Administration.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Joliet, IL?
There have been local and statewide campaigns to improve pedestrian safety. Despite new crosswalks and improved signage, pedestrian accidents occur regularly in Joliet. Some of the more common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. This occurs when drivers use cell phones, eat, or engage in other activities while driving.
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed the speed limit, especially in urban areas and near crosswalks, significantly increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly and stop suddenly.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers should yield to pedestrians. Unfortunately, many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way at crosswalks and intersections in Joliet.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment. This slows their reaction times, leading to serious pedestrian accidents.
- Poor Visibility: Accidents often occur in conditions of poor visibility, such as at night or during inclement weather. Pedestrians are harder to see in these conditions.
- Pedestrian Errors: Pedestrians themselves can contribute to accidents. Jaywalking, crossing a street while distracted, or walking in areas not designated for pedestrians increases the risk of accidents.
- Disobeying Traffic Signals: Both drivers and pedestrians should obey traffic signals. Ignoring traffic signals can lead to dangerous situations and accidents.
Understanding these causes is crucial for prevention. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, schedule a free consultation.
What Injuries Occur in Joliet Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents in Joliet result in a range of injuries, varying from minor to life-threatening. Pedestrians are not protected from cars or trucks like passengers, meaning even a low-speed accident can cause significant harm. Common injuries include:
- Broken Bones: The impact from a vehicle can break bones, especially in the legs, arms, rib, and hips.
- Head Injuries: Pedestrian accidents are associated with traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. A pedestrian’s head may strike a vehicle or pavement.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact from a vehicle can cause herniated discs to more severe spinal cord damage, including paralysis.
- Internal Injuries: The force of an impact can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, which may not be immediately apparent after the accident.
- Lacerations and Bruises: Cuts, scrapes, and bruising are common and can range from superficial to severe.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, pedestrian accidents can face long-term psychological impacts. Pedestrians may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.
- Fatal Injuries: Pedestrian accidents can result in fatalities, either on the scene or due to complications from sustained injuries, in the most tragic cases.
The severity and type of injuries depend on various factors. These include the speed of the vehicle, the location of the impact, and your health. Even minor injuries may require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
What Damages Can I Recover for a Pedestrian Accident in Joliet, IL?
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Joliet, you may be entitled to recover various damages. These damages are designed to compensate you for the losses and hardships you experienced from the accident. They are broadly categorized into economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages.
Economic damages are your quantifiable losses with a specific monetary value. They include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and future medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost while recovering from your injuries. This includes lost earning capacity if you cannot return to work at the same capacity as before the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for personal property damaged or destroyed in the accident, such as clothing or accessories.
Non-economic damages: These damages are more subjective and compensate you for non-monetary losses, including:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you endured due to your injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases of severe injuries, your spouse may be able to claim damages for the loss of companionship and support.
Punitive damages may be available in rare cases where the driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious. These are intended to punish the driver and deter similar conduct in the future.
Every pedestrian accident is different. Consult an experienced attorney to discuss the damages available in your case.
Who Is the Defendant in My Joliet Pedestrian Accident Case?
Identifying the defendant in your Joliet pedestrian accident case is critical in seeking compensation for your injuries. The defendant is the party allegedly responsible for the accident, and who they are depends on the circumstances of your accident. The defendant in your case may be:
- The Motor Vehicle Driver: The most common defendants are drivers of cars, trucks, or motorcycles. These drivers may have been negligent from speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, failing to yield at crosswalks, or disobeying traffic laws.
- Commercial Vehicle Operators: If your accident involved a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery truck or a bus, the driver and their employer could be defendants. Employers can be held liable under the principle of “vicarious liability.”
- Municipalities or Government Entities: A city or local government may be a defendant, especially if the accident was due to poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals.
Determining liability in pedestrian accident cases can be complicated. Some accidents even have multiple defendants. A qualified personal injury lawyer can help you identify all potential defendants and establish their liability. This ensures you pursue compensation from all responsible parties, maximizing your chances for compensation.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Pedestrian Accident in Joliet, IL?
In Illinois, the timeframe within which you must file a lawsuit after a pedestrian accident is governed by the “statute of limitations.” This law sets the deadline for when a lawsuit must be filed.
The statute of limitations for pedestrian accidents is generally two years from the accident date. This means you have two years from the date you were injured to file a lawsuit against the party or parties responsible.
It is crucial to be aware of this timeline and to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. Failing to file your lawsuit within this period typically results in losing the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys ?
Hiring our Joliet pedestrian accident lawyers is financially accessible. Our team works on a contingency fee basis. This means we will not charge you any upfront fees or hourly rates.
Instead, we take a fixed percentage of any settlement or trial award we win for you in court. This removes the upfront financial burden often associated with hiring a lawyer. We do not take a fee if your case does not result in a settlement or court award.
Contact Our Experienced Joliet Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Joliet, you do not have to pursue a legal claim alone. Contact our Joliet pedestrian accident lawyers to protect your rights and find out how to receive the compensation you deserve.
With decades of total experience, our team is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources to handle your case so you can focus on recovery. Schedule a free consultation today.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Joliet, IL
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys
Address:
195 Springfield Ave
Joliet, IL 60435
Phone:
(815) 726-1616
Business Hours:
Monday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12 PM
Sunday: Closed
