Injured? Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you’ve been hurt in Chicago or the suburbs, our attorneys can fight for you
People can be seen walking in Chicago and their local neighborhoods every day. They could be going to work, to a restaurant or a store, or they’re just out taking a walk. Their lives can change in an instant if they are hit by a car or truck. The pedestrian accident attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. fight for their rights.
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable users of our sidewalks and streets. That is because they are unprotected in any collision with a vehicle and are almost certain to bear the brunt of the impact. Drivers who ignore traffic signals and signs or drive irresponsibly put pedestrians at risk of severe injuries and even death. The emergence of smart phones has created innumerable drivers who are distracted by text messages and notifications and not watching the roadways in front of them.
Under Illinois law, all drivers must now not only stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk but must come to a complete stop to let the pedestrians safely cross the street. In addition, Illinois law requires drivers to “exercise due care” to avoid hitting any pedestrians. This law applies whether or not a pedestrian is at an intersection. Many local cities and towns have additional laws that protect the rights of pedestrians.
Frighteningly, most pedestrians who are struck by vehicles are injured while lawfully crossing the street at an intersection with a “walk signal” or in a crosswalk. It only takes one negligent driver to cause an accident that leaves a pedestrian seriously hurt or even leads to a wrongful death.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a pedestrian accident, there may be a lot of thoughts going through your head. You may be confused about what happened. You may be frustrated at how your whole life has changed because of someone else’s actions. You may be wondering what to do next.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions the personal injury attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. get asked after a pedestrian accident:
Do I need to see a doctor after an accident?
Following an accident, you may feel that you only suffered a minor injury and don’t need to see a doctor. You might not like the idea of being taken to the hospital by ambulance or waiting in an emergency room to see a doctor, but it’s very important to get medical attention as soon as you can after your accident. The main reason is that you want to make sure you are healthy. You could be suffering from internal injuries that only a medical exam can discover. A doctor can start treating your injuries immediately, which will help you heal sooner. Even if you do only have a minor sprain, a doctor can give you advice on treating it at home. Another important reason for getting medical attention is that the doctor can document your injuries. This is very important when filing a claim for compensation, as the hospital and doctor’s records are evidence that you were in fact hurt in the crash.
Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury claim?
Your case might seem straightforward, but that can be deceiving. Pursuing financial compensation after an accident can be complicated. Insurance companies may question the extent of your injuries or whether they were pre-existing. They may try to blame you for the accident. They use these tactics because it’s a way to help them save money. We strongly advise you to talk to a pedestrian accident attorney before agreeing to any offer from the insurance company.
Can a pedestrian be at fault for an accident?
Drivers have a responsibility to stop for pedestrians who are crossing the street and to generally proceed with caution when there are pedestrians nearby. Pedestrians also have certain responsibilities. For example, they are expected to use crosswalks and wait for the walk signal at busy intersections. If you were injured in an accident, the insurance company may insist that you were partially to blame for the accident. There’s a reason for that. Illinois recognizes contributory negligence when resolving these types of cases. That can impact how much compensation you receive.
How much is my claim worth?
There is no set amount you’re entitled to because the amount of compensation you receive will depend greatly on the severity of your injuries and the specific details of your case. Your claim could be worth hundreds, thousands, or maybe even millions. It all depends since every case has its own unique set of circumstances.
How long will it take to resolve my claim?
The amount of time it takes to resolve your claim depends on the complexity of your case. If you suffered a relatively minor injury and there are no contentious issues, it’s possible that your case can be resolved in a matter of months. If you suffered a serious injury or a loved one lost their life and the insurance company is disputing any part of your claim, resolving your case could take years. But if the claim takes longer it is because you and your case are worth the extra time that may be required to do everything possible to pursue justice on your behalf. The focus of our attorneys is not about speed – it is about helping you as much as possible and getting you’re the best possible result.
Should I accept a settlement offer from the insurance company?
It’s common for insurance companies to contact accident victims shortly after an accident with a settlement offer. They promise a lump sum and quick payment. They may even say that it’s the best that they can do. You may be facing increased medical expenses and find it difficult to pay your bills on time. The offer might seem tempting. It is important to remember that insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. They are making this offer because it’s a way to help them save money. Their offer will fall far short of covering the total damages you have suffered. We strongly encourage you to talk to a lawyer before accepting any offer from the insurance company. All consultations are absolutely free and with no obligation. We are happy to discuss your claim with you and whether or not our representation would benefit you. It is our promise to you that we will always give you clear and honest advice about what is the best route for you to take. We are here to help.
Lawyers with the experience that gets results in Chicago
An accident can leave pedestrians with cuts and bruises, head and neck injuries, back injuries, broken bones, concussions or traumatic brain injury. They may require surgery, hospitalization, medication and physical therapy. Recovery can take months or even years. Some injured pedestrians never fully recover. And in the worst instances, many pedestrians tragically lose their lives.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, you deserve financial compensation. This includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages, such as pain and suffering and loss of a normal life. Recovering compensation for the damages you suffered can be complicated and we can provide you the guidance and experience to navigate the process.
Negligent drivers often deny responsibility and insurance companies would rather not pay you at all. So, to keep their profits high, they try to keep payouts low. They may make you a lowball settlement offer soon after your accident. They’ll say it’s the best that they can do. They just want you to take it and go away. We fight for you to balance the scales of justice and ensure that you get the best possible recovery after all that you have been through.
Millions recovered for injured clients
The attorneys of Keating Law Offices, P.C. are committed to protecting the rights of all pedestrians who have been injured by the negligence of others. We’re not satisfied with lowball settlement offers. We build strong cases that hold negligent drivers accountable and force the insurance companies to take the case seriously.
The attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. have extensive experience representing pedestrian victims who have suffered the devastating consequences of being hit by a vehicle. Every case is unique, but there are some types of pedestrian-involved crashes that are most common, and the firm has repeatedly successfully resolved for its clients.
We know the impact that an accident can have on pedestrians and their families. Keating Law Offices, P.C. is committed to helping you get the best possible outcome in your case. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for clients through negotiated settlements and jury verdicts. The staff at the firm is equally experienced and committed to you and your case. Everyone at the firm works directly with you. We will fight for you every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a careless or reckless driver, please contact us today. One of our pedestrian accident attorneys can discuss your claim and help you decide what to do next. Our operators are available 24/7 to answer your call and all emails and phone calls are promptly returned. We are available to meet at our main office conveniently located in Chicago’s Loop or our West Town location. Our attorneys are also always available to meet with you at your home or any place that is more convenient for you. Our goal is to help our clients as much as possible. Contact us today.
