Chicago Attorneys for Joggers and Runners Hit By Cars
Experienced lawyers who know how to get results
Running and jogging are popular activities in Chicago and throughout Illinois. These pedestrians are vulnerable when they are on the side of the road. It only takes one negligent driver to cause an accident that leaves a runner or jogger seriously injured. The pedestrian accident attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. fight for their rights.
People who are out running have no protection out on the road, and a runner who is hit by a car can suffer severe injuries. Common injuries from getting hit by a car include broken bones, head and neck injuries, back and spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injury. Recovery and rehabilitation can take months or even years. In some cases, runners are left with a permanent disability and require lifelong care.
This type of pedestrian accident can also have a serious financial impact. Medical expenses for treatment – including surgery, hospitalization, medication, and physical therapy – can add up quickly and become overwhelming. Accident victims often can’t return to work because of their injury, resulting in a loss of wages.
Our runner accident attorneys build strong cases that get results
If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you deserve financial compensation. This includes compensation for all current and future medical expenses related to your injuries, lost wages while you could not work, and possibly other damages, such as disability and pain and suffering. Our attorneys can help.
Negligent drivers can come in many forms in pedestrian accidents. The driver may have been texting while driving and was not paying attention to the road, or they may have been speeding or driving recklessly and lost control, or the driver may have been fatigued and nodded off at the wheel. Negligent drivers typically deny doing anything wrong.
Insurance companies are supposed to help when a runner is hit by a car, but they are mostly concerned with protecting their bottom line. In order to keep their profits high, they try to keep their payouts low. They have lawyers looking out for their best interests, helping them find ways to minimize your compensation.
That is why you need an experienced accident attorney. We know how to deal with insurance companies and hold negligent drivers accountable. We know the tactics that insurance companies use to try to avoid their responsibility to injured victims. Our attorneys fight back to help victims get the compensation they deserve.
In Chicago and throughout Illinois, runners get hit by cars far too often. If you’ve been injured, we can help.
Runner Accident FAQ
What are the responsibilities of drivers at a crosswalk?
There are laws that drivers are required to follow when a runner or other pedestrian is in a crosswalk. For example, drivers must:
- Come to a complete stop and allow pedestrians to cross the street before proceeding
- Slow down and be prepared to stop if there are pedestrians crossing the street in unmarked crosswalks at intersections
- Yield to pedestrians who are already in the crosswalk, even if the light is green for the driver
- Avoid passing other vehicles in a crosswalk
- Be aware of their surroundings and on the lookout for pedestrians
- Avoid driving aggressively or recklessly.
Who is at fault when a runner is hit by a car?
Negligent drivers are almost always at fault when a runner is injured in an accident. But these drivers often deny responsibility, and insurance companies may try to argue the runner was partially to blame. That’s because under the modified comparative negligence system used in Illinois, compensation for an injured pedestrian can be reduced if the pedestrian was found to be partially at fault for what happened. That’s why it’s important to talk to an experienced accident lawyer.
How much compensation can I recover in a runner accident?
Individual compensation in a runner accident will depend on many different factors. These factors include the type and extent of your injuries, the amount of your medical expenses, whether you lost income because you couldn’t work, and the impact of the accident on your life. An accident attorney can give you an idea of how much you can realistically expect.
What should I do if I’ve been hit by a car?
If you were hit by a car while running or jogging, there are steps you can take to protect not only your health, but also your legal rights. First, call 911 or ask someone else to call. The police will respond, secure the scene, and make sure you get help. Be sure to get medical attention if necessary. If you are able to do so, get contact information for the driver and any witnesses. Also take photos of the accident scene. As soon as possible, call an accident lawyer for advice.
Our lawyers are determined to help you get the best outcome
Our Chicago runner accident attorneys investigate to get the facts for ourselves. We carefully review accident reports, medical records and other documents, identify and interview witnesses, and search for evidence that can support your claim, such as traffic camera footage. If needed, we consult with accident reconstruction experts and other specialists.
We focus on building a strong case that the insurance companies can’t ignore. Then we demand compensation for the harm you have suffered. Many times, insurance companies agree to discuss a settlement. We’re only interested in a settlement that meets your needs. If the insurance company won’t settle, we’ll be ready to fight for you in court.
If you were a runner or jogger hit by a car, it’s important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. An accident lawyer can explain your rights and what kind of compensation you can expect to recover. Pedestrian accidents involving runners can be complicated. That’s why we start by investigating your accident before evidence is lost or destroyed, and the memories of witnesses fade.
Learn more about how a pedestrian accident attorney can help your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
