What The Newly Revealed Crashes Tell Us About Safety In Chicago
Chicago’s streets are supposed to connect neighborhoods, not take lives. Yet newly reviewed data from the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported by Streetsblog Chicago** revealed six additional pedestrian fatalities in 2025 that had not been previously reported. Each of these tragedies represents a life cut short, a family grieving, and a city reminded that safety for pedestrians is far from guaranteed.
For victims and their families, knowing where to turn after such a devastating crash can feel overwhelming. A Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer can play a critical role in uncovering the truth, holding negligent drivers accountable, and pursuing the compensation families deserve.
**Keating Law Offices is a sponsor of Streetsblog Chicago
What The New CDOT Records Reveal
According to CDOT crash summaries, these six fatalities occurred between March and August 2025. Several involved hit-and-run drivers, while others happened when motorists turned into crosswalks or struck pedestrians mid-block. Each crash shows how quickly negligence behind the wheel can turn deadly:
- March 13, 2025: A pedestrian was killed in Humboldt Park after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in an alley.
- June 10, 2025: A large vehicle leaving a parking lot fatally struck a pedestrian mid-block in Belmont Cragin.
- July 31, 2025: A Chevy driver fatally struck a woman near 63rd and Morgan in Englewood. The driver was arrested and faced charges.
- August 3, 2025: A 31-year-old man died in Gresham after a hit-and-run driver struck him on South Stewart Avenue.
- August 6, 2025: A hit-and-run SUV driver killed a pedestrian in Rogers Park. The vehicle was identified as a dark gray Buick Encore.
- August 9, 2025: A hit-and-run driver in a silver Toyota 4Runner ran a stoplight and fatally struck 22-year-old Jermaine Martin in Gage Park.
Behind each of these bullet points is a person with a story, a family left searching for answers, and a community reeling from another preventable loss.
Why Pedestrian Crashes Keep Happening In Chicago
Pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable people on Chicago’s streets. When drivers fail to yield, speed through intersections, or drive under the influence, the risk of a catastrophic crash increases dramatically. Large vehicles like SUVs and trucks are particularly dangerous because of their size, weight, and blind spots.
Chicago has taken steps to improve safety through infrastructure changes, new crosswalks, and speed cameras, but the rising number of fatal pedestrian crashes shows there is still much work to do. Even with these measures, careless or reckless driving continues to be a leading factor in fatal incidents.
Legal Protections in Chicago
The Illinois Vehicle Code and Municipal Code of Chicago provide clear rules that govern the operation of motor vehicles in the state of Illinois and in the City of Chicago. Despite these legal precautions, Chicago pedestrians are still at risk of falling victim to negligent drivers. Keating Law Offices can work with you to recover under legal statutes if you are harmed by a negligent driver.
To name a few, drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. (625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1; Municipal Code of Chicago 9-40-160). The driver of a vehicle must stop and yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk. (625 ILCS 5/11-1002; Municipal Code of Chicago 9-24-150). Section 9-40-140 of the Municipal Code of Chicago renders it unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle upon a public way negligently, heedlessly, and without due caution in a manner likely to endanger any person.
The Legal Challenges Families Face After A Fatal Crash
When a pedestrian is killed in a crash, families often face more than emotional grief. They are suddenly burdened with funeral expenses, medical bills, and the financial impact of losing a loved one’s income or support. On top of this, they are forced to deal with insurance companies that may dispute liability or minimize compensation.
A wrongful death claim can provide families with financial relief, but these cases are rarely simple. Evidence must be preserved quickly, such as police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and, in some cases, vehicle data. At Keating Law Offices, P.C., our award-winning lawyers know how to build a strong case and pursue full accountability from negligent drivers and their insurers.
Our Firm's Role In Advocating For Safer Streets
We're not only committed to representing injured pedestrians and their families. We are also deeply involved in advocating for safer streets throughout Chicago. Attorney Michael Keating has worked directly with lawmakers and advocacy groups to strengthen Illinois traffic laws, including playing a key role in drafting Dennis’s Law, which clarified that bicycles are vehicles entitled to the same rights as drivers.
Our dedication extends beyond the courtroom. We actively support cycling and pedestrian safety initiatives and continue to push for stronger protections for the most vulnerable people on Chicago’s streets.
How A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian crash, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. A pedestrian accident lawyer from our Chicago law firm can:
- Investigate The Crash: Collect and analyze evidence to determine fault.
- Deal With Insurance Companies: Handle negotiations and push back against lowball offers.
- Pursue Justice Through Litigation: File a wrongful death lawsuit if necessary to hold negligent drivers accountable.
- Seek Maximum Compensation: Fight for damages that cover medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional suffering of surviving family members.
Contact Keating Law Offices Today
Chicago’s rising pedestrian fatalities shine a spotlight on how dangerous the city’s streets remain. Every number in a crash report is a person whose life was unfairly taken, and every family deserves justice.
At Keating Law Offices, we are committed to helping families rebuild after devastating losses. If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian crash, contact us online today for a free consultation or give us a call at 833-CALL-KLO. Our Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers can review your case, explain your legal rights, and fight to secure the compensation you need to move forward.
"Mike and his team went above and beyond in working to settle my case after I was hit by a car while biking. I am legitimately shocked at the outcome (to the positive) after a lot of hard-fought battles by the Keating team. A lot of firms would have settled earlier, and I am incredibly grateful that they continued to fight for me. I hope that you never have to be involved in a motor vehicle collision, but if you happen to be, I cannot recommend them more." - Stephen F., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
