Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

September 28, 2023 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman
Matt Dolman, Personal Injury Lawyer in Illinois
Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer, Matthew Dolman

If you or a loved one become the victim of a pedestrian accident in Chicago, the repercussions can be severe and far-reaching. Pedestrians in crashes often die from their injuries or face debilitating physical trauma, intense emotional distress, and overwhelming financial burdens.

With a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer, you may recover significant compensatory damages if you or a loved one sustained injuries in a Chicago pedestrian accident.

The committed team at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, fight to ensure victims like you secure maximum compensation. Contact us today to learn about what we can do for you.

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The Dolman Law Group Difference

When it comes to achieving just and fair compensation for pedestrian accident victims in Chicago, Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, is a name you can trust. Since its founding, our firm has established itself as a leading personal injury law firm with a proven track record of successfully handling pedestrian accident cases.

Our dedicated Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers draw on a wealth of experience and know-how to navigate complex pedestrian accident cases. They work tirelessly to protect your rights and obtain the justice you deserve.

Our office, located just steps from Centennial Park, is ideally situated to serve the Chicagoland community. Come see us or contact our team for the legal assistance you need after a pedestrian accident disrupts your life.

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A Chicago Pedestrian Accident Victim's Rights to Compensation

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If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident in Chicago, you have the legal right to compensation for your losses. You can potentially hold multiple parties accountable for the accident and seek payment for physical, emotional, and financial damages.

Potentially Liable Parties

Most pedestrian accidents in Chicago involve motor vehicles hitting pedestrians. That should never happen, of course, and when it does, it's usually an indication that the driver did something drastically wrong. For this reason, drivers are frequently liable in pedestrian accident cases.

But drivers aren't the only ones who might owe damages for a pedestrian accident. Others may share that liability or bear it entirely.

This might include:

  • The driver's employer if the accident involved a work vehicle.
  • The government agency responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the road where the accident happened.
  • A bar or restaurant that sold alcohol to a driver who became intoxicated and hit a pedestrian.

At Dolman Law Group, we perform an exhaustive analysis of every Chicago pedestrian accident case we handle to identify all parties that could be liable. By doing so, we increase our clients' chances of obtaining the maximum compensation available.

Potential Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident

As a pedestrian accident victim, you may be eligible for various types of damages. These could include payment for your:

  • Medical bills and future medical expenses.
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
  • Diminished quality of life.
  • Scarring, disfigurement, or loss of bodily function.

If an at-fault party's extreme or malicious misconduct is a contributing cause in a pedestrian accident, the victim can also seek punitive damages. And in the tragic event of a fatal pedestrian accident, the victim's surviving spouse or family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death action seeking compensation for the loss of the victim's income, services, financial support, companionship, society, and consortium.

The type and amount of compensation an injured pedestrian or grieving family can receive depends on the specifics of each case, including the severity of the victim's injuries, the availability of evidence to prove liability and damages, and the skill and reputation of the victim's lawyer.

At Dolman Law Group, we meticulously evaluate our clients' damages to ensure that any action we take seeks the maximum possible payment from at-fault parties and insurance companies.

Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Chicago?

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Published data from the Illinois Department of Transportation reports more than 2,000 pedestrian accidents occurred in Chicago in a recent year. Fifty-six people—presumably pedestrians—died in those incidents, and the remainder sustained injuries.

Pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere where pedestrians and vehicles share space, but some areas of Chicago pose particular dangers to pedestrians. According to a comprehensive study by the city government, pedestrian accidents frequently occur at or near intersections in the downtown business district, including along Michigan Avenue, Dearborn Avenue, and Columbus Drive.

Having an attorney with local knowledge strengthens your pedestrian accident injury case. A local attorney stands a better chance than an outsider of being able to investigate your crash, identify liable parties, and present a convincing case to a Chicago judge and jury.

Dolman Law Group's familiarity with Chicago streets and pedestrian infrastructure allows us to uncover and capitalize on evidence to support your claim.

Types of Pedestrian Accidents and Injuries We Handle

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Pedestrian accidents are not all alike, and each presents unique challenges. Regardless of the type of pedestrian accident you or your loved one suffered, the skilled and experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, have what it takes to handle your claim.

We tackle the following types of Chicago pedestrian accidents, among others:

  • Crosswalk and intersection accidents.
  • Mid-block accidents.
  • Hit-and-run accidents.
  • Sidewalk accidents—cars emerging from parking lots.
  • Back-over accidents.
  • Drunk and drug-impaired driving accidents.

Pedestrian accidents can result in severe and potentially fatal injuries.

At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we have years of experience securing compensation for a wide range of injuries pedestrians commonly suffer, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries.
  • Spinal cord injuries.
  • Internal injuries.
  • Broken bones, particularly fractures of the legs, arms, or pelvis.
  • Road rash and other severe lacerations and abrasions.
  • Orthopedic injuries, including dislocated joints and torn ligaments.

No matter the nature or severity of the injuries you or a loved one suffered in a Chicago pedestrian accident, our team can pursue the maximum compensation available on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more.

Holding Insurance Companies Accountable for a Chicago Pedestrian Accident

Insurance plays a crucial role in the aftermath of most pedestrian accidents in Chicago. Your insurance may cover some of your costs—depending on the policies you carry—but the at-fault parties' liability insurance coverage should cover most of them.

Insurance companies are businesses first and foremost, meaning their top priority is to pay out as little as possible in settlements. To avoid financial responsibility for your losses, they may also use various tactics to undermine your claim. They may, for example, pressure you to give a recorded statement to an adjuster who asks loaded questions to trip you up and encourage you to say the wrong thing. Or they may send an investigator to surveil your home or work, hoping to capture footage of you looking healthier than you are.

Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, understand how insurance companies operate. We know how to counter their tactics and protect your rights. We will aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and take them to court when necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.

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Steps to Protect Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident in Chicago

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Taking the correct steps following a pedestrian accident in Chicago is crucial to protect your rights and improve your chances of securing maximum compensation for your losses. Here are some suggestions:

Make Healing a Priority

The first thing you need to do after a pedestrian accident in Chicago is to prioritize healing. This means getting medical attention as soon as possible, following your doctor's orders, and engaging in recommended treatment, therapy, or rehabilitation. This protects your well-being and legal rights. Your treatment records constitute vital evidence supporting your claim and prevent insurance companies from disputing the severity or ramifications of your injuries.

Don't Accept a Quick Settlement

Avoid accepting quick settlements from at-fault drivers or insurance companies. Never accept cash from a driver at the scene or afterward, and beware of the driver's insurer offering you an initial settlement that might seem like a large sum but is likely far less than what you deserve.

Accepting an offer prematurely can limit your ability to recover additional compensation later when the full extent of your damages becomes apparent. Leave it to an experienced Chicago pedestrian accident attorney to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Keep thorough records of all expenses related to the accident, your injuries, and your recovery so that an experienced lawyer can review them. This includes bills from medical providers, statements from insurers, pharmacy receipts, police accident reports, and correspondence with your employer. These documents can be crucial in establishing the extent of your damages and negotiating a fair settlement.

Hire a Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Early

Hire a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Delaying legal representation can hurt your case.

You want your Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer to start collecting evidence to support your claim right away before items go missing or the witness's memories fade. A lawyer may also need to take immediate steps to ensure you meet deadlines—or statutes of limitations—for taking legal action so that you don't lose your rights to compensation.

Many pedestrian accident victims and their loved ones also find it immensely beneficial to have an experienced lawyer as their trusted advisor guiding them through an especially difficult period.  

Steps We Can Take in Chicago Pedestrian Accident Cases

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As experienced accident injury lawyers, Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, is well-equipped to advocate for pedestrian accident victims in Chicago. We approach every case as a unique situation that requires a tailor-made strategy to meet our client's needs and secure the maximum compensation.

Our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys offers various services in pedestrian accident cases, depending on your needs.

These include:

  • Thoroughly investigating your accident to identify at-fault parties.
  • Collecting and preserving evidence to support your claim.
  • Reviewing insurance coverages to determine if and for how much they cover your losses.
  • Handling all communications with insurers on your behalf.
  • Evaluating and determining the full value of your potential claim.
  • Negotiating settlements and advising you whether to accept a settlement offer.
  • Filing and managing necessary paperwork to initiate insurance claims and lawsuits.
  • Taking your case to trial if parties cannot reach a fair settlement.
  • Ensuring you receive the full payment at-fault parties and insurers owe you.

Hiring our team to handle your Chicago pedestrian accident case is affordable. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explore your options. You'll never owe us a penny for the time you spend with a knowledgeable legal professional from our team, even if you decide not to proceed with legal action.

We also provide our services in Chicago pedestrian accident cases on a contingent fee basis. This means we don't charge upfront retainers or bill you by the hour for our time. Our fee is a percentage of any money we secure on your behalf. In other words, you pay us nothing unless and until we get you results. 

Contact an Experienced Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

Attorney Matt Dolman

Every pedestrian accident that occurs in Chicago has the potential to inflict catastrophic or fatal injuries. Victims deserve compensation for their losses. A skilled Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer can get it for them.

If you or someone close to you recently sustained injuries in a Chicago pedestrian accident, don't wait to hire an experienced lawyer to handle your claim. You can easily reach Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, at (312) 500-2901, or you can write to us using our online contact page. Start today by contacting or calling us for a free consultation.

Glad I chose Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. Hiring Matt Dolman is the best decision you could make if you are injured in an accident. He resolved my case quickly (it only took about 4 1/2 months) and it was a pleasure to deal with the staff. The communication was great as I always knew what to expect with each stage of the process.

Anne

Refreshing. It was very refreshing to work with an attorney that took such a professional and personal approach to helping me with my legal needs. I was kept informed on everything Mr. Dolman was doing so I never felt “in the dark”. Another positive was Mr. Dolman’s knowledge in the trial procedures. I never felt misled through the whole process and recieved the services and results that I was promised upon our initial consultation. There were no unexpected issues or occurrences.

Anonymous

 

Matthew Dolman

Personal Injury Lawyer

This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits.  Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.

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