South Holland Pedestrian Accident Lawyer | Call (312) 313-2273

Eric Terry leads the legal team which handles pedestrian accident cases at TorHoerman Law.

Specializing in car accident cases and other motor vehicle accidents, Eric deeply understands the challenges faced by pedestrians who have been hit by a car, including the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents cause.

His commitment to personalized representation ensures that each client receives a tailored legal strategy focused on securing fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

At TorHoerman Law, we take a collaborative approach to handling personal injury claims.

Rather than assigning a single personal injury attorney to your case, we assemble a diverse team of attorneys and legal assistants to address every aspect of your pedestrian accident lawsuit.

Our team of pedestrian accident attorneys include:

• Steve Davis: With over 30 years of legal experience, Steve Davis has dedicated his career to representing those harmed through no fault of their own.
• Jake Plattenberger: As a partner at TorHoerman Law, Jake Plattenberger leads the Chicago office with a focus on personal injury and complex litigation. Since joining the firm in 2009, he has taken hundreds of depositions, argued in countless hearings, and tried over thirty-five cases to a jury.
• Chad Finley: Chad Finley brings a unique blend of legal and medical knowledge to TorHoerman Law, with over a decade of experience in assessing the long-term impacts of injuries on clients. His expertise in understanding the medical ramifications of accidents enables him to accurately assess damages and secure comprehensive compensation for victims.
• Tyler Schneider: As the managing partner of TorHoerman Law, Tyler Schneider plays a pivotal role in the firm’s success. With more than a decade of experience, Tyler uses his leadership skills and strong Chicago connections to secure the best outcomes for clients.
• Rachal Rojas: Rachal Rojas leads TorHoerman Law’s intake and client support team. She makes certain that every client is well-informed and receives the support they need from their first interaction with the firm. Her dedication to clear communication and client care is a core part of the firm’s commitment to service.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a South Holland Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

Hiring a pedestrian lawyer at TorHoerman Law costs nothing up-front.

This is due to the fact that our team of personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.

This means that you only pay legal fees if we successfully recover compensation for your case.

Our contingency model ensures that financial concerns won’t stand in the way of seeking justice and a fair settlement.

If our South Holland auto accident lawyers don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

This approach allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal process on your behalf.

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately after can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim.

It’s important to focus on your well-being, document the accident scene, and ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.

Properly handling interactions with the other party and their insurance company can also make a significant difference in your ability to seek compensation.

Steps to take after a pedestrian accident in South Holland include:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is the top priority. Get evaluated by a medical professional, even if injuries don’t seem serious at first.
2. Call 911 and Report the Accident: Notify the police to document the accident scene and request a copy of the police report for your records.
3. Gather Information at the Accident Scene: Collect contact details, insurance information, and statements from the other party and any witnesses.
4. Take Photos and Videos: Document the scene, including vehicle damage, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
5. Avoid Speaking with the Insurance Company Alone: Refer all inquiries to your attorney to prevent the insurance company from using your statements against you.
6. Consult a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Contact an experienced attorney to evaluate your case and handle communication with the other party and their insurance company.

Evidence in Pedestrian Accident Claims

Evidence is critical in pedestrian accident claims to establish liability and support your case for compensation.

Properly gathered evidence helps demonstrate how the accident occurred, the negligence of the other party, and the extent of your injuries.

Without strong evidence, it can be challenging to negotiate with the insurance company or succeed in court.

Key evidence in pedestrian accident claims may include (but is not limited to):

• Police Reports: Official documentation of the accident, including fault determination and any citations issued.
• Photos and Videos: Images of the accident scene, vehicle damage, traffic signals, and injuries.
• Witness Statements: Testimony from bystanders who observed the accident.
• Medical Records: Documentation of injuries, treatments, and long-term medical needs.
• Surveillance Footage: Video from nearby traffic cameras, businesses, or homes capturing the accident.
• Insurance Information: Contact details and policies of the drivers involved.
• Accident Reconstruction Reports: Expert analysis that can help determine how the accident occurred.

Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit

In a legal context, “damages” refer to the compensation awarded to victims of accidents to account for the harm they’ve suffered.

Damages are categorized into economic and non-economic losses, addressing both financial costs and emotional or physical suffering.

For pedestrian accident victims, damages often cover immediate medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term impacts like pain and suffering or permanent disability.

Common damages in a pedestrian accident lawsuit include (but are not limited to):

• Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery.
• Future Earning Potential: For injuries that impact your ability to work long-term.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Emotional Distress: Psychological harm such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace personal belongings damaged in the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For the inability to participate in activities or hobbies you enjoyed before the accident.
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation to penalize egregious negligence or misconduct by the at-fault party.

Pedestrian accident claims in South Holland follow Illinois personal injury laws, which are designed to hold negligent parties accountable and compensate victims for their losses.

Under Illinois’ statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202), you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.

Illinois uses a comparative fault rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your responsibility is less than 50%.

Drivers in Illinois are required to exercise care to avoid striking pedestrians under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1002).

Determining liability in pedestrian accidents often involves careful analysis of these laws, making it important to follow the correct legal process.

Steps in the legal process include:

1. Consult a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Contact an experienced attorney to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
2. Gather Evidence: Collect police reports, medical records, photos of the accident scene, and witness statements to support your claim.
3. Determine Liability: Work with your lawyer to identify the responsible party and their degree of fault under Illinois law.
4. File an Insurance Claim: Submit a claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company or any applicable rideshare coverage.
5. Negotiate a Settlement: Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to seek fair compensation for your damages.
6. File a Lawsuit if Necessary: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
7. Receive Compensation: The case may result in a settlement or verdict, providing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Pedestrian accidents often occur due to negligent driving or hazardous conditions on the road.

Drivers may fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, ignore traffic signals, or engage in distracted driving, creating dangerous situations.

Speeding and reckless driving are also common causes, increasing the severity of accidents when they occur.

Poor visibility, whether due to weather conditions or inadequate lighting, can further contribute to these incidents.

Intoxicated drivers pose a significant risk to pedestrians, as impaired judgment and slower reaction times can lead to devastating crashes.

Infrastructure issues, such as poorly marked crosswalks or a lack of sidewalks, can also increase the likelihood of accidents.

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable because they lack the protection that vehicles provide, leading to severe injuries or fatalities in collisions.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield at crosswalks
• Driving under the influence
• Poor visibility
• Reckless driving
• Inadequate traffic signals or road markings
• Jaywalking or unsafe pedestrian behavior

Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians involved in accidents with motor vehicles often suffer severe and life-changing injuries due to their lack of physical protection.

These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and, in some cases, permanent lifestyle changes.

The impact of these injuries goes beyond the physical, often leading to emotional distress and financial hardship for injury victims and their families.

Common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Lacerations and abrasions
• Amputations
• Emotional trauma
• Permanent disabilities

How Many Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Chicago Each Year?

In 2021, Chicago reported 2,045 pedestrian crashes, resulting in 56 pedestrian fatalities and 1,939 injuries.

This data underscores the significant risk pedestrians face on the city’s streets.

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has identified that 68% of traffic deaths in the city involve drivers traveling at high speeds, and nearly half of pedestrians killed are struck by SUVs or larger vehicles.

CDOT has implemented various safety measures, including Left Turn Traffic Calming installations, which have resulted in 94% of drivers yielding to pedestrians at key locations.

Despite these efforts, pedestrian collisions remain a critical issue, highlighting the need for continued focus on traffic safety and infrastructure improvements to protect vulnerable road users.

At TorHoerman Law, we understand the devastating impact pedestrian accidents can have on victims and their families.

Our experienced legal team of South Holland pedstrian accident lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and helping injured pedestrians recover the compensation they deserve.

With a deep knowledge of Illinois personal injury and traffic laws and a proven track record of success, we can provide personalized legal representation tailored to your unique needs.

We are here to guide you through every step of the legal process, helping you feel supported and keeping you informed as we fight for justice on your behalf.

Your recovery and well-being are our top priorities.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation and learn how we can help with your pedestrian accident claim.

Use the chat feature on this page or call us to get started.