Illinois Personal Injury Attorney

Can a Pedestrian Hit By a Car Sue the Driver?

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Researchers and public health experts are stymied and alarmed by the growing trend of pedestrian injuries and deaths due to traffic accidents. While many types of car accidents have been steadily decreasing, pedestrian injuries have actually increased significantly in the last 10 years and pedestrian fatalities among children under age 15 have more than doubled in recent years. If you or a loved one were struck by a vehicle while on foot, you are probably wondering whether you have legal options.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian-Vehicle Accidents

Because of the significant difference in size and weight between a pedestrian and a vehicle, it is not surprising that injuries tend to be serious even when they are not life-threatening. Common injuries suffered by people struck by vehicles include, but are not limited to:

  • Head, face, and neck injuries – These include skull and jaw fractures, damaged vertebrae, broken necks, traumatic brain injuries, globe luxation, paraplegia or quadriplegia, and spinal cord damage
  • Foot, leg, and hip injuries – These include broken bones, torn ligaments and muscles, hemorrhaging, hip dislocation, and dismemberment
  • Internal injuries – These include internal bleeding, broken rib bones, collapsed lungs, and ruptured organs
  • Hand, arm, and shoulder injuries – These include shoulder displacement, broken bones, mobility loss, and dismemberment

What Damages Can a Pedestrian Struck by a Vehicle Sue For?

Injured pedestrians or their loved ones may be able to recover several kinds of damages, including pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, lost wages, medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and more.

The average settlement for a pedestrian struck by a car can vary significantly. Less serious injuries may be settled for the cost of the necessary medical treatment and the victim’s lost wages during recovery. For more serious injuries and wrongful death, settlements have been awarded for $1 million dollars or even more. Keep in mind that the insurance company of the responsible driver may be interested in settling a case as quickly as possible, especially when the driver’s liability is obvious. Do not accept any early settlement offers until you know the true worth of your case.

Victimized by a Car Accident? Call a Will County, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one were struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian and suffered serious injuries or died, you deserve committed, aggressive legal representation from a Plainfield, IL personal injury attorney who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Do not settle for an offer from an insurance company or the driver who hit you without first speaking with me. Call the offices of Michael J. Lichner – Will County Personal Injury Lawyer today at 815-730-1977 to schedule a free, no-pressure consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2859736/

https://www.ghsa.org/resources/news-releases/GHSA/Ped-Spotlight-Full-Report22

Have Any Questions?

We know that you have important questions when you’re looking for an attorney. We’re always here to answer questions. There’s no cost or obligation to talk to our legal team. Learn more about your case and our legal services. Please contact us!
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How do I know if I have a case?

The most basic grounds for a case are that you’re hurt and it’s someone else’s fault, legally. There are multiple legal standards that may apply.

Most cases are accidents. The party responsible doesn’t necessarily have to have hurt you on purpose. Simple negligence, which is just an unreasonable absence of care, can be enough for the victim to have the right to compensation. In other words, you might have a case, even if it was an accident.

Ask us for your personal consultation. We can learn about what happened in your case and explain how the law may apply.

How will the value of my case be determined?

The purpose of a personal injury case is to compensate you fairly for the losses that you have suffered. That includes financial losses, plus the physical and emotional suffering that goes along with injuries. The question to answer is – What has the personal injury cost you, financially and personally?

There are other factors that may impact the value of a case. Comparative negligence may apply, for example. Punitive damages may be awarded, subject to statutory limitations and requirements for pretrial motion and hearing to amend the complaint. The legal strength of the case may also impact its value.

At your consultation, we look at your specific case and explain how the value of your case may be determined.

Will I have to go to court for my personal injury case?

Most Personal Injury cases don’t go to court, but we’re always ready just in case. In fact, aggressively preparing your case can be exactly what’s needed to reach a fair settlement. We’re always ready to pursue your interests as long as necessary for you to get justice.

It’s normal to be nervous about court. Many people ask us if their case will go to court, hoping that the answer is no. Rest assured that you’re hiring us to represent you. We’ll speak for you to the court. If it’s your turn to testify, we’ll make sure that you’re fully prepared and that you know what to expect.

As your legal representative, Michael L. Lichner works to understand your goals for litigation. He’ll discuss the pros and cons of going to court and help you make the right decisions for your case.

What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury lawsuit?

In a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover damages for the losses you have – financially and personally. You’ll have direct financial losses which may include medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and damaged property. You can put in a claim for these expenses.

In addition, when you have a personal injury, you suffer in a lot of ways that can’t be measured directly. For example, you will have physical pain. Injuries may cause mental injury and emotional anguish. Your lifestyle may change. These are real losses, too.

How can I have attorney Michael J. Lichner represent me?

If you’re interested in hiring Michael J. Lichner, contact us. Call or message us, and we’ll take it from there. We offer free consultations and no fee unless we win.

We’ll start with a consultation, answer your questions, and explain how representation works. When you pick us as your representation we’ll get right to work!

Don’t wait, contact us today!

Call 815-258-7877

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