Champaign Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

If a driver’s careless actions caused your pedestrian accident, contact Spiros Law, P.C. today. Since 2005, we have been holding individuals liable for the injuries they caused. When you hire us, we will advocate for your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We know you’ve been in pain and worry about the recovery costs. You should not be responsible for that. We will pursue legal action against the at-fault motorist and ensure they face the consequences of their actions.

Despite laws and traffic signs and signals, many drivers ignore pedestrians. If you find yourself on the receiving end of a vehicle collision, you will likely suffer severe injuries. At Spiros Law, P.C., we understand the devastation an experience like this can cause. It could lead to psychological trauma, ongoing physical pain, and difficulty performing routine tasks.

Our Champaign car accident lawyers will help you fight for the justice you deserve. Call us for a free consultation at (217) 328-2828.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Whether you get hit by a car while walking through a parking lot or crossing the road, there are multiple steps you should follow to improve your chance of receiving compensation. Unfortunately, many people are in too much pain after a pedestrian accident or can’t get up to walk around. Spiros Law, P.C. will be able to take on the legal legwork of your case, while you’re treating your injuries.

If you can move after your accident, you can begin working on your case at the accident scene:

• Step 1 – Call 911. Report the accident and wait for an officer to arrive and investigate. They will speak to everyone involved and determine who was at fault. You can request a copy of the traffic crash report online when it becomes available.
• Step 2 – Ask the driver for their auto insurance information so you can file a claim.
• Step 3 – If it’s safe for you to get up, take photos of the area where the crash occurred and your visible injuries.
• Step 4 – Speak to bystanders who saw what happened and write down their names and phone numbers.
• Step 5 – See a doctor immediately after leaving the accident scene. It’s imperative that you don’t wait too long before seeking initial treatment. Insurance companies look for consistent and ongoing medical care when they’re reviewing accident claims. A gap in treatment could result in a denied claim or a low settlement offer.
• Step 6 – Follow up with all your medical providers until your injuries heal. Medical records serve as excellent evidence during a pedestrian accident case.
• Step 7 – Hire an attorney to assist you. Spiros Law, P.C. will take on the responsibility and complete each step of the legal process for you. We have the experience and resources to investigate, obtain sufficient evidence, and prove someone else was at fault. You won’t be alone during this time in your life.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

A driver’s momentary lapse in judgment or attention can cause an accident with a pedestrian. Unfortunately, when someone takes their eyes off the road for even one second, it can drastically slow their reaction time. By the time they look up again, they can’t maneuver out of the way of someone crossing the road. That’s when a traumatic accident occurs.

The most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Speeding – Driving too fast makes it difficult for the driver to slow down for someone at a crosswalk.
• Failure to yield – Running a red light or making a right-hand turn before checking for foot traffic can have devastating consequences.
• Distracted driving – Texting, eating food, turning to look at a passenger, and changing the radio are all common distractions that can lead to a pedestrian accident.
• Backing up – A pedestrian could get hit by a vehicle if the driver does not check their vicinity before backing out of a parking space.
• Driving under the influence – A person’s driving abilities become impaired when they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It leads to slowed reaction time, poor decision-making skills, and altered sensory perception.
• Exiting or entering a driveway or parking lot – Pedestrians often pass parking lots and driveways while walking down a sidewalk. Motorists are supposed to come to a complete stop before continuing.
• Turning at an intersection – Whether turning right or left, drivers must yield to pedestrians if there’s a green light or walk signal.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian-Car Accidents

People running, walking, or just sitting outside can become the victim of a motor vehicle crash. The impact is enough to cause severe and debilitating injuries. Subsequent injuries are common if the victim gets run over by the vehicle or falls to the ground from the force of the collision.

The most common injuries associated with pedestrian accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injury– Disruption to the brain’s normal functioning caused by a violent blow or jolt to the head. It can lead to mental health problems and physical disability.
• Broken or fractured bones– The force exerted by a car onto someone’s body can cause the bones to fracture or break. This type of injury results in chronic pain and immobility.
• Psychological trauma – Pedestrian accidents don’t just cause physical injuries. They can also cause mental and emotional injuries. This includes post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
• Spinal cord injury – Sudden impact on a person’s neck or back can damage nerves or dislocate vertebrae. In extreme situations, the injury can cause paralysis.
• Extremity injuries – A vehicle can cause a range of injuries to the pedestrian’s legs or arms. They could suffer lacerations, broken bones, or loss of limb.

Where to Seek Financial Compensation

Victims of pedestrian accidents can file a claim with the driver’s auto insurance company. Under the state’s fault system, the party that causes someone’s injuries becomes financially responsible for the resulting medical costs and other losses. Even though you weren’t in a car, you might be entitled to compensation from an auto insurance claim.

Illinois law requires all drivers to purchase liability coverage with the following minimum limits:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per occurrence

These limits can cover various expenses associated with your pedestrian accident. The settlement amount you receive will depend on multiple factors. If the at-fault driver has the minimum limit of $25,000 for bodily injury, but your medical bills only equal $5,000, you may not recover the full $25,000 in compensation, depending on the severity of your injuries and other losses. Conversely, if your medical bills are higher and your injuries are serious, you may receive a higher settlement.

You also have the option of filing a lawsuit. Most injured pedestrians choose to file a claim first. If the insurance company denies the claim or refuses to settle for a fair amount, the accident victim can move forward with a civil lawsuit against the insurance company and the driver.

There’s a strict deadline for lawsuits called a statute of limitations. You must comply with this rule if you want to sue someone for a monetary award. The statute of limitations for injury cases is two years. That means you have two years from the crash date to file suit. Otherwise, you could lose your right to legal action. If you try to file with the court, the judge will likely dismiss your case due to the passed deadline.

Damages Available in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Whether you file an insurance claim or lawsuit, there are different damages you can seek to compensate. Damages are the total losses suffered from an accident and fall under two categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages refer to the actual expenses associated with an injury, such as:

• Medical bills
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity

Non-economic damages are intangible losses, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

At Spiros Law, P.C., our goal is to ensure you receive the maximum financial award you deserve. We know how expensive medical treatment and other costs can be after a pedestrian accident. You should not be financially responsible for any of your damages. We will create an effective strategy and aggressively fight to recover compensation for your past and future medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

Why Choose Spiros Law, P.C.?

Our Champaign pedestrian accident lawyers know the uphill battle you are facing. Getting hurt because of the negligent actions of another person is overwhelming. Handing a personal injury case on top of that can cause a great deal of stress. Spiros Law, P.C. does not want you to deal with the burden of a claim or lawsuit. We will handle the legal process for you.

We dedicate our time to developing relationships with every client that walks through our doors. You can depend on receiving one-on-one attention, ongoing communication, and legal guidance throughout your entire case. We will stay by your side throughout your case. You can count on us to join you in the fight for justice.

If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident and need to seek legal representation, call Spiros Law, P.C. at (217) 328-2828. One of our Champaign pedestrian accident lawyers will be happy to meet with you for a free consultation and discuss how we can get you on the road to recovery.