Lawyers Getting Compensation For Pedestrian Accidents In Chicago
If you were hit by a negligent motorist while walking or standing near a roadway, or if someone you love died in a pedestrian-vehicle collision, turn to the team at Anesi Ozmon, LTD. Since 1955, we have stood up for the rights of injured accident victims and have sought to hold negligent parties accountable for the immense pain and suffering they cause.
Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys recognize how devastating these collisions are, which is why they fight for maximum recovery for their clients. Our goal is to obtain a settlement or verdict that covers all of your past, current, and future damages, including medical bills, lost income, and more.
FREE CONSULTATION:
To learn how our team can help you with your pedestrian accident claim, call 312-997-5784 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
Do Pedestrians Always Have The Right Of Way?
Many people have heard the saying, “The pedestrian always has the right of way,” but this isn’t necessarily true. In Illinois, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing in marked or unmarked crosswalks, using designated pedestrian crossings, or crossing with traffic control devices at intersections and elsewhere. However, there are certain instances in which they must yield to oncoming traffic.
Illinois pedestrian laws specify that pedestrians should do the following:
- Refrain from suddenly leaving a place of safety, such as a curb or sidewalk, and stepping out into traffic in a manner that does not provide oncoming vehicles with enough time to yield
- Wait until it is safe to enter a marked or unmarked crosswalk and refrain from crossing a roadway against a red light or “do not walk” signal
- Use designated pedestrian walkways and crossings whenever possible; pedestrians must yield to vehicles when crossing outside of such zones when these zones are available
- Avoid crossing roadways between adjacent intersections where marked or unmarked crosswalks are available unless using a designated pedestrian crossing
State laws also mandate that motor vehicle operators must “exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian.” This means that, whenever reasonably possible, motorists should take all necessary actions to avoid a collision with a pedestrian. This is especially true when a pedestrian appears disoriented, confused, lost, incapacitated or intoxicated.
Can You Recover Compensation After A Pedestrian Accident If You Were Partly At Fault?
Under Illinois’ modified comparative fault rule, you can seek compensation after a pedestrian accident if you are found partially at fault. As long as you are found to be less than 50% to blame, you may file a claim and seek financial recovery for your damages. However, if you are found to be partially at fault, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of blame.
For example, if an insurance adjuster rules that you “darted out” into oncoming traffic, but the motorist who hit you was distracted at the time of the accident, the insurance adjuster may assign you 40% of the blame. If the court upholds this finding, you will only be able to recover up to 60% of the amount you are seeking in damages.
At Anesi Ozmon, LTD, we know the tactics insurance companies use to dispute claims and deny payouts. Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys are well-versed in the state’s personal injury and pedestrian laws. We know how to use all available evidence to build a powerful and persuasive case on your behalf. If you believe that the insurance adjuster has assigned you an unfair amount of blame, we can help you fight back and seek the full compensation you deserve.
Seeking Maximum Recovery For Severely Injured Accident Victims
Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), broken bones, spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Tragically, many pedestrian accidents are fatal.
At Anesi Ozmon, LTD, we understand the immense impact these accidents have on victims and their loved ones. Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys recognize the importance of maximizing your recovery so that you can navigate the healing process and move forward with your life. If you need help filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim after a devastating pedestrian-vehicle collision, reach out to our team right away. In Illinois, you typically have just two years to sue the liable party for damages. If this statute of limitations expires, you will almost certainly lose your right to file a lawsuit.
Our firm offers a highly personalized, collaborative approach to personal injury litigation. We work directly with our clients and strive to be extremely accessible throughout the legal process. We even provide our clients with our personal cellphone numbers, and your attorney will always return your call within 24 hours.
FREE CONSULTATION:
Contact us online or call 312-997-5784 to get started with a free consultation. There are no fees unless we recover compensation for you.