Orland Park Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer

Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Orland Park, IL

Many people enjoy walking for exercise or pleasure, and others walk out of necessity. Regardless of their reason for traveling on foot, pedestrians are common in Orland Park, Palos Heights, Tinley Park, Lemont, Homer Glen, and other areas surrounding Chicago. Pedestrians must share the streets and roads with cars, trucks, and many kinds of commercial vehicles.

Unfortunately, pedestrians are incredibly vulnerable when they are involved in motor vehicle collisions. Injuries to pedestrians are often severe or catastrophic, and they are sometimes fatal. Victims or survivors may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. In these situations, working with a compassionate attorney from the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. can ensure that you will have the support you need and help you receive the settlement amount you deserve.

Illinois Pedestrian Accident Facts

The Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics report from a recent year provides disturbing information about pedestrian crashes in the state:

• There were 4,060 crashes involving pedestrians.
• 196 pedestrians lost their lives in these collisions.
• 3,725 accidents produced 3,864 non-incapacitating injuries.
• 867 more crashes caused 886 incapacitating injuries.
• Over half of the state's pedestrian accidents and injuries happened in urban areas.

Although pedestrian accidents are more common at intersections, they can happen anywhere on a road. When a vehicle is traveling at only 16 mph, pedestrians, on average, have a 10 percent chance of sustaining a severe injury. That percentage increases to 50 percent at 31 mph and 90 percent at 46 mph. The risk of a fatal pedestrian collision jumps from 10 percent at 23 mph to 90 percent at 58 mph. Some groups, including children and mature adults, are typically more at risk of suffering serious harm in pedestrian accidents.

Frequent Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are sometimes difficult for motorists to see, especially in unexpected areas. Wearing dark clothing at night makes pedestrians even less visible. However, drivers often make different kinds of errors that lead them to strike pedestrians, such as:

• Distracted driving
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Drowsy driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which may include prescription or over-the-counter medications that cause impairments
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions

All of these human errors are negligent behaviors. The sad fact is that many pedestrian accidents could be avoided if motorists followed safe driving practices. A driver's negligence may give you grounds to obtain compensation for injuries suffered in a pedestrian accident.

Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Drivers and car passengers have some protection if their vehicles are involved in collisions. Seat belts, airbags, and reinforced structures can minimize the risks of injuries. However, pedestrians have no protection, and they will experience a full-force impact when a vehicle hits them. The initial impact usually causes significant injuries, with more injuries occurring if the pedestrian's head strikes the car's hood or windshield and again if they are thrown to the ground. In some pedestrian collisions, a person may be crushed between a vehicle and another object.

Common pedestrian accident injuries include:

• Catastrophic injuries, such as brain or spinal cord damage
• Multiple broken bones
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Cuts and bruises
• Head, neck, back, hip, and knee injuries
• Facial disfigurement

Along with physical injuries, victims may also experience tremendous pain and suffering, temporary or permanent disability, permanent scarring, PTSD, and other intangible injuries that diminish their quality of life.

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Damages

If you or a family member have been a victim of a pedestrian accident, the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. can help you collect compensation for your damages, which may include:

• Medical expenses, including rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Ongoing care
• Diminished earning capacity
• Conditions that negatively impact your quality of life

Eligible survivors of fatal pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to additional kinds of compensation through a wrongful death claim. When you contact the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. for your free consultation, we will discuss the details of your accident. From there, we can calculate your damages and help you decide how to proceed.

Contact Our Orland Park, IL Pedestrian Accident Attorney

At the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., we pride ourselves on providing effective legal representation that makes a real difference. Not only will we work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, but we will also give you the personal attention and respect you deserve.

Attorney Barker will handle your case himself rather than pass it to an associate. If you need a skilled pedestrian accident attorney, contact us 24/7 at 708-321-1223. Your consultation is free, and you will not owe us any fees unless we win compensation for you. We serve the Chicago area from our conveniently located office in Orland Park.