While Aurora is ranked as one of the 25 safest cities in the country [1], due in no small part to its safe streets, you can still get in a car accident even without stepping foot in a car. Traffic accidents can also result in injuries for pedestrians, who may be struck when a driver goes through an intersection or drives up on a curb.
If you have been injured while walking due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve the maximum compensation available. Our skilled personal injury lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation when injured by a motor vehicle, as we have a proven track record of success.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Aurora, IL
There were 9,962 traffic stops in the city in 2023 [2], many of which were for issues that could lead to a serious pedestrian accident. When you contact us for a no-obligation consultation, your Aurora car accident lawyer will explore the reason for the accident and can help you file a personal injury claim.
While every accident is different, these are some of the most common reasons a pedestrian may be struck in a traffic accident.
Types of Pedestrian Injuries Sustained by Accident Victims
Pedestrian accidents can result in major injuries depending on the angle of the crash, the weight of the vehicle, and the speed at which the accident occurred. These are some of the most common injuries our personal injury law firm sees in a pedestrian accident.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Aurora, IL
In personal injury cases, it’s critical to act swiftly in order to preserve your legal rights and ensure you are safe. If you have been in a pedestrian accident, follow these steps as soon as possible.
Seek Medical Assistance
You should always go to the hospital for immediate medical attention after a pedestrian accident, even if you do not feel injured. Stay at the accident scene until police arrive, and leave in an ambulance to be thoroughly checked out. Make sure to get copies of your medical records for later use in the personal injury claims process.
File an Incident Report
A police report is a crucial element of seeking justice for pedestrian accidents, as police reports legitimize your claim. This is the first step in conducting a thorough investigation, and your attorney will utilize this as they seek a fair settlement.
Be sure to get the names of the reporting officers and request a copy of the police report as soon as you are able.
Obtain and Preserve Evidence
While our pedestrian accident attorneys will gather evidence on your behalf, it’s important for accident victims to keep as much evidence as they have for our law firm to review. This includes personal belongings, pictures taken of the accident scene, medical bills, and police reports.
Contact Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Before you speak to any third party about the accident, including witnesses and any insurance company, call us first. We will review your information, develop an action plan, and gather all evidence available to us. Don’t talk to anyone involved without a lawyer present, as anything you say may be used to delegitimize your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Aurora, IL?
For pedestrian accidents, the statute of limitations under Illinois law is 2 years, including for most wrongful death cases. As much of this time period will be taken up by negotiations with insurance companies, it’s important to act quickly so as not to miss this deadline.
There is an exception if the person died as a result of “violent intentional conduct,” in which case our Aurora wrongful death lawyers can file a claim up to 5 years after the person’s death. Most of the time, this does not apply to a pedestrian accident, but there may be extenuating circumstances that satisfy the conditions.
Types of Damages Our Aurora Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Help You Recover
Our lawyers will work to recover all compensation you have a legal claim to, including both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are those that can be quantified with evidence like medical bills, invoices, and repair estimates. They include:
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses for rehabilitation or medical devices
- Funeral expenses
Non-economic damages are non-direct expenses, typically regarding your social and emotional well-being. This includes:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Disfigurement
Determining Liability in a Pedestrian Accident Case
One of the reasons it’s so crucial to hire a lawyer in any accident case is because they can help determine liability using the evidence at hand.
A lawyer can gather evidence, review surveillance footage, examine medical records, explore the negligent driver’s history, interview witnesses, and contact professionals like accident reconstruction experts who can support your claim.
Illinois uses modified comparative negligence, meaning a person can sue for damages as long as they were only 49% or less responsible. You will be assigned a percentage of the blame, and your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible, you will receive 20% less than you would otherwise.
A pedestrian accident lawyer is vital because our team can accurately represent your liability to third parties, including the court. This makes sure that you are not assigned more blame than you are actually responsible for, ensuring you receive as much compensation as possible.
The Statistics of Pedestrian Accidents in Aurora, IL
In 2022, 1,363 people were injured as a result of car accidents, with 27 of these being pedestrians [6]. Sadly, 1 person died, while 6 suffered very severe injuries requiring extensive medical intervention.
Of the 3,900 car accidents that year, 3,048 took place on clear days, with only 762 taking place in adverse weather conditions. Of those conditions, 403 took place during a rainstorm.
Most accidents are front-to-rear or “fender benders,” often when one driver follows another too closely, but 502 occurred when a moving vehicle collided with a parked car. These accidents have a high potential to involve pedestrians because they often take place in crowded areas with a lot of foot traffic, such as parking lots.
Are Aurora Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Expensive?
Our law firm will charge you nothing to begin the claims process. When you work with our lawyers for personal injury claims, you pay nothing upfront, as we work on a contingency fee basis.
We will deduct our attorney fees from your settlement, offering you peace of mind as you work to heal from your injuries. This ensures everyone can afford top-notch legal representation, no matter their financial situation.
Contact an Experienced Aurora Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today!
If you’ve been hurt by an irresponsible driver, you deserve fair compensation for your injuries and emotional distress. The professionals at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have a strong track record of large settlements, recovering millions for those who were harmed due to the negligence of a motorist. We aim to provide the best possible service for any Aurora pedestrian injured in a car accident, and you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you, making it easier to focus on your recovery.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 or contact us online for a free consultation, where we can discuss your options for a civil suit.
Resources: [1] WGN9, [2] Aurora Police Department, [3] CBS News, [4] RAND, [5] Cambridge Mobile Telematics, [6] Illinois Department of Transportation