Pedestrian Crashes Caused by Drivers Who Fail to Yield

Pedestrian Crashes Caused by Drivers Who Fail to Yield

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 129,000 people in the United States visited the emergency department in a single year because of injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian accidents happen on a regular basis, especially in cities like Chicago that have high numbers of people who walk as part of their daily transportation. If you have either walked or driven in Chicago at any point, you know that intersections can be confusing and even chaotic. Many drivers and pedestrians are trying to get where they need to go as fast as possible. Yet many drivers in Chicago fail to properly abide by Illinois traffic laws that require them to yield to pedestrians in certain situations. When a pedestrian has a “walk” signal, she has the right to enter the crosswalk and cross the street. Any drivers who wish to cross over the crosswalk must yield to pedestrians. Unfortunately, many drivers see an opening to make a turn and fail to notice the “walk” signal or pedestrians in the crosswalk. This can lead to a serious collision. Furthermore, some drivers purposely disregard yield laws in attempts to beat pedestrians or even bully pedestrians into stopping while they proceed first.

Pedestrian Accident Injuries Can Be Severe

The injuries that pedestrians commonly sustain in traffic accidents can be serious and often life-changing. Some common injuries include the following:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Shattered or broken bones
• Neck and back injuries
• Amputations

Pedestrians typically sustain multiple traumatic injuries as they often have multiple points of impact, such as with the car that hit them and then with the ground. Many pedestrians live with the effects of their accident for months or even years, and their financial losses can be substantial.

Call a Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for Assistance Today

The law firm of Abels & Annes is dedicated to holding negligent drivers responsible for the losses incurred by the pedestrians they injure. If you have sustained injuries in a collision, please call our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys at 312-924-7575 for more information today.