How Common Are Chicago Pedestrian Hit-And-Run Accidents?
Most drivers realize that car accidents happen from time to time. And though they may believe it unlikely, those drivers are potential victims of a car crash. This is true, even if they drive as safely as possible.
The Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers at Abels & Annes know that pedestrians are also potential victims of car accidents. Every year, thousands of pedestrians are in accidents. Yet most people never consider the possibility that they could become a pedestrian accident victim as they walk to their home, work, or vehicle.
Every year, there are injuries to thousands of pedestrians in accidents across Illinois. Tragically, there are many fatalities.
Pedestrian accident statistics in Illinois
According to the most recent data, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports that in 2021 there were:
- 3,738 pedestrian collisions in Illinois
- 3,406 pedestrian accident injuries
- 213 pedestrian accident fatalities
That means that nearly 98 percent of all pedestrian accidents resulted in either an injury or death to someone involved.
While pedestrian accidents may only account for less than 2 percent of all collisions, the results of these crashes cannot be ignored. They lead to serious injuries and the deaths of thousands of people walking annually.
Fleeing the scene of a pedestrian accident is a bad idea for many reasons
The Illinois laws that govern conduct in a pedestrian-related crash are the same as those applicable to vehicle collisions. The driver or drivers involved must remain at the scene of the accident until they are cleared by emergency personnel with very limited exceptions.
Despite these clear laws, many drivers flee the scene of a Chicago pedestrian accident. This is a hit-and-run crash, leaving behind a victim.
Sometimes, police can identify and apprehend these drivers. In addition to any charges that may stem from the collision itself, leaving the scene of a crash often adds other charges against the driver.
Pedestrian hit-and-run accidents can result in fines, loss of a driver's license, and incarceration. Chicago police take hit-and-run accidents very seriously because they often involve serious injuries to an innocent victim.
Rights of Pedestrians Injured by a Hit-and-Run Driver in Chicago
The laws in Chicago are designed to protect those who become victims due to the negligence of another. When a pedestrian is injured through the fault of the driver of a car, truck, van, or bus, that pedestrian may claim damages to obtain financial relief.
A victim may bring a pedestrian accident case against the driver of an at-fault vehicle. Moreover, if the person who caused the accident is on the job, a victim may file a claim against the employer of the at-fault driver.
In some cases, multiple claims may be possible against multiple parties. This may further enable a victim to recover additional compensation for any injuries.
If a hit-and-run driver cannot be located, pedestrians are not simply out of luck as they may believe. Rather, a hit-and-run claim may be possible through the victim's auto insurance policy.
This may enable the pedestrian to recover compensation from their losses. For example, money for medical and surgical bills as well as pain and suffering, loss of income, loss of a normal life, and permanency of damages can be part of a pedestrian accident case.
If the pedestrian does not have auto insurance, they can pursue a claim against the policy of an immediate family member if they reside together.
What causes Chicago Hit & Run pedestrian accidents?
It is important to realize that a victim's rights are not dependent on whether criminal or traffic charges are brought against the at-fault driver. But rather, whether the driver was negligent. Negligence can include striking a pedestrian while:
- Driving while distracted accident
- Speeding accident
- Failing to yield the right-of-way accident
- Running a red-light accident
- Drunk driving accident
When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, the pedestrian will likely have injuries. Often, the injuries are so severe that the victim cannot call for help even though help is needed.
A driver who remains at the scene of an accident can call for an ambulance and police or may be able to help the victim in another way.
Fleeing the scene without alerting authorities is a common cause of delay in medical treatment. This often leads to more complicated and serious injuries.
When a fleeing driver fails to remain at the accident scene, it can make the police investigation much more difficult.
Furthermore, authorities will have to use more resources to track down the offending driver. These reasons alone make it clear why it is illegal to flee the scene of an accident.
Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Chicago
If you sustain injuries from a hit and run accident in Chicago as a pedestrian, you may feel like you have nowhere to turn. The Chicago personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C., are here to explain your options. You deserve to have a legal representative on your side, fighting for your rights.
We have the experience necessary to bring claims for injured pedestrians and help them seek the relief they deserve.
To start you towards a path of recovery, we have a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call us at (312) 924-7575. We will provide you with a free case consultation without any obligation on your part.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident with a hit-and-run driver, call us today at (855) LAW-CHICAGO or Contact Us online for a free consultation.
Additional Resources
To learn more about a specific type of pedestrian accident refer to: