Content Reviewed by:
John J. Perconti
Content Reviewed by: John J. Perconti
Accordion Content
John J. Perconti is one of the nation’s leading medical malpractice attorneys with over 40 years of experience litigating medical malpractice and personal injury cases in state and federal courts. He studied pre-med before law school, which gave him an in-depth understanding of complex medical issues that have played an important role in his success. Having lost his father at age nine, he understands how injuries and deaths affect families. He has won numerous multimillion-dollar record verdicts. His honors and awards include a Lead Counsel Rating in Elder Law, Best Lawyers in America, and Illinois Super Lawyers.
Walking is a popular way to get around in Chicago, with millions traversing the city streets each week. However, this mode of transportation carries certain risks.
Pedestrian accidents in Chicago can lead to significant medical expenses, lost work time, disruptions to daily life, and even death. In 2023, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported nearly 2,500 Chicago pedestrians were involved in vehicle crashes, resulting in 48 fatalities. Statewide, 217 fatal pedestrian accidents occurred in 2024, an approximate 8.5% increase from 2023.
While Chicago is working on infrastructure improvements to enhance safety for both pedestrians and drivers, the statistics highlighted above emphasize the ongoing need for awareness and caution while traveling.
Pedestrians, just like drivers, have a responsibility to ensure traffic safety. Walking at designated crosswalks and following other traffic rules can help prevent accidents. However, when accidents do happen and a pedestrian is injured or killed due to someone else’s careless actions, legal options exist to hold the responsible party accountable.
If you or a loved one were a pedestrian injured in a car accident, the Chicago personal injury attorneys at Levin & Perconti can help you determine what legal options are available.
Key Pedestrian Safety Tips Every Walker Should Know
While we cannot guarantee complete safety in our constantly changing urban environments, following these pedestrian safety tips can significantly reduce your risk of harm.
Always Use Marked Crosswalks and Obey Pedestrian Signals
Walk predictably to enhance your safety. Follow the rules of the road and obey all signs and signals. Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks and intersections, as drivers expect to see pedestrians. This practice can help reduce the chances of “failure to yield” accidents, where drivers may claim they didn’t see a pedestrian outside a crosswalk.
The National Highway Traffic Administration advises that if there is no crosswalk or intersection nearby, look for a well-lit area where motorists are more likely to see you. Wait for a gap in traffic that gives you enough time to cross the street safely. Remember to continue watching for vehicles as you cross.
Stay Alert and Never Assume a Driver Will Stop
When walking, your safety should always be your top priority. Never take it for granted that a driver will stop for you, even if you have the right of way.
Adopting this defensive mindset is crucial—you never know when a distracted or careless driver might be on the road. Staying alert can make all the difference; one moment of inattention could lead to serious injuries.
Make Eye Contact with Drivers
Always make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street, even when using a crosswalk. This visual confirmation ensures the driver has noticed you and acknowledges your presence. It reduces the likelihood of a driver claiming, “I didn’t see you,” a common defense in pedestrian accident cases.
Be Visible, Especially at Night
When walking in dimly lit conditions, it’s essential to make yourself stand out. Wear bright or reflective clothing and use a reliable light source.
By enhancing your visibility, you not only help drivers spot you from afar but also significantly lower the risks associated with nighttime walks when poor visibility can be an issue. Our attorneys often see the consequences of this in the cases they handle, underscoring just how vital it is to stay safe while out and about after dark.
Walk on Sidewalks Whenever Available
Sidewalks provide a designated space for pedestrians, acting as a safety buffer between you and vehicular traffic.
If there are no sidewalks, walk off the side of the road facing oncoming traffic and stay as far away from vehicles as possible. This will allow you to see approaching vehicles and give you time to react if necessary. Additionally, walking facing traffic reduces the likelihood of being struck from behind, which can lead to complicated injury claims.
Be Cautious at Driveways and Parking Lots
Always be cautious when crossing driveways or walking through parking lots. Drivers may have limited visibility in these areas, making it harder for them to see pedestrians, which increases the risk of low-speed but potentially harmful collisions.
Pedestrian Safety Campaigns and Initiatives in Chicago
Each year, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) publishes a report to identify key traffic safety issues as part of its commitment to making travel safer. In 2024, CDOT identified “vehicle speed and size” and “reckless driving” as significant factors contributing to severe traffic crashes in the city.
The report revealed that in 2023, 68% of fatal vehicle crashes involved speeding, while 84% involved reckless driving. Additionally, among fatal pedestrian-involved accidents, 48% of the victims were struck by an SUV or larger vehicle. In response to these findings, CDOT plans to lower speed limits and narrow vehicle travel lanes to discourage unsafe driving speeds.
CDOT has also implemented various strategies to enhance street safety, such as reducing pedestrian crossing distances, installing raised crosswalks, and creating bus boarding islands. These measures have been effective in protecting pedestrians. In the 2024 traffic report, it was noted that there was a 20% decrease in accidents resulting in death or serious injury to pedestrians and cyclists in 2023 compared to 2021.
Despite these improvements, the need for legal representation remains, as pedestrian-involved accidents continue. If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle versus pedestrian accident, a law firm like Levin & Perconti can assist.
How to Report a Pedestrian Accident in Chicago
Dealing with the aftermath of a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but it is vital to properly report a pedestrian accident for legal and insurance purposes. Here are some immediate first steps you should take after an accident:
- Call 911 immediately for police and medical assistance.
- Exchange information with the driver. You must collect the driver’s name, contact, and insurance information.
- Gather witness information, such as their names and contact information.
- Document the scene of the accident. Get photographs of your injuries, the vehicle involved in the accident, and the environment where the accident occurred. Getting video of the scene may also be helpful.
- Seek medical attention promptly. Even if there are no apparent injuries immediately after the accident, it is important to have a doctor evaluate you for any less obvious injuries.
- Get a copy of an official police report. This step is vital, especially if injuries or significant property damage occur.
Reporting an accident correctly is important in protecting your rights and a potential claim. Hiring an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can further help your case by guiding you through the legal process, interacting with auto insurance providers, and advising you of your legal options.
How Levin & Perconti Can Help After a Pedestrian Accident
Since 1992, our personal injury team has secured over $2 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our top priority is our clients’ financial and emotional well-being, and we work hard to get them fair compensation and justice for injuries caused by others.
The attorneys at Levin & Perconti are experienced in personal injury law, particularly pedestrian accidents, and can assist you in navigating the legal process to secure fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Hiring an experienced law firm like Levin & Perconti can significantly influence the outcome of your accident claim, helping you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today by calling (312) 332-2872 or using our online form.
