Illinois Pedestrian Accident Fatalities: The Deadly Truth

 Posted on December 12, 2024 in Pedestrian Accidents

Passenger vehicles share Illinois roads with large trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Although tractor-trailer accidents are more likely to injure car occupants, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians are significantly more vulnerable in any kind of crash. Even low-speed impacts can critically injure or kill pedestrians.

If a pedestrian accident injured you or took the life of a loved one, a determined Springfield, IL personal injury lawyer can help you hold the negligent driver accountable. Contact us now to discuss your case and legal options.

Illinois Fatal Accident Facts

As of December 10, 2024, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports 1,006 fatal accidents for the year, with 176 of them involving unlicensed drivers. Out of 1,091 fatalities:

• 197 were pedestrians

• 144 were motorcyclists

• 31 were pedal cyclists

• 109 fatalities involved semi-trucks

• 370 happened on city streets

• 353 happened on state or federal routes

Although the total number of fatalities is lower than the 2023 year-to-date figures, almost 1,100 families lost a loved one on Illinois roads this year. Many more lives were impacted by injury accidents.

Recent Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

A pedestrian involved in a crash with two vehicles on December 1 died at the scene. Another accident on December 8 claimed the life of a pedestrian in Palatine. Pedestrians have no protection against impact when struck by motor vehicles, and there are typically at least three separate impacts in a single pedestrian collision. Some victims pass away immediately, and others expire after medical attempts to save them. Common injuries include:

• Multiple fractures

• Spinal cord damage

• Organ damage

• Facial, head, and brain injuries

Wrongful death and survival actions could provide funds to address the victim’s losses as well as your own. You can trust Kanoski Bresney to handle your case compassionately and effectively.

Pedestrians Sometimes Share the Blame for Their Accidents

Although you may think drivers are always responsible for pedestrian accidents, that is not necessarily the case. Like drivers, pedestrians have rules to follow. Some pedestrian behaviors that can contribute to causing collisions include:

• Distractions that allow them to unintentionally wander into oncoming traffic

• Crossing a street or road diagonally

• Crossing in random areas rather than at nearby crosswalks

• Walking on street surfaces rather than sidewalks

Before assigning fault and liability, a lawyer investigates your or your loved one’s accident. If, as the pedestrian, you share the blame for what happened, the amount of compensation you may receive could be reduced. If the victim was a young child who did not understand the dangers, she is not typically blamed. A qualified personal injury lawyer can make sure that fault is accurately assigned to ensure your damages are not lowered unfairly.

Consult Our Skilled Champaign, IL Wrongful Death Attorneys

When a pedestrian accident affects you, a dedicated Decatur, IL personal injury lawyer from Kanoski Bresney knows how to handle your case. Contact us online or call 888-826-8682 today. There is no charge for your case evaluation.