Chicago’s busy streets, crowded intersections, and heavy traffic make pedestrian accidents a serious concern throughout the city. Every year, hundreds of pedestrians are struck by vehicles while crossing streets, walking on sidewalks, or navigating parking lots. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or death, leaving victims and families facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma.
Pedestrians have virtually no protection against the force of a moving vehicle. When drivers act negligently—by speeding, running red lights, texting, or driving under the influence—the consequences for pedestrians are devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, securing experienced legal representation is critical to obtaining the compensation you deserve. This guide highlights the best pedestrian accident lawyers in Chicago who can fight for your rights.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago
Pedestrian accidents occur when a vehicle strikes a person walking, jogging, or standing in a roadway, crosswalk, sidewalk, or parking area. Illinois law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and to yield the right-of-way in crosswalks. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to follow these rules, resulting in serious accidents.
Chicago presents unique risks for pedestrians due to:
- High traffic volume in downtown areas and major corridors
- Complex intersections with multiple turn lanes
- Aggressive driving behavior
- Distracted drivers using cell phones
- Limited visibility during winter months
- Construction zones that redirect pedestrian traffic
- Rideshare and delivery vehicles making frequent stops
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most pedestrian accidents result from driver negligence, including:
- Distracted driving – Texting, phone calls, GPS use, and other distractions cause drivers to miss pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections.
- Failure to yield – Drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections cause preventable accidents.
- Speeding – Higher speeds reduce reaction time and dramatically increase injury severity.
- Running red lights and stop signs – Drivers who ignore traffic signals put pedestrians at extreme risk.
- Drunk or impaired driving – Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and awareness of pedestrians.
- Improper turns – Drivers making left or right turns often fail to check for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Backing up without looking – Accidents in parking lots and driveways occur when drivers fail to check behind their vehicles.
- Poor weather conditions – Rain, snow, and fog reduce visibility, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians.
Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents
Because pedestrians have no protective barrier, injuries from vehicle collisions are often severe or fatal:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures (legs, hips, pelvis, arms)
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Severe lacerations and road rash
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Facial injuries and disfigurement
- Psychological trauma, PTSD, and anxiety
- Wrongful death
These injuries often require emergency surgery, extended hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Many victims face permanent disability and are unable to return to work or live independently.
Illinois Pedestrian Laws and Right-of-Way
Understanding Illinois pedestrian laws is important for any accident claim. Under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1002 through 11-1007):
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections with traffic signals.
- Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and use crosswalks when available.
- Vehicles must stop for pedestrians in school zones and near buses loading or unloading children.
- Drivers must exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians, regardless of right-of-way.
Illinois uses modified comparative negligence under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault. However, even if you share some responsibility, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. An experienced attorney can help minimize any allegations of contributory negligence.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accident cases require specialized legal expertise to achieve maximum compensation:
- Investigating the accident scene and preserving evidence
- Obtaining traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Documenting the full extent of injuries and future medical needs
- Calculating lifetime costs of care, lost earnings, and pain and suffering
- Negotiating with insurance companies that try to minimize payouts
- Taking cases to trial when fair settlements cannot be reached
Insurance companies often try to blame pedestrians for their own injuries. A skilled attorney knows how to counter these tactics and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How to Choose the Best Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When selecting legal representation, consider:
- Extensive experience with pedestrian accident cases
- Track record of successful verdicts and settlements
- Resources to thoroughly investigate and build strong cases
- Willingness to take cases to trial
- Clear communication and compassionate client service
- Contingency fee structure with no upfront costs
Best Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Chicago
Here is a carefully curated list of the top pedestrian accident attorneys in Chicago. These firms have the experience, resources, and dedication to handle complex pedestrian injury claims.
1. Phillips Law Offices
Chicago’s Premier Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Phillips Law Offices is widely recognized as one of Chicago’s leading firms for pedestrian accident cases. With decades of experience representing victims of serious traffic injuries, their attorneys understand the devastating impact these accidents have on individuals and families. The firm has successfully handled cases involving crosswalk accidents, hit-and-run incidents, drunk driving collisions, and accidents caused by distracted drivers.
Phillips Law Offices conducts thorough investigations, working with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and economists to build compelling cases. They fight aggressively to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. Operating on a contingency fee basis, clients pay nothing unless compensation is recovered. Their personalized approach, clear communication, and relentless advocacy make them the top choice for pedestrian accident victims in Chicago.
2. Clifford Law Offices
Nationally Recognized Catastrophic Injury Advocates
Clifford Law Offices brings national recognition and extensive resources to pedestrian accident cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Their attorneys have secured significant verdicts against negligent drivers and have the trial experience necessary to take on complex cases. The firm is known for meticulous case preparation and powerful courtroom advocacy.
Clients benefit from comprehensive legal support, including expert medical testimony, accident reconstruction, and economic analysis to demonstrate the full value of their claims.
3. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Dedicated Pedestrian Injury Representation
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has significant experience representing pedestrians struck by vehicles throughout Chicago. The firm understands the unique challenges of these cases and works diligently to prove driver negligence and counter insurance company tactics.
Their client-focused approach emphasizes clear communication, thorough investigation, and aggressive pursuit of fair compensation. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is prepared to litigate when insurance companies refuse reasonable settlements.
4. Power Rogers & Smith
High-Stakes Injury Litigation Experts
Power Rogers & Smith is renowned for handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, including severe pedestrian accidents. Their attorneys have decades of trial experience and have secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts for accident victims.
Clients working with Power Rogers & Smith benefit from strategic legal planning, thorough investigation, and relentless advocacy. The firm’s reputation for courtroom success often motivates defendants to offer fair settlements.
5. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
Record-Setting Verdicts for Accident Victims
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard has earned recognition for achieving record-setting verdicts in personal injury cases throughout Illinois. Their attorneys handle pedestrian accident claims with dedication and skill, fighting for full compensation for victims of driver negligence.
The firm combines thorough case preparation with aggressive courtroom advocacy, working closely with clients to understand the complete impact of their injuries.
6. Abels & Annes, P.C.
Compassionate Advocates for Pedestrian Victims
Abels & Annes has extensive experience representing pedestrian accident victims, from intersection collisions to parking lot accidents. The firm emphasizes personalized service and strategic legal guidance tailored to each client’s circumstances.
Their attorneys conduct detailed investigations, gather evidence, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
7. Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
Focused Representation for Traffic Accident Victims
Staver Accident Injury Lawyers handles pedestrian accident cases with strong client communication and thorough case evaluation. The firm is known for effective negotiation strategies that maximize compensation for victims.
Their attorneys understand the importance of preserving evidence and documenting injuries promptly. Staver Accident Injury Lawyers provides dedicated support throughout the legal process.
8. Malman Law
Thorough Investigation and Strong Results
Malman Law conducts thorough investigations in pedestrian accident cases, gathering traffic camera footage, witness statements, and expert analysis to prove driver negligence. The firm has achieved strong results for clients injured in crosswalk accidents and hit-and-run incidents.
Their personalized approach ensures that each client’s unique circumstances are addressed throughout the legal process.
9. The Kryder Law Group, LLC
Accessible and Client-Focused Legal Support
The Kryder Law Group offers accessible representation for pedestrian accident victims throughout Chicago. Their attorneys develop tailored legal strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome for each client.
Known for their approachable style and commitment to communication, The Kryder Law Group guides clients through complex personal injury claims while working on a contingency fee basis.
10. Ankin Law
Comprehensive Personal Injury Representation
Ankin Law handles pedestrian accident cases with significant experience in traffic-related injuries. Their attorneys work to maximize recovery for clients injured due to driver negligence, distraction, or impairment.
The firm emphasizes proactive communication and client education, ensuring that victims understand their rights and options at every stage of the legal process.
11. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
Over a Century of Legal Excellence
With more than a century of combined legal experience, Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates brings proven expertise to pedestrian accident cases. The firm has successfully represented victims of serious traffic injuries throughout Chicago.
Their attorneys provide dedicated representation from investigation through trial, committed to achieving justice for accident victims.
12. Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers
Aggressive Advocacy for Maximum Compensation
Willens & Baez focuses on securing maximum compensation for accident victims, including pedestrians struck by negligent drivers. Their attorneys are known for aggressive advocacy and willingness to take cases to trial.
The firm provides personalized support throughout the legal process, helping clients navigate medical treatment, insurance claims, and litigation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
- Future medical expenses and long-term care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’re struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian:
- Get to safety – Move out of traffic if possible.
- Call 911 – Request emergency medical care and police response.
- Seek immediate medical attention – Accept ambulance transport or get to an emergency room.
- Document the scene – If able, take photos of the accident location, vehicle, and your injuries.
- Get driver and witness information – Collect names, contact details, license plates, and insurance information.
- File a police report – Ensure an official report is created.
- Avoid giving recorded statements – Don’t speak to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
- Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer – Protect your rights and begin building your case.
Official Illinois Legal Resources
For more information on Illinois pedestrian laws and personal injury claims, consult these official resources:
- Illinois Vehicle Code – Pedestrian Rights and Duties (625 ILCS 5/11-1002 to 11-1007) – Illinois General Assembly
- 735 ILCS 5/2-1116 – Comparative Negligence – Official statute text
- 735 ILCS 5/13-202 – Personal Injury Statute of Limitations – Official statute text
- NHTSA Pedestrian Safety – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Illinois Courts – Official court information and resources
Fighting for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Pedestrian accidents cause some of the most severe injuries seen in personal injury cases. Victims deserve experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges of these claims and has the resources to pursue maximum compensation.
Firms like Phillips Law Offices lead with experience, results, and unwavering client commitment. Their attorneys fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure that pedestrian accident victims receive full compensation for their injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Chicago, don’t delay. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and Illinois law imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer today to protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
Interesting Reads
Best Chicago Car Accident Lawyers
Hit-and-Run Car Accidents in Chicago
Best Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyers in Chicago
