Champaign County Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer
Motorists have a duty to drive safely and exercise care on the roadways, especially when there are vulnerable people such as pedestrians out and about. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings or else they can cause serious injuries and even death.
Pedestrians have nothing to protect them in the event of an accident. If they get hit by a car, they can suffer catastrophic injuries such as broken bones, back and neck injuries, head trauma, and internal injuries.
Paying for medical treatment can be a challenge. Get compensation for all your damages with help from a Champaign County pedestrian accidents lawyer from Patel Law, PC. With more than two decades of experience, we are prepared to help you with your case.
Illinois Pedestrian Laws
In Illinois, pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks to some degree. Pedestrians do not have the right to barge into a crosswalk whenever they like. Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way, so drivers must yield in these situations. Pedestrians not yet in a crosswalk should yield and wait until it’s safe. But because cars can cause significant damage, drivers always have a general duty to act in a safe manner and avoid colliding with pedestrians.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
While it’s possible that a pedestrian accident can be caused by the pedestrian, more often than not, they are caused by negligent motorists. Many drivers do not take the necessary precautions to keep others safe. They may hit pedestrians who are following the laws and walking in marked crosswalks.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
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Distracted driving. Smartphones are distracting drivers and causing them to take their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel. When a driver is not paying attention to the roadway, they can hit pedestrians and other objects in the roadway.
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Failure to yield. Not yielding is one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians have the right of way when it’s their turn at signal-controlled intersections and in marked crosswalks.
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Speeding. When a motorist is driving too fast, they cannot slow down in time. This can cause them to hit a pedestrian.
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Intoxication. Drinking and driving is never a good idea. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to decreased judgment, impaired coordination, reduced alertness, changes in behavior, and a decreased ability to detect moving objects.
Contact Patel Law, PC Today
Pedestrian safety is a huge concern in Illinois and other parts of the country as pedestrians have nothing to shield them against vehicles. Pedestrians have no seat belts or airbags, making them extremely susceptible to catastrophic injuries and death in a traffic accident.
If you have been hurt in a crash or lost a loved one to a motor vehicle collision, seek legal help from a Champaign County pedestrian accident lawyer at Patel Law, PC. We work hard to assist victims and their families during this difficult time and do all we can to hold negligent drivers liable. Schedule a free consultation by calling (217) 384-1111 or filling out the online form.
