Rockford Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer

When drivers get behind the wheel of a vehicle, they have a lot of responsibility. They have to follow traffic laws and look out for hazards, such as pedestrians. 

No rational person operates their car with the intent of hurting a pedestrian. Most people attempt to drive carefully and keep the safety of others in mind. However, not all accidents can be prevented, and pedestrians who are hit by cars are often severely injured or even killed. 

Being injured in a pedestrian accident can result in significant financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you or your family has been affected by such an accident, it is important to contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer from Clark Frost Zucchi right away.

Pedestrian Laws

Illinois has right-of-way laws to determine who goes first in situations such as intersections and crosswalks. Drivers have many responsibilities when it comes to pedestrians. They must come to a full stop and yield:

• If a pedestrian is in or enters a marked crosswalk
• If it is a school day and children are close to a school zone crosswalk

Drivers must yield to pedestrians when:

• Pedestrians are in an unmarked crosswalk 
• Making a turn at an intersection
• Making a lawful turn at a red light after coming to a full stop
• The driver has come to a complete stop at a stop sign
• Pedestrians enter a crosswalk before the traffic light has changed
• Pedestrians are crossing with a green light or a walk signal
• Pedestrians leave or enter a street from a building, private road, or driveway
• Pedestrians enter an intersection with a flashing yellow arrow

Pedestrians have legal obligations as well. They must:

• Obey traffic signals, observe walk lights, and use crosswalks.
• Avoid walking or running into the path of a moving vehicle in a way that creates an immediate hazard.
• Give the right of way to drivers when crossing a road at any place other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
• Avoid walking on a road unless there is no sidewalk or shoulder next to it.
• Avoid walking on a highway when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Seeking Justice for Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians involved in an accident often suffer serious or life-threatening injuries. Unlike a driver or passenger in another vehicle, pedestrians have no protection from the moving vehicle that strikes them. The medical costs associated with these injuries can be quite high, and victims may need significant time off of work to recover. 

Unfortunately, the insurance companies who represent drivers are often highly motivated to pay injured people as little as possible. They may attempt to offer you a lowball settlement or deny your claim. Working with an experienced injury attorney can be vital to obtaining the compensation you need to begin putting your life back together.

Contact Us Today

Pedestrians have the right to use roads, just like motorists. However, all parties involved need to exercise extreme caution. Pedestrians are often hard to see and can be seriously injured in a crash.

The team at Clark Frost Zucchi can assist you with your car accident case. We’ll help you get full and fair compensation for all your damages. We serve clients throughout Northern Illinois. Schedule a free consultation with our office by filling out our online form or calling our office.