Lawyers Pursuing Maximum Compensation on Behalf of Accident Victims
If you live in Cook County, Will County, or DuPage County, Illinois, chances are that you find yourself occasionally walking to get to where you need to go. Walking can offer a great alternative to driving or taking public transportation. However, there are also significant risks associated with being a pedestrian, especially in an urban area like Cook County. When pedestrian accidents occur, they can result in catastrophic injuries. In these situations, a victim will need to determine their options for pursuing compensation from a negligent driver who struck them.
At Fotopoulos Law Office, we proudly represent accident victims and their families in personal injury claims, helping them recover the compensation they need to start moving on with their lives after traumatic accidents. Attorney John S. Fotopoulos is a former Cook County Circuit Court judge who not only understands the law and how it applies to his clients’ cases, but he also recognizes the difficult situations his clients face after these types of accidents. Whether you have missed work, are facing astronomical medical bills, or need to deal with ongoing physical limitations, Attorney Fotopoulos can help ensure that you will be fairly compensated for what you have been through.
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois?
Accidents involving pedestrians are not the most common type of motor vehicle collision; however, they are one of the deadliest. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, while pedestrian accidents make up only around 1 percent of all traffic accidents, they are responsible for around 15 percent of all fatal crashes and 6 percent of all injury accidents.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Not surprisingly, pedestrian accidents are more common in busy urban environments. Drivers are also more likely to hit a pedestrian in the evening hours and during inclement weather when there is limited visibility. Other common causes of Cook County pedestrian accidents include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or other forms of aggressive driving
- Traffic violations such as running red lights or failing to stop at stop signs
Recovering From a Cook County Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents can happen in a split second, without any warning. However, these tragic accidents do not “just happen.” These situations almost always occur as the result of at least one party’s negligence. Of course, after a collision, it is common for a driver to blame a pedestrian. Illinois courts use the “modified comparative negligence” framework when determining how fault is addressed when accident victims seek to recover compensation for their injuries.
Under the modified comparative fault system, if a pedestrian is less than 50 percent at fault, they will be able to recover compensation for the injuries they suffered in an accident. However, an accident victim’s total recovery amount may be reduced by their own percentage of fault. If a driver is successful in shifting some of the blame for an accident onto a pedestrian, this will reduce the total recovery amount the pedestrian can receive, and in some cases, a person may even be prevented from recovering compensation for their injuries altogether. Because of this, it is important for injured pedestrians to have an experienced Cook County personal injury attorney by their side throughout the process. At Fotopoulos Law Office, we have extensive hands-on experience bringing cases on behalf of pedestrians and their families. We can help you understand your rights, and we will work to pursue the compensation you need, deserve, and are entitled to.
Contact a Will County Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or someone you love was recently hit by a car as a pedestrian, reach out to Fotopoulos Law Office for immediate assistance. We will help you take the necessary steps to receive meaningful compensation that will address the damages you have suffered as the result of a driver’s negligence. To arrange a complimentary consultation, get in touch with us at 708-942-8400. Because we provide services on a contingency basis, we will not charge you any legal fees unless we successfully collect compensation for you. We handle cases in Cook County, Will County, and DuPage County.
