Crosswalk Accidents

There are many means of transportation but one of the most used are sidewalks, running and walking paths, public parks and crosswalks all for pedestrians. Pedestrians are not considered road users but unfortunately, they fall into a group which has experienced an increase in deaths in the United States. In 2011, there were 4,432 reported pedestrian deaths per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Today NHTSA is working hard to raise awareness of pedestrians and their use of private and public roads, streets, driveways and crosswalks. Parents, caregivers, educators, traffic safety officials and all pedestrians need to increase their knowledge of safety when using the streets and crosswalks.

To visualize a painted crosswalk, whether it is white striped, yellow striped or iridescent in color, and most individuals have a safe means when approaching and using a crosswalk that is marked. This would be the case whether there is a traffic signal, a stop sign or an open intersection. However, many pedestrians are injured or even killed in clearly marked crosswalks by cars and trucks. Some crosswalks injuries are due to the roadways being unmarked or not marked clearly for pedestrians or in some cases where an individual is not familiar with the intersection or the crosswalk area.

Illinois drivers are required by law to allow all pedestrians the right-of-way when approaching. Those pedestrians and bicyclists must be protected by this law and good judgment by all motorists. Drivers are required to stop and remain stopped to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to safely cross streets and roadways when in a crosswalk.

In Illinois today, there are signs that require motorists to stop to allow a pedestrian to cross at a marked intersection or crossing area. These stop areas have signs displaying the need to stop to allow pedestrians to cross.

Even with safety rules in place, rules are often times violated and pedestrians are injured in crosswalks. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents in crosswalks include speeding motorists, reckless driving, drivers who do not see small children or wheelchair bound pedestrians, semi-trailer trucks who pass through an intersection and crosswalk and do not see a crossing pedestrian, motorists under the influence of alcohol, drugs and drivers distracted by the use of cell phones, texting, emailing or eating while driving. Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to serious injury. It seems than many pedestrian crosswalk injuries could be prevented if pedestrians were alert and aware of their surroundings when approaching or crossing a street, road or intersection.

The injuries to pedestrians in crosswalks injured by motorists are limitless. They range from bone fractures, head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and death.

In the case of a motorist striking a pedestrian lawfully in a crosswalk, the consequences and punishment under the law to the driver can be severe. It is certainly upsetting for a driver to strike and injure a pedestrian. In Illinois, it is the law that a motorist who strikes a pedestrian must not leave the scene until the police are notified and arrive. In the event that a motorist does strike and injure a pedestrian, the police must be called and medical attention should be alerted immediately. It is also very important if possible, that the motorist and the pedestrian exchange contact and insurance information at the scene.

In a recent Kreisman Law Offices case, two pedestrians were struck by a Chicago livery vehicle severely injuring one of the pedestrians. The driver left the scene without reporting to the police and was charged with leaving the scene illegally. The police were later able to apprehend the driver who was arrested for leaving the scene and causing this pedestrian injury.

If you or someone you know and love has been injured in a pedestrian crosswalk accident in and around Chicago or in Illinois, please call us for a free immediate consultation. Robert Kreisman of Kreisman Law Offices has been handling Chicago and Illinois car accident cases for more than 40 years.

Kreisman Law Offices has prevailed in trials and settlements in Chicago, Illinois and surrounding areas and has successfully resolved cases for those severely injured clients for these many years.

With our years of experience in trying and settling crosswalk pedestrian accident cases, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible service to our clients and has achieved unsurpassed results. Our clients’ consideration is unmatched. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online. There is no charge for a consultation that will include an evaluation of your case, assessment of your damages such as lost income, medical and hospital bills, past and future pain and suffering, past and future loss of normal life, disfigurement and wrongful death.

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