Car Accidents Involving Pedestrians or Bicyclists

Car accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists in Chicago are all too common, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities. As a city known for its walkability and active cycling community, Chicago sees high volumes of foot and bike traffic every day, from commuters and students to recreational riders and joggers.

Unfortunately, the combination of congested streets, distracted drivers, and limited infrastructure creates dangerous conditions for vulnerable road users.

In this article, our Chicago car accident attorney team explores the unique risks pedestrians and cyclists face, the leading causes of these accidents, the Illinois laws that offer protection, and the legal options available for victims seeking accountability and compensation after a crash.

High Risk of Pedestrian Deaths on Chicago Streets

Pedestrians and bike riders are especially vulnerable on Chicago’s streets. Unlike motor vehicle occupants, walkers and cyclists lack protective barriers like seat belts or airbags when walking along sidewalks, on crosswalks, or riding their bikes. They face a significant risk of injury even in low-speed collisions.

Chicago’s crowded urban environments, with high traffic density, complicated intersections, and multiple distractions, increase dangers for vulnerable road users. A person crossing busy streets or cyclists navigating narrow bike lanes often contend with drivers who may be distracted, speeding, or simply inattentive and disregarding traffic signals.

Alarming Statistics: Pedestrian Fatalities and Injuries in Chicago

Over recent years, pedestrian deaths, bicyclist deaths, and accident trauma in Chicago have remained high. The incidence of pedestrian and bicyclist injuries also remains high.

According to data from the Chicago Department of Transportation, from 2018 to 2023, 297 pedestrians and 50 cyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes within the city during that time period.

Forty-six pedestrians lost their lives in 2023 alone, while cyclist deaths were 10 that same year. These figures underscore the persistent threat faced by pedestrians and bike riders on Chicago streets, highlighting the critical need for improved safety measures.

Nationwide, pedestrian fatalities account for approximately 18% of all fatal crashes, representing a significant and growing public safety concern.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Facts, there were 7,522 pedestrians killed in 2022—a 0.7% increase from the previous year and the highest total recorded since 1981.

Furthermore, there were an estimated 67,336 incidents with pedestrians in the same year, marking an 11 percent increase from 2021. Alarmingly, on average, a pedestrian was killed every 70 minutes and injured every eight minutes.

Urban areas are particularly dangerous, accounting for 85% of all bicyclist injuries and deaths, and those of pedestrians. The majority (75%) of these deaths occurred away from intersections, with signalized intersections representing 16 percent of fatal incidents.

Nighttime conditions also heighten the danger, as 78% of pedestrian deaths in 2022 occurred in the dark. Alcohol involvement played a role in nearly half (48 percent) of all fatal pedestrian crashes involving either the driver or the pedestrian. Cyclist trauma and deaths have also risen, with hundreds of fatalities annually.

Early estimates for 2023 indicate a slight decrease in overall traffic fatalities compared to 2022, yet pedestrians and cyclists remain vulnerable, highlighting the ongoing need for strategies to reduce incidents.

Clearly, traffic incidents involving pedestrians represent a significant public safety crisis both locally and nationally, requiring dedicated efforts to improve safety across communities aimed at reducing pedestrian incidents.

Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Collisions with Walkers and Cyclists

Most car accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists are caused by driver negligence. Some of the primary reasons these collisions happen include:

1. Distracted driving: Many drivers use phones or GPS devices, taking their attention off the road and increasing the likelihood of striking a pedestrian or bicycle rider.
2. Failure to yield right-of-way: Drivers frequently ignore crosswalks and traffic laws that protect pedestrians and bike riders at signalized intersections.
3. Speeding: Exceeding speed limits drastically reduces reaction time, turning minor incidents into fatal ones.
4. Impaired driving: Impaired driving from alcohol or drugs is a common factor in collisions, severely reducing the driver’s ability to perceive and react.
5. Unsafe turns and lane changes: Drivers failing to check blind spots for cyclists or walkers can cause devastating collisions.
6. Dooring incidents: Cyclists are frequently injured when motorists open doors from parked cars without looking.
7. Poor visibility conditions: Nighttime or poor weather can impair a driver’s vision, requiring extra vigilance that many drivers neglect.

Illinois Laws Protecting Pedestrian Safety and Cyclist Rights

Illinois law prioritizes the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, clearly outlining responsibilities for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

One fundamental rule is that drivers must stop for pedestrians at both marked and unmarked crosswalks, as required by the Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5/11-1002.

This statute mandates that the driver of a vehicle shall stop and yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger.

Additionally, passing a vehicle that has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross is prohibited under 625 ILCS 5/11-1002(d).

Illinois law also provides specific protections for cyclists, recognizing them as vulnerable road users. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1502, bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of vehicles. This means cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic, obey all traffic signals and signs, and follow speed limits.

To protect cyclists during passing maneuvers, 625 ILCS 5/11-703(d) requires motorists to maintain a minimum of three feet of clearance when overtaking a bicycle. This buffer is essential to prevent collisions and sideswipe injuries, particularly at intersections and in congested areas.

Together, these statutes reflect Illinois’s commitment to improving road safety and reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities for all users, especially the most vulnerable.

The Devastating Impact of Road Fatalities, Pedestrian Injuries, and Bicycle Accidents

When a car strikes a person walking or cycling, the damage is often severe and life-changing. Some of the most serious injuries include:

• Head trauma and traumatic brain injury can cause long-term cognitive impairment.
• Spinal cord trauma, potentially leading to permanent disability.
• Fractures and broken bones that require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Internal trauma resulting in serious complications or death.

Such collisions often cause not only physical damage but also lasting emotional trauma and diminished quality of life for survivors and their families. The most serious injuries are often life-changing.

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable for Harming Vulnerable Road Users

Negligent drivers responsible for collisions with people on foot or bicycle can and should be held legally accountable. When a driver violates traffic laws or behaves irresponsibly, victims can pursue compensation through insurance claims or lawsuits.

Legal accountability is crucial for supporting victims’ recovery and promoting greater pedestrian safety and accountability on the roads.

Recovering Compensation After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident

Victims of incidents involving pedestrians or bicycles are entitled to compensation for their losses, including:

• Complete medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments.
• Lost wages from missed work and diminished earning potential due to disability.
• Pain and suffering for both physical trauma and emotional distress.
• Compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement resulting from the collision.
• Other related costs, such as property damage or transportation needs during recovery.

Why You Need a Lawyer After Being Hit by a Motor Vehicle

Legal representation is crucial after a collision involving pedestrians or cyclists. An attorney can assist by:

1. Investigating the circumstances of the crash and identifying evidence to prove driver negligence.
2. Countering any blame-shifting by insurance companies, who often try to minimize compensation or deny liability.
3. Calculating total damages, considering both current and long-term financial implications.
4. Negotiating vigorously with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation.
5. Taking your case to court if insurers refuse to provide adequate settlements.

Given the severity of trauma and complexity of these incidents, having experienced legal counsel ensures you are not taken advantage of during the recovery process.

Our Commitment to Chicago Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Our Chicago-based personal injury law firm is committed to representing people harmed by negligent drivers and road fatalities.

With years of experience handling serious pedestrian and cyclist incidents, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents take on victims and their families. We are dedicated to fighting aggressively for your rights and obtaining maximum compensation for you.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Near You for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered injury or you’ve lost someone due to car accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists, you deserve answers and justice. Our legal team offers free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your rights and options.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t navigate the aftermath of a devastating accident alone. Contact us today to discuss your situation, and let our expert attorneys advocate fiercely on your behalf. Your road to recovery begins here.

Reach us at (888) 424-5757 or through our online contact form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.