Rockford Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Reputable Law Firm Fighting for Pedestrian Accident Victims’ Legal Rights in Rockford

A Rockford pedestrian accident lawyer ensures that negligent drivers are held responsible. We fight hard for Northern Illinois victims, helping them gain financial relief for their medical bills and lost wages. Contact our Rockford personal injury attorneys right away for a free consultation about your legal options.

Settlements Recovered by Our Experienced Attorneys

• $3,200,000 for a pedestrian hit by a garbage truck
• $1,100,000 for a toddler hit in the street
• $400,000 for a woman struck in a crosswalk

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Those injured in a pedestrian accident may suffer broken bones, brain damage, spinal cord damage, and other serious harm. Sadly, thousands of people are hurt or killed every year due to driver negligence or recklessness.

We’re passionate about helping vehicle accident victims get justice. We aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to recover compensation that will cover all your needs, helping you heal in comfort.

Most importantly, our attorneys guide you through the complex legal process of a pedestrian accident claim, protecting your rights every step of the way.

Pedestrians’ Legal Rights & Responsibilities in Rockford, IL

Just like motor vehicle drivers, pedestrians have obligations under Illinois law, including the following.

• Obey all traffic control signals (§625 ILCS 5/11-1001).
• Yield right-of-way when crossing somewhere other than an intersection (§625 ILCS 5/11-1003).
• Do not stand in the roadway (§625 ILCS 5/11-1006).
• If on a highway, walk on the sidewalk or the shoulder (§625 ILCS 5/11-1007).
• Obey all railroad crossing signs (§625 ILCS 5/11-1011).

Rockford municipal codes are adapted from the Illinois Vehicle Code, meaning all these apply in the city as well (§16-1).

To help prevent accidents, follow these tips:

• Wear bright clothing, especially at night.
• Use crosswalks whenever possible.
• Stay alert: don’t text, talk on the phone, or listen to music.
• Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the road.
• Obey all traffic signals and walk signs.

What Qualifies as a Pedestrian Accident Case

A Rockford pedestrian accident lawyer will need to prove these four elements to make a claim.

• Duty of Care: The liable party was obligated to act with reasonable caution.
• Breach of Duty: This person failed to uphold a duty of care.
• Causation: The breach of duty was primarily responsible for the pedestrian accident.
• Damages: You suffered financial losses due to the accident.

Common Pedestrian Accident Locations in Rockford, IL

• Intersections: Riverside Boulevard at Alpine Road is notorious for pedestrian accidents.
• Business Districts: Be especially cautious on Madison Street, Wyman Street, and Water Street.
• Parking Lots: Places like Wester Park, Rockford Public Library, and Rockford Milkhouse can be especially dangerous.

Evidence Needed to Support Your Pedestrian Accident Claim

Our pedestrian accident attorneys will use a variety of evidence to support your car accident claim. This includes:

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Witness testimony
• Expert witness opinions
• Photos and videos of the scene
• Surveillance footage
• Physical evidence, like broken headlights or torn clothing

What to Do Following a Pedestrian Accident in Rockford, IL

Pedestrian accidents can cause devastating injuries, so you must act quickly. The sooner you take action, the easier it will be to build a strong case with the assistance of Rockford personal injury attorneys.

Follow these steps immediately after the accident occurs.

• Examine yourself for any wounds.
• Contact the Rockford Police Department to file a report
• Get contact information for other parties at the scene
• Take photos and videos of the accident.
• Go to the hospital to get a full examination.
• Call experienced personal injury attorneys to discuss your legal options.
• Preserve evidence, such as the clothes you were wearing and your medical records.
• Avoid speaking about the pedestrian accident on social media.
• Do not speak to insurance adjusters without your attorneys present.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Rockford, IL

In Illinois, personal injury claims have a statute of limitations of two years (§735 ILCS 5/13-213). The wrongful death statute of limitations begins two years after the death of the individual. This is a very short period, so you should contact Rockford personal injury lawyers as soon as possible to begin your claim.

Damages Awarded to Pedestrian Accident Victims

Pedestrian accidents may result in several types of legal damages, including both economic and non-economic damages. These include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Loss of future income
• Funeral expenses for wrongful death
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

You may also receive punitive damages in a court case, which are awarded if the defendant behaved with malice or recklessness.

Common Injuries Sustained by Pedestrian Accident Victims

Pedestrians are at serious risk of catastrophic injuries when they are hit by vehicles. Here are some of the most common pedestrian accident injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Nerve damage
• Muscle damage
• Lacerations
• Road rash
• Burns
• Crush injuries
• Wrongful death

If you’ve suffered any of these conditions due to a pedestrian accident, Rockford car accident lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

You might think most pedestrian accidents occur at busy intersections, but this is not the case. Nationwide, about 76% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in non-intersection locations. Only 24% of incidents were at or near intersections.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Speeding through pedestrian-heavy areas
• Drunk driving
• Failure to stop at crosswalks
• Drowsy driving
• Poor weather and low light

Larger trucks can have blind spots that can lead to pedestrian accidents. In these circumstances, you should call our Rockford truck accident lawyers.

Rockford, IL, Pedestrian Accident Statistics

In 2023, there were 50 pedestrian accidents in Rockford that resulted in 54 injured individuals, including three fatal accidents. 46 pedestrian accidents resulted in non-fatal harm, with 8 individuals incapacitated and requiring immediate medical assistance.

Causes listed on the accident reports include the following.

• Crossing Against Signal: 7 accidents
• Crossing With Signal: 8 accidents
• Crossing at Intersection, No Controls: 2 accidents
• Crossing Not at Intersection, Controls Present: 2 accidents
• Crossing Not at Intersection, No Controls: 8 accidents
• Entering or Leaving School Bus: 1 accident
• Entering or Leaving a Location: 4 accidents
• Entering or Leaving a Vehicle: 1 accident
• Walking Against Traffic: 1 accident
• Walking With Traffic: 9 accidents
• Working on the Roadway: 1 accident
• Unknown, None, or Other: 10 accidents

Causes for the three fatal accidents included crossing against the signal, crossing not at the intersection, and walking with traffic.

Consult a Rockford Pedestrian Accident Attorney Near You!

Insurance companies fear our law firm due to our combined 100 years of legal experience, fierce advocacy, and 98% success rate. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we earn you compensation.

Give our Rockford personal injury lawyers a call today to get your free case review at 888-424-5757 or fill out the contact form on our website.

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Jonathan was very helpful with my case! He liste to everything I had to say. He took all my information and used it to the best of his ability. just felt like he cared he did everything he could soon as he was able to do it! I would definitely recommend him and would use him again if I eve need him!!

– Kelsi CaballeroRead More Google Reviews

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.