Bloomington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Ready to Hold Negligent Motorists Liable
Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating types of traffic collisions. Without the protection of a vehicle, pedestrians are highly vulnerable to serious and life-changing injuries when struck by a car, truck, or other motor vehicle. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident, you need an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who understands Illinois law and can fight for the compensation you deserve. At Haxel Law, we are committed to protecting the rights of injured pedestrians in Bloomington, IL, and surrounding areas.
What is a Pedestrian Accident?
A pedestrian accident occurs when a person traveling on foot is struck by a motor vehicle, bicycle, or other mode of transportation. These accidents can happen at crosswalks, intersections, parking lots, sidewalks, or even residential neighborhoods.
Unlike car accidents, where drivers are shielded by seat belts, airbags, and metal frames, pedestrians have no such protection. Even a low-speed collision can result in catastrophic injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries. That’s why the law provides strong protections for pedestrians—and why negligent drivers must be held accountable when their actions cause harm.
Illinois Pedestrian Laws
Pedestrian safety is governed by both Illinois state laws and local Bloomington ordinances. Understanding these laws is critical in determining liability after an accident. Some of the key pedestrian-related rules in Illinois include:
- Right-of-Way at Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks.
- Obeying Traffic Signals: Pedestrians must follow “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signals at intersections.
- Use of Sidewalks: Pedestrians are generally required to use sidewalks where available, but when none exist, they must walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic.
- School Zones: Drivers must exercise special caution and reduce speed in school zones where children may be present.
Failure to follow these laws—whether by a driver or a pedestrian—can impact accident claims. However, drivers are expected to exercise due care at all times to avoid hitting pedestrians.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often result from driver negligence, though in some cases other factors may play a role. Common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using in-car technology diverts attention away from the road.
- Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield at crosswalks or intersections.
- Speeding: Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of injuries.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
- Poor Visibility: Accidents are more common at night or in poorly lit areas where pedestrians are harder to see.
- Improper Turns: Drivers making left-hand or right-hand turns often overlook pedestrians in crosswalks.
By identifying the cause of your accident, our Bloomington pedestrian accident lawyer at Haxel Law can build a strong case to prove fault and maximize your recovery.
Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident depends on the circumstances. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- Drivers: Most commonly, the driver of a vehicle that failed to yield, was distracted, or otherwise negligent.
- Employers: If the driver was working at the time of the accident (e.g., delivery driver), their employer may share liability.
- Municipalities: If poor road design, malfunctioning traffic signals, or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, a government entity could be at fault.
- Pedestrians: In rare cases, pedestrians may be partially responsible if they disregarded traffic signals or suddenly entered the roadway.
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Call us at (217) 215-4166 today for a free consultation with a trusted pedestrian accident attorney in Bloomington, IL.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Much Is My PI Claim Worth?
Determining the value of your claim can be complex. It can be easy to overlook many types of compensation available to you, especially without an in-depth understanding of Illinois law. Seeking legal representation is essential to identify liable parties and calculate the total damages in your claim.
While pinpointing the exact value of your claim requires a thorough case evaluation from our attorneys, you should know that you are entitled to compensation for all losses incurred in the accident, including future costs resulting from your injuries. Our firm can negotiate effectively on your behalf to pursue the full compensation available to you.
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How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Claim?
It depends. The timeframe for settling a personal injury claim will vary based on unique factors, such as whether the insurance company is willing to make a fair offer, any potential liability disputes, and whether your case goes to trial. Many claims are settled out of court, but others can take more time to resolve. However, taking longer to settle isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
While preparing for potential litigation may extend the duration of your case, it can also mean the difference between recovering maximum compensation and walking away with much less than you deserve. Our attorneys are familiar with insurance companies to pursue the fastest path to resolution without compromising the just settlement you need to focus on your recovery.
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Should I Talk to the Insurance Adjuster?After an accident, you should avoid discussing the incident with any insurance representative without your lawyer present. Having your attorney speak directly with the insurance adjuster on your behalf is typically best to protect your rights. If you do end up talking with the insurance adjuster, you only need to provide basic information, such as your name, address, and so on. Don’t share any information that may be used against you, such as apologizing or admitting fault.
Compensation Available for Injured Pedestrians
Pedestrian accidents often result in significant medical expenses, lost income, and long-term suffering. At Haxel Law, we help injured pedestrians pursue compensation for damages such as:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: Income lost while recovering from injuries.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: Compensation for future income loss if injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional trauma.
- Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent physical impairment or scarring.
- Wrongful Death: Families of pedestrians killed in accidents may pursue damages for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
Our team understands how to negotiate with insurance companies and, when necessary, take cases to court to ensure our clients receive the full compensation they are owed.
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Frequently asked questions about pedestrian accident claims in Bloomington include:
What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident in Bloomington, IL?
Seek medical attention, call 911, and report the accident. If possible, gather driver information, witness contacts, and photos of the scene. Then, contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Illinois?
The statute of limitations in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering damages.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Illinois comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Do I need an attorney for a pedestrian accident claim?
Yes. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A skilled attorney can gather evidence, prove liability, and negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
The value depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term impact. An attorney can evaluate your case and estimate potential compensation.
Contact a Bloomington Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t face the insurance companies alone. At Haxel Law, our experienced team is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured pedestrians throughout Bloomington, IL. We provide compassionate guidance and aggressive representation to help you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Connect with Haxel Law for straightforward answers and experienced guidance.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"I will definitely use Haxel Law again!"I’m so grateful for the legal assistance I received from Haxel Law. Martin is extremely knowledgeable and guided me throughout the process. I recommend Martin Haxel. He’s no nonsense and gets the job done. If needed I will definitely use Haxel Law again.- Sally B.
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"Thank you, Martin."When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.- Chris Y.
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"Highly Recommend"Attorney Martin Haxel fought long and hard for a fair and just settlement. I recommend Haxel Law for your Work Comp case.- Karyn S.
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"No One Better"I was referred to Martin by my original attorney. My original attorney didn't want to spend the time and money to represent me because my case was going to be difficult, time-consuming, and against the City of Champaign. I am so glad that Martin was willing to take my case and see it through. If you have a "hidden injury" like me or even an obvious injury Martin will handle it very professionally and give it the attention that you deserve.- John M.
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"What a great experience!"I strongly recommend Haxel Law Firm to everyone. In fact, he has now taken on my fiance as a client. Thanks Marty for what you did for me!- David S.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"His assistant was very pleasant and helpful as well. If he wasn't available when I called and left a message he was always prompt to respond to my messages and emails. I would highly recommend him to anyone who can use his skills!- David N.
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"Martin Truly Cares About You"I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.- Marvin S.
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"Marty was great to work with!"He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.- Kristi D.
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"Very Positive Experience Representing My Daughter"Very responsive and patient answering all my questions. I hope to never be in a situation of needing a lawyer again, but if I did, I would 100% contact Martin again.- Jim P.