Cyclist, 59, Critically Injured In Lower West Side, Chicago Truck Accident

Pedestrian Accident - November 30, 2025

Investigation Underway After 59-Year-Old Cyclist Critically Injured in Lower West Side, Chicago Pedestrian Accident on West 21st Street

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (November 30, 2025) – A 59-year-old cyclist was seriously injured in a Lower West Side, Chicago hit-and-run truck accident on West 21st Street.

Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:13 PM on Saturday. A cyclist was heading down the road when they were struck by a Dodge pickup truck.

The driver of the pickup truck left the scene of the collision and was last spotted heading northbound on Western Avenue. Paramedics were called to the scene to help the victim.

They were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition. A full investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing at this time.

Liability for Chicago Pedestrian Accidents

Drivers must exercise due care and use caution to avoid colliding with a pedestrian or cyclist in the roadway. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, every driver must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. They must also use their horns when necessary and exercise the proper precautions to avoid colliding with any child or obviously confused person. There are many ways that a driver may have acted negligently prior to hitting a pedestrian.

• Speed: A driver may have been operating at an unsafe speed given prevailing road conditions.
• Distracted Driving: a driver may have been distracted by their cell phone and failed to notice a pedestrian ahead of them.
• Blind Spots: A driver may have failed to check their blind spots and turned into the path of a pedestrian.

If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with any pedestrian in the roadway, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Liability for a pedestrian collision could extend beyond any driver deemed to be at fault. For example, the business entity that owned or operated a truck may bear some liability for a collision. Generally speaking, employers can be vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their workers who were operating within the course and scope of their job duties.

Steps to Take After Illinois Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians have increasingly become the victims of collisions with larger and larger trucks. According to National Public Radio, “The majority of vehicles sold in the U.S. are now SUVs and light trucks, which can have front ends that are often 40 inches or taller. Safety advocates say that’s one reason why pedestrian fatalities are up more than 75% since reaching their lowest point in 2009.” Victims of pedestrian accidents should take certain measures to protect their health and legal rights.

• Police: The police should be called to the scene as soon as possible so that they can begin an investigation. Even seemingly small pieces of evidence can help track down hit-and-run drivers.
• Evidence Preservation: Lots of photos of the accident site should be taken. They can provide key insights into what took place.
• Medical Evaluation: Any person injured in a pedestrian collision should seek medical treatment right away. Not all of the injuries associated with an accident will be immediately obvious.
• Legal Support: Seeking legal guidance is an important step towards getting justice after any car accident. An attorney can help preserve evidence and hold all liable parties accountable.

Pedestrian accidents are often highly complex events. The factors that contribute to any accident could take place hours, days, or even months beforehand. In many instances, they may involve multiple liable parties. Victims should take the time to thoroughly explore their legal options with an experienced attorney. They may be entitled to substantial financial compensation.

Investigating Chicago Pedestrian Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the person injured in this Lower West Side, Chicago hit-and-run collision. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. The person responsible should do the right thing and turn themselves in. It is never too late to do the right thing.

Have you or someone you care about been injured in a Lower West Side pedestrian accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of experienced Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys is here to support you. We are committed to helping accident victims get the medical and financial assistance that they need to recover. When you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney, we are here to help. You can contact our office anytime at (312) 564-4256.