Pedestrians are vulnerable to serious injuries or death in a collision with a motor vehicle. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, our mission is to protect your rights. We’ll work to hold accountable those who caused you harm and pursue full compensation for your injuries.
If you or your loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, speak with an experienced Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer today by calling (800) 985-1819.
Why hire Horwitz, Horwitz, & Associates
At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we bring over 30 years of dedicated legal experience to every case we handle, including those involving pedestrian accidents. Our firm has earned a reputation throughout Illinois for standing up to powerful insurance companies and securing justice for injury victims. If you were struck by a vehicle while walking, you may be facing serious medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. We understand the unique challenges that pedestrian accident victims face—and we’re here to help.
Our attorneys don’t back down from a fight. We know the tactics that insurance companies use to minimize or deny valid claims, and we won’t let them intimidate you. From day one, we handle all communication and negotiations with insurers so you can focus on healing. Our legal team conducts thorough investigations, gathers strong evidence, and works with experts when needed to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Choosing the right attorney after a pedestrian accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. When you hire Horwitz, Horwitz, & Associates, you get a legal team that truly cares, has a proven track record of results, and fights tirelessly to protect your rights.
How to find the right lawyer for your needs
Far too many pedestrian injury victims choose an attorney based on their advertising. Check to see if anyone you know has recently needed a personal injury lawyer, and ask them if you should hire that attorney. If you don’t know anyone who’s worked with an attorney, specifically one with experience handling pedestrian accidents, look online to see what former clients think of the attorneys you’re considering.
Steps to take after being hurt
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Chicago, knowing what to do next can make a major difference in your recovery and your ability to recover compensation. Whether you’re dealing with medical expenses, missed work, or long-term pain and suffering, these steps can help protect your rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries—like broken bones or traumatic brain injuries—may not be immediately obvious. Prompt medical care also helps document your medical bills, which is critical for your claim.
- Report the accident to the police. A police report creates an official record of the incident, which can be crucial if you need to prove negligent driving, distracted driving, or other forms of fault.
- Document everything. If possible, take photos or videos of the scene, your injuries, any property damage, and nearby signs or traffic signals. Get names and contact information from any witnesses. This evidence can support your claim in pedestrian accident cases.
- Avoid talking to insurance companies without legal help. Insurance companies may pressure you to accept a quick settlement that doesn’t reflect the full cost of your injuries. Before giving a statement, speak with a personal injury lawyer who understands how to deal with adjusters.
- Contact a trusted Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer. The legal process can be complex, especially when you’re recovering. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney will help build your case, handle negotiations, and pursue full compensation for your pain and suffering, lost income, and future care needs. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, our experienced personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss your options and next steps.
Don’t miss the deadline to file your claim
The statute of limitations is your deadline to take legal action. If you let it expire, you won’t be able to pursue compensation. The “clock” so to speak, started ticking when the accident occurred. In Illinois, the statute of limitations is two years, which means you have two years from the date of the accident to take action.
There are some exceptions to this rule, but most incidents fall within this strict two-year filing deadline. To ensure that your claim is timely filed, hire a Chicago personal injury attorney right away.
Possible damages you can claim
Pedestrians injured in traffic crashes may recover compensation, also known as “damages,” if someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to the accident. Personal injury damages are commonly broken down into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages
Your economic damages are your tangible financial losses. These include your lost wages and medical bills. You could potentially recover both current and future medical expenses related to the incident.
Non-economic damages
Any Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer can prove economic damages, but non-economic damages are another matter. You can’t produce receipts for issues such as lost quality of life, mental distress, or pain and suffering. You’ll need a skilled attorney so that you can obtain full compensation for everything you’re going through.
We’ll fight the insurance company to get you maximum compensation
You owe it to yourself to work with an attorney who knows how to defeat insurance companies. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we have an extensive track record of doing just that.
Parties who may be liable for your injury
Vehicle drivers
Vehicle drivers have a duty to drive safely and obey all traffic laws. This also includes driving with extra vigilance when there are pedestrians nearby. When a driver fails to exercise this duty of care and strikes a pedestrian, they can be held liable for any pedestrian injuries they cause.
Government entities
There are times when government agencies or other entities could be held liable for a pedestrian crash. This could be the case if pedestrian crosswalk lights are out of order and haven’t been repaired, if a sidewalk is in poor condition and causes the pedestrian to fall and get struck by a vehicle, and dozens of other possible scenarios.
How our attorneys prove liability
There’s a good chance that a nearby surveillance camera captured footage of the incident. Your attorney can recover that footage and potentially use it as evidence. We have several other tools at our disposal to make sure all parties responsible for your injury pay the compensation you deserve.
Pedestrian accident lawsuit process
Here are some of the essential steps in a personal injury lawsuit.
1. Legal consultation
Your consultation will be a chance to get to know your potential attorney, and their chance to tell you whether or not you have a viable case. You should only hire an attorney if you feel that they’re a good fit for you in terms of the type of representation they can provide, including their ability to provide timely communication.
2. Accident investigation
After you hire an attorney, they’ll immediately start an investigation into the accident to help them determine the identity of all potentially liable parties. Ensuring that every liable party is included in your lawsuit could make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
3. File a demand for compensation
Once your Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer finishes the investigation, they’ll send demand letters to all the liable parties seeking the compensation you deserve.
4. Negotiation
Your attorney will negotiate a settlement offer with the insurance companies of the responsible parties.
5. Take the case to trial
The vast majority of personal injury cases end with a settlement, but if the insurer isn’t willing to offer what you’re entitled to, your lawyer with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates will be ready to fight for your rights in court in front of a jury.
Why it’s important to visit the doctor
Seeing a doctor will improve your chances of a full medical recovery. It will also increase your chances of obtaining maximum compensation. Failing to get timely medical help will make it much easier for the insurance company to deny your claim.
Cost of hiring a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer
You won’t pay anything unless Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates achieves a positive result on your behalf because we work on a contingency basis. If we are successful, our fees will be paid from your eventual settlement or jury award.
In addition to offering services without out-of-pocket fees, we also offer free consultations to prospective clients. You have nothing to lose when meeting with one of our esteemed Chicago personal injury attorneys to learn about your legal options.
Our Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer are here to help
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, schedule a consultation with an experienced Chicago pedestrian accident attorney by calling (800) 985-1819. We can thoroughly investigate the accident, assess the full extent of your injuries, and aggressively pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Resources in Chicago, IL for those injured in a pedestrian accident
Medical
Public Services
Legal
- Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
- 25 E Washington St Ste 900, Chicago, IL 60602
- Call: (800) 985-1819