Due to their unique nature, pedestrian accident lawyers in Evanston can give rise to complicated legal cases. The injuries sustained by pedestrians are often severe and can have a long-lasting impact on their lives. Factors such as determining liability, assessing damages, and proving negligence can add layers of complexity to these cases. Individuals involved in pedestrian accidents in Evanston should seek the guidance of a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we understand the ins and outs of pedestrian accident cases and are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. Contact our firm today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and have an advocate fight on your behalf.
Evanston Pedestrian Accident Guide
- Why Choose Abels and Annes, P.C.
- How Much Is Your Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
- Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Evanston
- Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
- Types of Pedestrian Accidents
- Fighting the Insurance Company After Suffering Pedestrian Accident Injuries
- Steps to Take After Suffering Injuries in an Evanston Pedestrian Accident
- Consult an Evanston Pedestrian Accident Attorney
- Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact the Evanston Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Ables & Annes, P.C. Today
Why Choose Abels and Annes, P.C.
When you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, choosing the right law firm to represent you is imperative. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we have a team of dedicated pedestrian accident lawyers with extensive experience in a variety of personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents. Here is why you should choose us to handle your case:
Free Case Consultations
We offer free initial consultations, allowing you to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys without any financial risk. During this consultation, we will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide an initial assessment of your case.
Available 24/7
We understand that accidents can happen at any time, which is why our firm is available 24/7 to take your call. We believe in being readily available to our clients, ensuring you can reach us whenever you need us the most.
Contingency Fees
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that there is no fee unless you win your case. We believe in fighting for justice for our clients and ensuring that financial burdens do not prevent them from seeking the compensation they deserve.
How Much Is Your Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
If you have suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident in Evanston, you may be wondering how much your case is worth. The value of your pedestrian accident case depends on various factors, including:
- The extent of your injuries: Severe injuries that result in significant medical expenses, ongoing treatment, and long-term disabilities may lead to higher compensation.
- Impact on your daily life: If the accident has caused you to miss work, experience pain and suffering, or require significant lifestyle adjustments, it can affect the value of your case.
- Liability: Establishing that another party was responsible for the accident plays a vital role in determining the value of your case.
- Insurance coverage: The insurance policy limits of the at-fault party can impact the total compensation you may receive.
Be sure to consult with our Evanston pedestrian accident attorneys to assess the specific details of your case and get an estimate of its potential value. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Evanston
Pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere in Evanston, but certain areas have a higher incidence of accidents. These include:
- Busy intersections: Intersections with heavy traffic often pose a higher risk for pedestrians. Examples of busy intersections in Evanston include Dempster Street and Chicago Avenue, Sheridan Road and Clark Street, and McCormick Boulevard and Church Street.
- Residential areas: Pedestrian accidents can occur in residential neighborhoods where drivers may not expect heavy foot traffic.
- Sidewalks and crosswalks: Pedestrians who use sidewalks or crosswalks may be involved in accidents if drivers fail to yield or are distracted.
- Parking lots: Pedestrians are vulnerable to accidents in parking lots, especially if drivers are not paying attention or driving recklessly.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the vulnerability of pedestrians in collisions with motor vehicles. Some common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:
Fractures and Broken Bones
The impact of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian can lead to fractures and broken bones. These injuries can range from minor fractures to severe breaks that require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
The head is particularly vulnerable in pedestrian accidents, and traumatic brain injuries can occur even without direct impact on the head. TBIs can have serious, long-lasting effects on cognitive function, physical abilities, and emotional well-being.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Pedestrians who suffer spinal cord injuries in accidents may experience partial or complete loss of motor function, sensory function, and control over bodily functions. These injuries can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may require lifelong medical care.
Internal Organ Damage
Pedestrians can experience internal injuries due to the impact of the accident. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, are common in pedestrian accidents. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility, requiring medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Emotional Trauma
In addition to physical injuries, pedestrian accidents can cause significant emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Emotional trauma can have a lasting impact on a person’s mental health and overall well-being.
If you have suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident, be sure to seek immediate medical attention and consult with a skilled Evanston pedestrian accident attorney. They can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can occur in various ways, each with its own set of circumstances and potential legal implications. Some common types of pedestrian accidents include:
Intersection Accidents
Accidents that occur at intersections often involve pedestrians crossing the street within marked crosswalks. Drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, resulting in collisions and injuries.
Right Turn Accidents
Drivers making right turns at intersections may not notice pedestrians crossing the street or turning onto the same street. These accidents often happen when drivers are focused on oncoming traffic and fail to check for pedestrians in their blind spots.
Left Turn Accidents
Left turn accidents occur when drivers making left turns hit pedestrians crossing the street. These accidents often happen when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians who have the right-of-way or misjudge their speed and distance.
Backing Up Accidents
Pedestrians can be struck by vehicles backing up in parking lots, driveways, or busy streets. These accidents may occur when drivers fail to check their surroundings or use their mirrors effectively.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents involving pedestrians can cause severe injuries or fatalities. Intoxicated drivers have impaired judgment and slower reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Drivers who are distracted by their cell phones, GPS devices, or other activities may not notice pedestrians in their vicinity. Pedestrians can be hit while drivers are texting, browsing the internet, or engaging in other distracting behaviors.
Understanding the types of pedestrian accidents can help establish liability and build a strong personal injury claim.
Fighting the Insurance Company After Suffering Pedestrian Accident Injuries
When you suffer injuries in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often prioritize their own financial interests. Here are some common tactics they use to avoid paying you what you deserve for your pedestrian accident injuries:
Blaming Pre-Existing Conditions
The insurance company may try to downplay your injuries by arguing that they were pre-existing and not caused by the truck accident. They may request medical records and try to find evidence of previous injuries or conditions to diminish the accident’s impact on your health.
Delaying the Claims Process
Insurance companies may intentionally delay the claims process to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement offer. They know that accident victims often face mounting medical bills and financial strain, which can make them more likely to settle for less.
Offer a Low Settlement
Insurance companies may offer low initial settlements to resolve your claim quickly. However, this offer is often far less than what you deserve, and accepting it can leave you without enough compensation to cover your medical expenses and other damages.
Disputing Liability
The insurance company may try to dispute liability, arguing that their insured party was not at fault for the accident or that your actions contributed to the crash. They may use witness statements, accident reconstruction experts, or other evidence to support their case.
Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring
Insurance companies may conduct surveillance or monitor your social media accounts to gather evidence that can be used against you. They may try to discredit your claim by showing you engaging in activities that seem inconsistent with your reported injuries.
Hiring one of our knowledgeable Evanston pedestrian accident lawyers can help level the playing field and protect your rights. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company, gather vital evidence, and fight for your deserved compensation.
Steps to Take After Suffering Injuries in an Evanston Pedestrian Accident
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Evanston, take the following steps to protect yourself and your rights:
Attend Medical Appointments and Get Prescribed Treatments
Seek immediate medical attention after the accident, even if you do not believe you suffered a severe injury. Some injuries may not be apparent at first but can worsen over time. Follow your medical team’s instructions regarding treatment plans and attend all necessary appointments to document your injuries.
If your injuries prevent you from working or engaging in certain activities, follow your medical team’s instructions regarding work and activity restrictions. It will help demonstrate the impact of your injuries on your daily life and strengthen your compensation claim.
Preserve Evidence
Preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as photographs of your injuries, damage to your personal belongings, and the contact information of any witnesses. This evidence can be the key to establishing liability and supporting your claim.
Obtain a Copy of Any Police or Incident Reports
If law enforcement was called to the accident scene, request a copy of the police or incident report. This report will detail the circumstances of the accident and the officer’s observations, which can be valuable evidence for your claim.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, transportation costs, and property damage. This documentation will support your claim and help calculate the compensation you may be entitled to.
Be Aware of the Illinois Statute of Limitations
In Illinois, there is a two-year that restricts the time frame in which you can file a personal injury claim. You should be aware of these deadlines to avoid losing your right to seek compensation. Consult with an Evanston pedestrian accident attorney from our firm to ensure that you comply with all legal requirements.
Consult an Evanston Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Consulting with an experienced Evanston personal injury lawyer is in your best interest for handling the legal process and seeking the compensation you deserve. They will provide guidance, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your rights every step of the way.
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact the Evanston Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Ables & Annes, P.C. Today
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident in Evanston, don’t hesitate to contact Abels & Annes, P.C., for help. Our team of dedicated attorneys has extensive experience handling personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents. We understand the challenges in these cases and are committed to providing aggressive and compassionate representation to our clients.
Call our firm today at (312) 924-7575 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and to have an advocate fighting on your behalf. We are available 24/7 to take your call and provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Abels & Annes, P.C.
Address: 2822 Central St #300,
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: (855) 529-2442