Top
Leonard Law Group Leonard Law Group
Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Chicago

Legal Help After a Serious Pedestrian Accident in Chicago, IL

Being struck by a vehicle while walking can change your life in an instant. You may be facing emergency treatment, missed work, and constant calls from insurance adjusters while you are still trying to heal. When you need a Chicago pedestrian accident attorney to stand between you and these pressures, Leonard Law Group can step in.

We represent injured pedestrians in the Chicago area who are dealing with serious injuries and real financial stress. With nearly 30 years of experience in personal injury law and over one billion dollars recovered for injured clients, we understand what is at stake when a car, truck, or bus hits a person on foot.

These collisions can happen near CTA bus stops, around schools, or in crosswalks where pedestrians should have the right of way. We are familiar with how crashes unfold at downtown intersections, near Metra stations, and along major roads. When you contact us, we look at the full picture of what happened so that you are not left dealing with blame or pressure from insurers on your own.

Contact Leonard Law Group today to speak with a Chicago pedestrian accident attorney about your case and learn what legal options may be available to you. We can review your situation, deal with the insurance companies, and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.

Why Injured Chicago Pedestrians Choose Our Firm

After a pedestrian accident, you may be dealing with medical treatment, lost wages, and insurance calls. We handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery.

At Leonard Law Group, clients who hire us for a pedestrian accident attorney in Chicago work directly with the partner they retain. That partner manages the case, communicates with you, and explains your options.

Why clients choose us:

  • Direct attorney access: You work with the partner handling your case, not a rotating team.
  • Clear communication: We explain your case and options in straightforward terms.
  • Chicago court experience: Our team has nearly 30 years of handling personal injury and workers’ compensation cases in Cook County.
  • Proven results: We've recovered over one billion dollars for injured clients.
  • Complex case handling: Experience with pedestrian accidents involving workers’ compensation and multiple insurance claims.
  • Case strategy from the start: We evaluate all potential sources of recovery early in the process.
  • Focused attention: Each case is handled with direct review and an individualized strategy.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

After a pedestrian accident, things can feel confusing and stressful. Focusing on a few important steps right away can help protect your health and your rights.

Steps to take after a pedestrian accident include:

  1. Get to safety: Move out of traffic and call 911.
  2. Seek medical attention: Get evaluated immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
  3. Exchange information: Collect the driver’s name, license plate, and insurance details.
  4. Document the scene: Take photos of your injuries, the vehicles, and the surrounding area.
  5. Gather witnesses: Get names and contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
  6. Be cautious with insurers: Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters.
  7. Keep records: Save all medical bills, reports, and accident-related expenses.
  8. Speak with a lawyer: Consult a pedestrian accident lawyer in Chicago before accepting any settlement.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents 

Understanding how and why pedestrian crashes happen can help you make sense of your own situation and decide what to do next. In a dense city like Chicago, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians constantly share space near intersections, alleys, and transit hubs. When someone in a vehicle is careless or ignores the rules of the road, the person on foot is usually the one who suffers the most serious harm.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Speeding
  • Fatigues driving
  • Failure to yield

When we review a case, we look beyond the police report to consider these conditions to pursue the maximum compensation you're entitled to.

Liability & Compensation for Pedestrians

Liability in pedestrian accidents often depends on whether a driver failed to yield, made an unsafe turn, or was distracted, especially in crosswalks, intersections, or high-traffic areas like parking lots and transit stops. Responsibility can extend beyond the driver to employers, vehicle owners, or other parties, and multiple parties may share fault depending on the circumstances.

Under Illinois comparative fault rules, an injured pedestrian may still recover compensation even if partly at fault, but the recovery is reduced by their percentage of responsibility. 

Compensation may include: 

  • Medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Lost income
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering

How We Handle Pedestrian Injury Cases In Chicago

When you contact our firm after a pedestrian accident in Chicago, we start by understanding what happened, how you were injured, and how your life has been affected. From there, we build and manage your case step by step, from investigation through resolution.

Our team does the following and more:

  • Understand how the crash happened and identify who may be at fault.
  • Review police reports, medical records, and other available evidence.
  • Evaluate insurance coverage and potential sources of recovery.
  • Document your injuries and how they affect work and daily life.
  • Handle communication and negotiation with insurance companies.
  • Prepare the case for settlement discussions or litigation if needed.
  • Explain fees clearly, typically on a contingency basis (no upfront attorney fees).

Throughout this process, we keep you informed about what to expect at each stage, whether that involves answering written questions from an insurer or preparing for a court appearance. Our goal is to remove as much uncertainty as we can so that you understand why certain documents are requested or why particular decisions about negotiation or filing suit are being made. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Really Need a Lawyer After Being Hit?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but many injured pedestrians find it helpful. A lawyer can explain your rights, handle insurance communications, and evaluate settlement offers. Our firm uses nearly 30 years of injury experience to help you understand whether legal representation may improve your situation.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire Your Firm?

Personal injury matters are commonly handled on a contingency fee basis, which typically means no upfront attorney fees. Instead, fees are usually paid from a recovery if one is obtained. We explain our fee structure in detail at your consultation so you can decide comfortably whether to move forward.

How Long Will My Pedestrian Accident Case Take?

Timelines vary based on medical treatment, disputed liability, and how insurers respond. Some claims resolve in a matter of months, while others take longer, especially when injuries are still being evaluated. We discuss likely timing with you and keep you updated as your case moves forward.

What if The Driver’s Insurer Is Blaming Me?

Insurers sometimes argue that pedestrians share fault to reduce what they pay. We review the facts, including traffic signals, crosswalks, and witness accounts, and apply Illinois comparative fault rules. Our attorneys are accustomed to challenging efforts to shift blame unfairly onto injured pedestrians.

Talk To Us About Your Pedestrian Accident in Chicago

Life after a pedestrian accident can involve medical visits, pain, and constant uncertainty about the future. You do not have to sort through legal questions alone. As a pedestrian accident lawyer serving people in Chicago, we work to provide clear guidance and focused advocacy so you can move forward.

Call (312) 487-2513 now to get experienced legal guidance after a pedestrian crash in Chicago and take the next step toward protecting your claim.

Clients Share Their Stories

We're Always Looking Out For Our Community
    Attorney Joseph Leonard and his team were a pleasure to work with.
    “Attorney Joseph Leonard and his team were a pleasure to work with. They were highly professional and excellent communicators. They were also extremely knowledgeable about my case. I wouldn't hesitate to refer him to others.”
    - Robert C.
    Most definitely awesome
    “I've used Leonard Law Group several times and each time they've fulfilled their promises to help me get the best results in every way not only that when I have questions or concerns Leonard Law Group does not hesitate to contact me whether email or a phone call to answer my questions. The customer service is most definitely awesome. I highly recommend Leonard Law Group. Thank you Joseph Leonard”
    - Robert P.
    Went above and beyond
    “Mr. Leonard and his staff went above and beyond what I was expecting! I’m very grateful for all that Mr. Leonard did for me. Thank you!”
    - Red
    Thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart for what you did for me.
    “I've been thinking how fortunate, blessed, I am to have an attorney like you. You're a great attorney and I'm glad that you're MY attorney!”
    - Robert B.
    Leonard Law is a must if you are injured on the job!
    “Thank you Leonard Law (Joe) for all that you do. I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you.”
    - Joe LiCavoli
    Made everything easy
    “It was a pleasure working with Joe Brancky. He made everything easy and the process was pretty quick but obviously that depends on your situation. If I ever need legal help in the future I'll definitely be contacting him and telling friends/family if they need it as well.”
    - Marco M.
    Expertise, kindness, and hard work
    “I grateful that I found Leonard Law Group. Joseph was there in my time of need and helped me navigate my worker's compensation case. In addition, he referred me to specialists that helped me recover from my injuries. I’m pleased with the experience and outcome of my case. I want to thank Joseph, Maria, and the team at Leonard Law Group for their expertise, kindness, and hard work.”
    - Jesus B.
    Great
    “John was Great. It was great to finally meet him in person. Totally not what I expected In a great way! This law firm hasn't let me down yet. Keep up the good work!”
    - Kaye C.
    Always there to answer any questions
    “Joe Brancky was wonderful! He was always there to answer any questions we had and was able to help us with any concerns. Thank you!”
    - Heather S.