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Peoria Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you were hit by a car while walking in or around Peoria, you know how fast life can change. One moment you’re crossing the street near the Riverfront, and the next you’re in the back of an ambulance with injuries that could take months to heal. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we understand what pedestrian accident victims go through, and we want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Whether your accident happened near downtown Peoria, along a busy stretch of Route 29, or anywhere in the Chicago metro area, you have legal rights worth protecting.
Table of Contents
- Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois: A Growing Problem
- Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents Near Peoria and Chicago
- Illinois Laws That Protect Pedestrian Accident Victims
- What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
- What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Peoria or the Chicago Area
- FAQs About Peoria Pedestrian Accident Claims
Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois: A Growing Problem
Pedestrian accidents are not slowing down in Illinois. The numbers from the Illinois Department of Transportation make that clear. Pedestrians account for 18.4% of all traffic fatalities in Illinois, representing an 11.3% increase from 2023 to 2024. That is a troubling rise, especially for people in cities like Peoria and Chicago who rely on sidewalks, crosswalks, and public transit every single day.
These crashes represent real people who were walking to work, crossing at a light, or stepping off a bus when a driver failed to pay attention.
Think about the busy intersections near the Peoria Civic Center, or the crosswalks along Main Street in the Arts District. Pedestrians use those areas every day. When a driver is distracted, speeding, or impaired, the person on foot pays the price. The total estimated cost of crashes in Illinois for 2024 was $8.3 billion, and each fatality was estimated to cost $2,009,575. Behind every one of those numbers is a family whose life was upended.
If you or someone you love was injured while walking, you should not have to bear those costs alone. Illinois law gives pedestrian accident victims the right to pursue compensation from the driver or other parties responsible. As a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer firm with years of experience handling these cases, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is ready to fight for you.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents Near Peoria and Chicago
Most pedestrian accidents are preventable. They happen because a driver made a bad choice, or because road conditions put walkers at risk. Understanding what causes these crashes can help you build a stronger legal case.
Distracted driving is one of the biggest culprits. A driver who is looking at a phone, adjusting the radio, or eating behind the wheel may not see a pedestrian until it is too late. The Illinois Department of Transportation has identified distracted driving as a primary cause of many traffic crashes due to its impact on reaction times and driver awareness.
Speed is another major factor. Research shows that the faster a car is going, the less likely a pedestrian is to survive a collision. You can read more about how car speeds and pedestrian deaths are connected on our website. The data is alarming, and it is exactly why drivers have a legal duty to obey posted speed limits, especially in busy urban areas.
Other common causes include:
- Failure to yield at crosswalks
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
- Poor lighting at night, especially in residential neighborhoods
- Dangerous road design, such as wide intersections with long crossing distances
Many urban areas lack proper pedestrian infrastructure, such as well-lit crosswalks, pedestrian islands, and sufficient sidewalks. Higher vehicle speeds increase the likelihood of fatal pedestrian crashes, as drivers have less reaction time and the force of impact is greater. When those factors combine, the results can be devastating.
If any of these causes played a role in your accident, a Peoria pedestrian accident lawyer can help you identify who is responsible and what your case may be worth.
Illinois Laws That Protect Pedestrian Accident Victims
Illinois has strong laws in place to protect people injured in pedestrian accidents. Knowing those laws can make a real difference in your case.
First, Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. This law says that you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. If you were found to be 20% at fault, your award would be reduced by 20%. The key cutoff is that you must be 50% or less at fault to recover anything. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation. This is why it matters to work with an attorney who can build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Second, Illinois law under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117 addresses joint and several liability. When multiple parties share fault for your injuries, all defendants found liable are jointly and severally responsible for your past and future medical expenses. Any defendant whose fault is 25% or greater is jointly and severally liable for all other damages, too. This matters in pedestrian cases where, for example, both a driver and a municipality may share responsibility for a dangerous intersection.
Third, you need to act quickly. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, personal injury claims in Illinois must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Miss that deadline, and you could lose your right to compensation entirely. Do not wait to speak with a lawyer.
If a pedestrian accident results in death, the family may have a claim under Illinois’s Wrongful Death Act, 740 ILCS 180/1. This law allows surviving family members to pursue damages when a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence. Punitive damages may also be available in certain cases. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can evaluate your situation and help you understand all of your options.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
After a pedestrian accident, your focus should be on healing. But medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses pile up fast. That is why pursuing a personal injury claim is so important. Illinois law allows injured pedestrians to recover a wide range of damages.
Economic damages cover your financial losses. These include:
- Past and future medical bills, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
- Lost wages if your injuries kept you from working
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries are permanent
- Out-of-pocket costs related to your accident and recovery
Non-economic damages cover the human side of your losses. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life all fall into this category. If your injuries changed the way you live, that matters under Illinois law.
An incapacitating injury in Illinois was estimated to cost $171,925 in 2024. That figure does not even account for long-term care, ongoing therapy, or the emotional toll an accident takes on a family. When you factor in everything, the true cost of a pedestrian accident is often much higher.
The amount you can recover depends on the facts of your case, the severity of your injuries, and how fault is allocated. Illinois’s joint and several liability rules under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117 can work in your favor when multiple defendants share responsibility. A skilled Chicago personal injury lawyer at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg will work to maximize your recovery and make sure no stone is left unturned.
Our firm serves clients across Illinois, including those who need a Belleville personal injury lawyer or representation in other communities throughout the state. No matter where your accident happened, we can help.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Peoria or the Chicago Area
The steps you take right after a pedestrian accident can shape the outcome of your entire case. Here is what you should do.
Call 911 immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting a police report creates an official record of the accident. That report can be critical evidence later. Do not leave the scene before officers arrive.
Get medical attention right away. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, do not show obvious symptoms at first. Seeing a doctor right away protects your health and documents your injuries for your claim.
Gather evidence if you are able. Take photos of the scene, the vehicle, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions. Get the driver’s name, insurance information, and license plate number. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
Do not give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurance company without speaking to a lawyer first. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg as soon as possible. Time matters in these cases. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can forget details, and the two-year statute of limitations under 735 ILCS 5/13-202 will not wait. Our team can begin investigating your case right away, preserve important evidence, and handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
We also handle related cases across Illinois. If you were involved in a cycling accident, our Buffalo Grove bike accident lawyer team is ready to assist. And if your accident involved medical negligence in your treatment afterward, our Belleville medical malpractice lawyer team can help with that side of your case too.
FAQs About Peoria Pedestrian Accident Claims
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Illinois?
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to recover any compensation. There are some limited exceptions, but you should not count on them. Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg as soon as possible after your accident so you do not risk missing this critical deadline.
What if I was partially at fault for the pedestrian accident?
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. You can still recover compensation as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you would recover $80,000. An attorney can help gather evidence to minimize the fault attributed to you and protect your recovery.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if a family member was killed in a pedestrian accident?
Yes. Under Illinois’s Wrongful Death Act, 740 ILCS 180/1, surviving family members can bring a claim when a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence. The law allows for recovery of damages, and in some cases, punitive damages may also be available. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help your family understand your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve during this difficult time.
Who can be held responsible for a pedestrian accident?
Liability in a pedestrian accident is not always limited to the driver. Depending on the circumstances, other parties may also share fault. These can include a vehicle owner, an employer if the driver was working at the time, a government entity responsible for maintaining a dangerous road or crosswalk, or even a property owner whose premises contributed to the hazard. Illinois’s joint and several liability rules under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117 mean that all responsible parties can be held accountable for your medical expenses and other damages.
How much does it cost to hire Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for a pedestrian accident case?
Briskman Briskman & Greenberg handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our goal is to make quality legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. You can contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your options with no obligation.
More Resources About Vehicle Injuries
- Dangerous Roads & Intersections in Peoria
- Peoria Bicycle Accident Lawyer
- Peoria Car Accident Lawyer
- Peoria Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
- Peoria Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
- Peoria Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
- Peoria Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Peoria Truck Accident Attorney
- Peoria Uber Accident Lawyer
- Peoria Lyft Accident Lawyer
- Peoria Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
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