Plainfield Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love was hit by a car while walking in Plainfield or the surrounding Chicago area, you are probably dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and a lot of unanswered questions. Walking should never put your life at risk. But the reality is that pedestrian accidents happen every day in Will County and across the Chicago metro area, and the consequences can be devastating. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we fight for injured pedestrians and their families. We understand what you are going through, and we are here to help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Table of Contents

• Pedestrian Accidents in Plainfield and the Chicago Metro Area
• Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Plainfield
• Illinois Laws That Protect Injured Pedestrians
• What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Plainfield
• Damages You Can Recover After a Plainfield Pedestrian Accident
• FAQs About Plainfield Pedestrian Accident Claims

Pedestrian Accidents in Plainfield and the Chicago Metro Area

Plainfield sits in Will County, just southwest of Chicago along the I-55 corridor. It is a fast-growing community, and with that growth comes more traffic. Busy roads like Route 59, 127th Street, and Caton Farm Road see heavy vehicle traffic daily. These are the same roads where pedestrians cross to reach shopping centers, schools, parks like Settlers’ Park, and the Plainfield Riverwalk. When drivers are not paying attention, the results can be tragic.

The numbers tell a serious story. Pedestrians account for 18.4% of all traffic fatalities in Illinois, representing an 11.3% increase from 2023 to 2024. In 2024, 219 pedestrians lost their lives in crashes statewide, a 9.5% increase from the 200 fatalities recorded in 2023. Plainfield is located in Will County, which is part of the six-county metro region. In the six-county region of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, pedestrian accident fatalities totaled 144 in 2024, a 6.7% increase from 135 in 2023.

What is driving this trend? Several factors are at play. Research has shown that the increasing popularity of larger vehicles, such as SUVs, pickups, and vans, contributes significantly to pedestrian fatalities. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) indicates that vehicles with hood heights greater than 40 inches are approximately 45% more likely to cause pedestrian deaths in crashes than those with shorter hoods. You can learn more about how vehicle speed affects outcomes in our guide on car speeds and pedestrian deaths. Distracted driving is another major cause. Many fatal pedestrian accidents involve a driver who was texting, checking navigation apps, or simply not paying attention at a crucial moment. If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in Plainfield, you need a legal team that takes these cases seriously. Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg today for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Plainfield

Pedestrian accidents rarely happen by chance. Most of them are caused by driver negligence. Understanding what caused your accident matters, because it shapes how your legal claim is built. As your Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg will investigate every detail of what happened to you.

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in the Plainfield area include:

• Distracted driving. Drivers looking at their phones instead of the road are a constant danger. This is especially true at busy intersections near places like the Plainfield Town Center or along Route 59.
• Failure to yield. Drivers sometimes collide with pedestrians if they disregard the right-of-way at intersections, do not stop at a red light, or ignore yield signs and crosswalks.
• Speeding. Higher vehicle speeds increase the likelihood of fatal pedestrian crashes, as drivers have less reaction time and the force of impact is greater.
• Impaired driving. Alcohol and drug use remain significant contributors to traffic accidents, including pedestrian-related incidents.
• Poor lighting and road conditions. About 76% of pedestrian deaths occur at night, according to NHTSA. Poorly lit crosswalks and intersections in Plainfield increase this risk significantly.
• Dangerous road design. Busy suburban corridors with multilane, fast-flowing intersections are problematic at best for pedestrians and cyclists. Several stretches of road in Plainfield fit this description exactly.

No matter what caused your accident, Illinois law gives you the right to pursue compensation when a driver’s negligence is to blame. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence like surveillance footage, police reports, and witness accounts. Call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg now so we can get to work on your case.

Illinois Laws That Protect Injured Pedestrians

Illinois has several important laws that directly affect your pedestrian accident claim. Knowing these laws helps you understand your rights and what to expect from the legal process. Our team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg knows these laws inside and out and uses them to build strong cases for injured clients across the Chicago area, including Plainfield.

One of the most important laws to understand is Illinois’ modified comparative fault rule. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the accident. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything. This is why insurance companies often try to blame the pedestrian. Do not let them shift the blame onto you without a fight.

Illinois also has joint and several liability rules under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117. All defendants found liable are jointly and severally liable for a plaintiff’s past and future medical expenses. This matters when multiple parties share responsibility for your injuries, such as a negligent driver and a municipality that failed to maintain a safe crosswalk.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, any driver involved in a crash resulting in personal injury must immediately stop at the scene and remain there until legal requirements are met. A driver who flees the scene faces serious criminal penalties, including felony charges. If the driver who hit you fled, that is a crime, and it affects your civil case too.

If a loved one was killed in a Plainfield pedestrian accident, Illinois’ Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180) allows surviving family members to file a claim for damages. The law allows recovery of compensation, including punitive damages in appropriate cases, even when the death was caused under circumstances that amount to a felony. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg handles wrongful death claims with compassion and determination. You should not have to face this alone.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Plainfield

The steps you take right after a pedestrian accident can make a real difference in your case. Injuries are the first priority. Get medical help immediately, even if you feel okay at first. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, may not show obvious symptoms right away. After you are safe, here is what you should do to protect your legal rights.

Call 911. A police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any pedestrian accident claim. Make sure law enforcement responds and documents the scene. Under Illinois law, crashes involving personal injury must be reported. Give the officers accurate information, but do not admit fault or speculate about what happened.

Gather evidence. If you are physically able, take photos of the scene, the vehicle that hit you, any skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries. Get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. Collect names and phone numbers from any witnesses who saw what happened.

Seek medical care right away. Even if you do not feel seriously injured, some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time. A gap in medical treatment can be used against you by the insurance company.

Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company. Adjusters may seem friendly, but their job is to minimize the payout. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. Time matters in these cases. Evidence disappears. Witnesses move on. Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so do not wait. Our team is ready to review your case at no cost to you. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Whether your accident happened near the Plainfield Township offices, along Route 30, or anywhere in Will County, we are ready to help.

Damages You Can Recover After a Plainfield Pedestrian Accident

After a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The injuries pedestrians suffer are often severe, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, and internal injuries. These injuries can require months or even years of treatment and may permanently affect your ability to work and enjoy your life. The total estimated cost of crashes in Illinois for 2024 was $8.3 billion. Each fatality was estimated to cost $2,009,575, and an incapacitating injury was estimated to cost $171,925. These figures reflect the real financial burden that crash victims and their families face.

As your Chicago personal injury lawyer, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg will work to recover all available damages on your behalf. This includes:

• Medical expenses, including emergency room care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and future medical costs.
• Lost wages, if your injuries prevented you from working during your recovery.
• Loss of future earning capacity, if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
• Pain and suffering, for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life, if your injuries prevent you from doing activities you once loved.
• Wrongful death damages, if a family member was killed in the accident, including funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

We also handle pedestrian accident cases beyond Plainfield. Our team serves injured clients throughout the Chicago metro area and across Illinois. If you need a Belleville personal injury lawyer or a Belleville medical malpractice lawyer, we are here for you. We also help clients who need a Buffalo Grove bike accident lawyer. No matter where your accident happened, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is ready to fight for you. Call us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

FAQs About Plainfield Pedestrian Accident Claims

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Illinois?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois. If you are filing a wrongful death claim after losing a family member, the same two-year period generally applies from the date of death. Missing this deadline can cost you your right to any compensation, so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

What if I was partially at fault for the pedestrian accident?

You can still recover compensation even if you share some of the blame for the accident. Under Illinois’ modified comparative fault law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000. You are only barred from recovering if you are found more than 50% responsible for the accident. Insurance companies often try to inflate your share of the blame, so having an attorney on your side is critical.

What if the driver who hit me did not have insurance?

This is a real concern, but it does not necessarily mean you are out of options. Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply. Illinois law requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which can help pay for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance. There may also be other liable parties, such as a government entity responsible for a dangerous road condition. An attorney can help you identify every available source of compensation.

Can I file a claim if a family member was killed in a Plainfield pedestrian accident?

Yes. Under Illinois’ Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180), surviving family members have the right to file a lawsuit when a loved one is killed due to someone else’s negligence. This includes compensation for loss of financial support, loss of companionship, grief and sorrow, and funeral expenses. Punitive damages may also be available in some cases. These claims are time-sensitive, so speaking with an attorney quickly is important.

How much does it cost to hire Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for a pedestrian accident case?

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. There is no upfront cost and no out-of-pocket expense to get started. Your initial consultation is completely free. We believe every injured person deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

More Resources About Vehicle Injuries

• Dangerous Roads & Intersections in Plainfield
• Plainfield Bicycle Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Car Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Truck Accident Attorney
• Plainfield Uber Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Lyft Accident Lawyer
• Plainfield Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer