Tinley Park Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love was hit by a car while walking in Tinley Park, you already know how fast life can change. One moment you are crossing Oak Park Avenue near the Metra station or walking through the Centennial Park area, and the next you are facing hospital bills, lost wages, and a long road to recovery. Pedestrian accidents are serious, and the injuries they cause can be life-altering. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is a Chicago personal injury lawyer team that has helped injured people across the Chicagoland area fight for the compensation they deserve. If you were hurt in Tinley Park, you have rights, and you should know what they are.

Table of Contents

• Pedestrian Accidents Are a Growing Problem in the Chicago Suburbs
• Illinois Law and Your Rights as an Injured Pedestrian
• Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Tinley Park
• What Damages Can You Recover After a Tinley Park Pedestrian Accident?
• What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Tinley Park
• FAQs About Tinley Park Pedestrian Accident Claims

Pedestrian Accidents Are a Growing Problem in the Chicago Suburbs

Tinley Park sits at the crossroads of some of the busiest roads in the south suburbs. Interstate 80 cuts right through the village, and Harlem Avenue (Illinois Route 43) runs north to south through the heart of the community. These are high-speed, high-volume corridors where pedestrian accidents happen more than most people realize. Add in busy commercial strips along 159th Street and the foot traffic near the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre and the Tinley Park Convention Center, and you have a community where walkers face real risks every day.

The numbers back this up. 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 across Illinois, a 9.5% increase from the 200 fatalities recorded in 2023. The six-county region of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties saw 144 pedestrian fatalities in 2024, up 6.7% from 135 the previous year. Tinley Park sits in Cook County, right in the middle of this troubling trend.

Why are pedestrian deaths climbing? Several factors are at work. Unlike many other types of traffic crashes, pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injury or death. Because pedestrians lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, even low-speed impacts can produce life-altering outcomes. Distracted drivers, speeding on wide suburban roads, and the rise of larger SUVs and pickup trucks all make walking more dangerous. Understanding the connection between car speeds and pedestrian deaths is an important part of building a strong injury claim. If you were hurt in Tinley Park, the team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg wants to hear from you.

Illinois Law and Your Rights as an Injured Pedestrian

Illinois law gives pedestrians the right to pursue compensation when a driver’s negligence causes an accident. But the law is not always simple, and knowing how it applies to your case can make a real difference in what you recover. Here is what you need to know about the key legal rules that affect pedestrian accident claims in Illinois.

First, Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. This means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything at all. Insurance companies know this rule well, and they often try to shift blame onto the pedestrian to reduce what they pay. That is why having an attorney in your corner matters.

Second, under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117, when multiple parties are responsible for your injuries, all defendants found liable are jointly and severally liable for your past and future medical and medically related expenses. Any defendant whose fault is 25% or greater is also jointly and severally liable for all other damages. This matters in cases where, for example, both a driver and a property owner share responsibility for the accident.

Third, you have a limited window to file your claim. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, personal injury claims in Illinois must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Missing that deadline almost always means losing your right to recover. Do not wait. Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg as soon as possible after your accident so your case can be preserved.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Tinley Park

Pedestrian accidents in Tinley Park happen for many of the same reasons they happen across the Chicago metro area. Knowing the common causes can help you understand who may be responsible for your injuries and what evidence will be important in your case.

Distracted driving is one of the biggest problems. A driver glancing at a phone for even a few seconds can miss a pedestrian stepping off a curb at 167th Street or crossing at a busy intersection near the Odyssey Fun World area. Despite public awareness campaigns, hands-free laws, and penalties, distracted driving remains rampant. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022, and pedestrians are often the collateral damage.

Speeding is another major factor, especially on wide, multi-lane roads like 159th Street and Oak Park Avenue. When a driver is going too fast, they have less time to react, and the force of the impact on a pedestrian is far greater. The Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg understands how to use speed and impact evidence to prove liability.

Failure to yield is also a common issue. Illinois law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, marked or unmarked. Drivers turning at intersections must yield to pedestrians crossing the street. Violations of these rules are a direct form of negligence. Other causes include drunk driving, poor lighting on roadways near the Tinley Park Metra station, and dangerous road conditions that property owners or municipalities fail to address. In some cases, the Illinois Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130) may apply if a property owner’s failure to maintain safe conditions contributed to the accident.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Tinley Park Pedestrian Accident?

When a driver’s negligence injures you, Illinois law allows you to pursue compensation for the full range of losses you have suffered. These losses fall into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages cover your measurable financial losses. These include medical expenses, both past and future, such as emergency room care, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications. They also include lost wages if you missed work during your recovery, and loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job. After a serious pedestrian accident near a busy Tinley Park corridor like Harlem Avenue, these costs can be substantial.

Non-economic damages cover losses that are harder to put a dollar figure on, but are just as real. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact of permanent disability or disfigurement all fall into this category. Illinois law does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, which means you may be entitled to significant compensation beyond just your medical bills.

In cases where a pedestrian is killed, the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/1) allows the surviving family to pursue a claim. The law states that whenever death is caused by a wrongful act, neglect, or default, the responsible party shall be liable to an action for damages, including punitive damages when applicable. If you lost a loved one in a Tinley Park pedestrian accident, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help your family understand your options. Our firm also serves clients in other parts of Illinois, including those who may need a Belleville personal injury lawyer or a Belleville medical malpractice lawyer.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Tinley Park

The steps you take right after a pedestrian accident can have a big impact on your ability to recover compensation. Here is what you should do if you or someone you love is hit by a vehicle in Tinley Park.

Call 911 immediately. A police report creates an official record of the accident. It documents the location, the parties involved, witness information, and any initial findings about fault. This report will be one of the first things an insurance company or attorney reviews. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, get medical attention right away. Some serious injuries, including internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries, do not show obvious symptoms immediately.

If you are able to do so safely, gather evidence at the scene. Take photos of the vehicle, the road, crosswalk markings, traffic signals, skid marks, and your injuries. Get the driver’s name, insurance information, and license plate number. Ask any witnesses for their contact information. If the accident happened near a business along 159th Street or Oak Park Avenue, there may be surveillance camera footage that could support your claim.

Report the accident to your own insurance company, but be careful about what you say to the other driver’s insurer. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and anything you say can be used to reduce your claim. Before you give a recorded statement to anyone, talk to an attorney. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg offers free consultations and can advise you on how to protect your rights from day one. We also help clients across the Chicago area, including those who need a Buffalo Grove bike accident lawyer for similar types of vulnerable road user cases.

FAQs About Tinley Park Pedestrian Accident Claims

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

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois, under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. If you miss this deadline, you generally lose your right to recover compensation entirely. There are some limited exceptions, such as cases involving minors, but you should not count on an exception applying to your situation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to make sure your claim is protected.

What if the driver says I was jaywalking or not in a crosswalk?

Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. Your total award would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. An attorney can help gather evidence to show the driver’s negligence and push back against attempts to shift blame onto you.

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

Yes. Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/1), the surviving family of a pedestrian who was killed due to someone else’s negligence can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of claim can seek compensation for the family’s grief, loss of companionship, lost financial support, and funeral and burial expenses. The same two-year statute of limitations generally applies, so it is important to act quickly and speak with an attorney about your options.

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

Illinois law requires all drivers to carry auto insurance, but not every driver follows the law. If the driver who hit you is uninsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it. You may also have options if the driver was underinsured and their policy limits are not enough to cover your losses. An attorney can review all available sources of compensation, including claims against property owners or other third parties who may share responsibility for the accident.

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 are no upfront costs and no out-of-pocket expenses to get started. You can contact us for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case, learn about your rights, and find out what options are available to you. We are here to help you every step of the way.

More Resources About Vehicle Injuries

• Dangerous Roads & Intersections in Tinley Park
• Tinley Park Bicycle Accident Lawyer
• Tinley Park Car Accident Lawyer
• Tinley Park Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
• Tinley Park Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
• Tinley Park Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
• Tinley Park Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Tinley Park Truck Accident Attorney
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• Tinley Park Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer