Chicago is a vibrant city that attracts tourists from all over the world. With its bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and world-class museums and attractions, it’s easy to see why so many people flock to the Windy City. Unfortunately, with all of this activity comes the risk of accidents, especially for pedestrians who are hit by cars.
When a pedestrian is hit by a car in Chicago, the consequences can be devastating. In addition to physical injuries, victims may also face emotional trauma, financial hardship, and other challenges that can impact their lives for years to come. That’s why it’s so important for victims to understand their legal rights and options.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car while walking in Chicago, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. Here’s what you need to know about personal injury lawsuits for pedestrians hit by cars in Chicago.
Your lawyer will need to prove negligence on the part of the driver
The first step in pursuing a personal injury lawsuit after a pedestrian-car accident is to establish negligence. In other words, you must prove that the driver of the car was at fault for the accident. There are many factors that can contribute to pedestrian-car accidents, including driver distraction, speeding, failure to yield, and more. It’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your case, including witness statements, police reports, and any available video footage.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal system and build a strong case for negligence. Your attorney can help you gather evidence, interview witnesses, and develop a legal strategy that is tailored to your specific situation.
You may be able to receive compensation for multiple types of damage
If you are successful in establishing negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages. The specific damages that you can recover will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries, as well as other factors such as lost income, medical bills, and more.
One of the main damages pursued in personal injury lawsuits is medical expenses, which includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and other treatments. You may be able to pursue damages for other items and procedures as well, such as personal medical equipment and physical therapy.
If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or reduced earning capacity. Your personal injury attorney will carefully examine the facts of the case and use expert witnesses to determine how much your injury has impacted your earning potential, and they will present this information as well.
A unique component of personal injury lawsuits is that you are able to claim damages for pain and suffering, which is the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. If you suffer from chronic pain, depression, anxiety, or PTSD from the accident, you can have this estimated as a monetary sum. This element would also include mental health treatments you have undergone to alleviate your symptoms, like talk therapy or psychiatric interventions.
You may also be able to recoup losses of material items that were damaged during the accident. For example, if your phone was broken during the collision, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement.
Working with an attorney who has experience handling pedestrian-car accident cases can help you maximize your potential recovery and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
You only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit
It’s important to note that there is a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Illinois; this means that you have a limited amount of time to file your lawsuit after the accident occurs. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the accident.
If you fail to file your lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses. That’s why it’s important to work with an attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your lawsuit is filed in a timely manner.
The right attorney will make all the difference when achieving justice for your injury
When it comes to personal injury lawsuits, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. You want to work with a Chicago personal injury attorney who has experience handling pedestrian-car accident cases, as well as a track record of success in achieving favorable outcomes for clients. If you choose an attorney with great experience and a world-class research team, you have great odds for receiving the justice – and compensation – you deserve for this tragic accident.
