Rockford, IL Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Newland and Newland were very attentive and transparent with my case. They were readily available and cared for my well being after my accident. They really have the best interest of their clients.

Pedestrians have virtually no protection when they are struck by a car, truck, or other motor vehicle. The human body will absorb the full force of the collision, and the injuries that the person may suffer can be catastrophic. These accidents are often caused by drivers who act negligently and fail to protect the safety of pedestrians. To ensure that an injured pedestrian can make a full recovery, they may take steps to hold a driver responsible for injuring them in a collision.

When a serious injury has occurred in a pedestrian accident in Rockford, the team at Newland & Newland, LLP can provide the victim with legal help. We will investigate the causes of an accident, gather evidence to support a claim, handle communications with insurance companies on behalf of our client, and work tirelessly to obtain the full compensation a victim deserves.

Injuries Pedestrians May Suffer When Struck by Vehicles

When a pedestrian is hit by a car that is traveling even a few miles per hour, the consequences can be devastating. With no seatbelt, airbag, or steel frame to absorb the impact, a pedestrian may experience multiple types of injuries, including:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries can occur when a person is struck by a vehicle, hits the hood or windshield of the car, or is thrown to the ground. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result in long-term or permanent impairments, and issues such as memory, concentration, speech processing, vision, hearing, motor functions, and emotional regulation may be affected.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The violent forces involved in a pedestrian collision can fracture the vertebrae in the spine and damage the spinal cord. In cases where a person's back is broken or nerve damage occurs, the result may be paralysis. People living with spinal cord injuries face extensive medical expenses, and ongoing personal care may be needed. They may also need to make extensive modifications to their homes and vehicles to accommodate their needs.

Fractures

Broken bones are common in pedestrian accidents. The legs, hips, arms, ribs, and collarbones may fracture upon impact with a vehicle or the ground. Compound fractures and crush injuries can occur in a collision or if a person is run over by a vehicle. Some fractures may never fully heal, and a victim may experience chronic pain and reduced mobility for the rest of their life.

Internal Injuries

The force of a vehicle impact can rupture or damage internal organs, including the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal injuries can be especially dangerous, because they may not be immediately obvious, and a victim may not realize the seriousness of their condition until issues like internal bleeding put their life at risk.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Severe muscle tears, ligament damage, and other soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain and ongoing mobility issues that can last long after a pedestrian accident. These injuries may affect a person's ability to work and carry out daily activities.

Burns and Road Rash Injuries

When a pedestrian is dragged along the road after being struck by a vehicle, the friction can cause severe damage to their skin and underlying tissues. In accidents involving fires or gasoline spills, burn injuries may also occur. Road rash and burn injuries may require skin grafts, and they can lead to serious infections or permanent scarring.

Wrongful Death

When a pedestrian accident results in a person's death, the lives of their family members may be devastated. The families of victims who have been killed in pedestrian accidents may be able to recover compensation for a wrongful death, and this compensation may address funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, emotional distress, and other damages.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen

The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence. Drivers may be held responsible for the injuries that occur when they fail to protect the safety of pedestrians. Our attorneys can help victims address negligence that led to injuries, including:

Distracted Driving

When a driver is looking at their phone, adjusting their radio, eating, or doing anything else that prevents them from fully paying attention to the road, they may fail to notice a pedestrian until it is too late. Even a small lapse of attention by a driver can have serious or fatal consequences for a pedestrian.

Speeding

When drivers travel too fast, including by violating speed limits or by failing to slow down during rainy or snowy weather, they may not have enough time to react to pedestrians or other hazards. Speeding in areas with heavy foot traffic can be especially dangerous.

Failure to Yield at Crosswalks and Intersections

Drivers are legally required to yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road. If a driver focuses on a traffic signal without paying attention to pedestrians, makes a turn without checking for people in a crosswalk, or rolls through a stop sign or red light without stopping, they may strike and injure a pedestrian.

DUI

When a person is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their ability to see and respond to pedestrians will be limited. They may experience blurred vision, and they will take longer to react to hazards. Their coordination and bodily control will also be affected. All of these issues can combine to cause pedestrian accidents in which drunk drivers fail to slow down or avoid a collision.

Failure to See Pedestrians in Low-Light Conditions

Many pedestrian accidents occur at dawn, dusk, or after dark. During these hours of the day, visibility is lower, and drivers may not notice pedestrians. Poor street lighting in certain areas of Rockford can increase the risks of pedestrian accidents.

Backing Up Without Looking

Drivers who back out of driveways, parking spaces, or loading areas without looking for pedestrians can cause accidents and injuries. Children and people with disabilities are at a higher risk of being injured in backup accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Rockford

Contact Our Rockford Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

A pedestrian accident can change your life in an instant. The physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our attorneys can help you address these issues and obtain compensation that will address all of the ways you have been affected. Contact our Rockford, IL pedestrian accident injury lawyers at 847-797-8000 and schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.