Pedestrian Accident Settlements in Chicago

When someone is hit by a car in Chicago, on Michigan Avenue, a neighborhood side street, or a busy CTA corridor, their life can change instantly. Many of our clients come to us overwhelmed by medical bills, lost income, and the uncertainty that follows a serious crash. As a Chicago-based firm handling pedestrian accident litigation, we help our clients pursue pedestrian accident settlements that account for the full physical, emotional, and financial impact of their injuries.

These crashes often happen when a driver ignores traffic signals, fails to check blind spots, or a rideshare operator veers off course, leaving pedestrians with broken bones, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries. We work to hold negligent drivers, bus operators, delivery companies, and other responsible parties accountable so our clients can recover fair compensation and begin rebuilding their lives.

Settlements Recovered by Our Pedestrian Accident Law Firm in Chicago

As Chicago pedestrian injury attorneys, we’ve represented clients throughout Cook County, from the Loop to Little Village, from Uptown to South Shore. Below are examples of pedestrian accident settlements handled by our firm. Each reflects how an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer evaluates the accident scene, liability, insurance coverage, and the full impact of the injuries sustained to pursue a fair settlement from at-fault parties and their insurance companies.

$3,200,000 Settlement — Blind Pedestrian Hit by Garbage Truck Turning Right

Our client, Marcus, was walking with his cane near a residential intersection on the Northwest Side when a private garbage-collection truck made a fast right turn and struck him. The crash threw him to the pavement, causing severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple fractures, and long-term mobility impairment.

Case-value factors included:

• Failure of the truck driver to yield to a vulnerable pedestrian
• Extensive medical treatment and future medical bills
• Permanent disability and loss of independence
• Witness statements confirming the incident occurred in daylight with clear visibility

$2,800,000 Recovery — Pedestrian Hit by Rideshare Driver Who Veered Onto Sidewalk

Anthony was walking along a stretch of Milwaukee Avenue when a distracted rideshare driver drifted onto the sidewalk. He suffered significant orthopedic injuries, including shattered bones in both legs and spinal cord damage that required months of rehabilitation.

Case-value drivers included:

• Driver negligence and possible mobile-app distraction
• Multiple surgeries and long-term physical therapy
• Loss of earnings and substantial future medical costs
• Severe emotional trauma associated with being struck without warning

$2,250,000 Settlement — Intoxicated Student Struck by Company Van

Jared, a college student, stepped off a curb near his campus when a corporate van going too fast for conditions struck him. He sustained a traumatic brain injury and several broken bones.

Value-increasing factors included:

• Evidence of driver negligence and violation of traffic laws
• Conflicting witness statements requiring substantial investigation
• Long-term cognitive impairment and reduced earning capacity
• Accident-related expenses for ongoing care and supervision

$1,100,000 Settlement — Toddler Wandering Into Street Struck by Driver

A toddler wandered from a family home toward the street in a quiet South Side neighborhood. A passing driver failed to see the child and struck him. The child survived but suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalization.

Value factors included: severe injuries at a young age, long-term developmental concerns, and substantial medical costs.

$667,000 Settlement — Pedestrian Hit Outside Crosswalk by Construction Employee

Luis was crossing a multi-lane roadway in Chicago when a construction company employee driving a personal vehicle hit him. He suffered broken bones, soft-tissue damage, and required months off work.

Value-influencing factors: disputed liability due to crossing outside the crosswalk, employer responsibility for the driver, and lasting orthopedic limitations.

$575,000 Settlement — Child Hit by Car Backing Out of Driveway

A young child in a West Side neighborhood was hit by a car backing out of a narrow alley-style driveway. The child sustained a fractured leg requiring surgery.

Case-value considerations: driver visibility issues, the child’s age and long-term healing needs, and reliable witness accounts supporting driver negligence.

$499,999 Settlement — Delivery Van Ran Stop Sign and Hit Pedestrian

Michael was walking to work when a delivery van ignored a stop sign and struck him in an intersection in Logan Square. He suffered multiple fractures and significant emotional distress.

Value drivers: violation of traffic signals, commercial-vehicle involvement, and extensive medical costs.

$400,000 Settlement — Pedestrian Hit by Van in Crosswalk

Sandra was struck in a marked crosswalk near Hyde Park by a van that failed to yield. She required arthroscopic knee surgery and months of physical therapy.

Factors influencing settlement: clear liability, need for future medical expenses, and pain and suffering associated with mobility impairment.

$395,000 Recovery — Elderly Man Hit Walking on Roadside in Southern Illinois

While walking along the shoulder of a rural road, Harold, an elderly pedestrian, was hit by a passing vehicle. He suffered a fractured collarbone and lasting physical and emotional harm.

Value considerations: vulnerability due to age, major injuries, and the driver’s failure to safely share the roadway.

$250,000 Uninsured Motorist Settlement — Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident

Rebecca was walking to her downtown office when a vehicle sped through a crosswalk and hit her. The driver fled. We pursued her uninsured motorist coverage and secured the full available recovery available for minor injuries.

Value factors: hit-and-run circumstances, significant medical expenses, and lost income during recovery.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Pedestrian Accident in Chicago?

Pedestrian accident settlements in Chicago range widely because every pedestrian accident case involves different injuries, defendants, insurance limits, and long-term consequences. Data from Illinois pedestrian injury cases shows:

• Value range: $5,000 to $20,000,000
• Average payout: $1,767,563
• Median payout: $225,000

Factors that influence settlement amounts include:

• Severity of pedestrian accident injuries (from minor injuries to catastrophic injuries)
• Length of treatment and future medical costs
• Whether TBI, spinal cord injury, or permanent disability occurred
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and emotional trauma
• Extent of accident-related expenses
• Whether the at-fault driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or violating traffic laws
• Availability of insurance coverage
• Strength of eyewitness statements, photographs, and evidence collected at the accident scene
• Whether multiple parties contributed to the crash (e.g., rideshare companies, delivery fleets, commercial trucks)

Because many pedestrian accidents involve more serious injuries, the average settlement can be significantly higher than other types of personal injury claims.

What Types of Pedestrian Accident Compensation Can Victims Recover in Illinois?

When our skilled personal injury lawyers file a pedestrian accident claim, our goal is to help our clients pursue maximum compensation that reflects both economic losses and the human impact of being a pedestrian hit by a car. Illinois law allows injured pedestrians to seek several categories of financial recovery.

Medical Treatment Expenses

Covers emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and all medical bills tied to injuries sustained.

Future Medical Expenses

Applies when long-term treatment, ongoing therapy, medical equipment, or permanent disability care is anticipated.

Lost Wages

Compensation for income lost due to missed work during recovery.

Reduced Earning Capacity

Applies when serious injuries limit long-term job performance or career advancement.

Property Damage

Reimbursement for damaged phones, glasses, mobility devices, or other personal items.

Other Accident-Related Expenses

Includes transportation to appointments, home modifications, and other costs tied to recovery.

Pain and Suffering

Covers physical pain and long-term discomfort.

Emotional Distress

Reflects trauma, anxiety, depression, or PTSD stemming from the crash.

Loss of Normal Life

Compensation for limitations on daily activities, hobbies, or independence.

Scarring or Disfigurement

Applies when injuries cause permanent visible changes.

Physical and Emotional Distress

A broader category addressing ongoing hardship and life disruption.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in some cases where the at-fault driver showed willful and wanton conduct, such as drunk driving, drag racing, or fleeing the scene.

Example Pedestrian Accident Cases Filed in Cook County

Below are brief summaries of substantial Cook County pedestrian injury cases and recoveries:

$20,000,000 — Pedestrian Dragged by City Bus

A pedestrian was struck and dragged by a CTA bus near a downtown intersection, suffering permanent disability after a severe degloving injury and fractures.

$8,800,000 — Man Sustains Traumatic Brain Injury After Bus Strike

A man crossing a Chicago intersection on a green light was hit by a bus, resulting in a TBI, multiple skull fractures, brain surgery, and prolonged hospitalization.

$4,000,000 — Elderly Woman Hit on Sidewalk

An elderly pedestrian walking on the sidewalk was struck by a driver who lost consciousness behind the wheel, causing extensive leg injuries, multiple surgeries, and long-term disfigurement.

FAQs

Can injured pedestrians recover compensation if they are at fault for the accident?

Yes. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116 (Illinois Comparative Negligence Law), injured pedestrians may still recover compensation even if they are partially at fault. Their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if a pedestrian is more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover damages. Many pedestrian-car accidents involve disputed fault, and we work to gather evidence, analyze traffic signals, review eyewitness statements, and reconstruct how the incident occurred to limit unfair blame and secure maximum compensation under the circumstances.

How long do victims have to file a pedestrian injury claim in Illinois?

Time limits depend on the type of case:

• Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202 (Illinois Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury), adults generally have 2 years from the date of the pedestrian accident to file an injury claim.
• Under 735 ILCS 5/13-211, minors usually have until 2 years after their 18th birthday to file.
• Under 740 ILCS 180/ (Wrongful Death Act), families in fatal pedestrian crashes in Illinois generally have 2 years to file a wrongful death claim, though certain exceptions may apply.

How We Can Help You Recover Fair Compensation

As Chicago motor vehicle accident injury attorneys, we understand how devastating a pedestrian injury can be. Whether representing a pedestrian hit by a car, truck driver, bus operator, uninsured driver, or delivery van, our personal injury lawyers provide skilled legal representation rooted in compassion, careful investigation, and deep knowledge of Illinois law.

Our services include:

• Investigating the scene of the accident and gathering evidence
• Interviewing witnesses and obtaining video footage
• Identifying all responsible parties in the pedestrian accident case
• Reviewing at-fault driver’s insurance and uninsured motorist coverage
• Documenting medical expenses, lost wages, and future medical bills
• Consulting experts in biomechanics, life-care planning, and accident reconstruction
• Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
• Filing personal injury claims and litigating when necessary
• Supporting our clients emotionally and legally throughout the process

We handle these matters on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We offer a free consultation, and we are here to help you understand your rights, your options, and what steps can move your recovery forward.