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A pedestrian or a person on a bicycle has very little protection against outside impacts and collisions. When a motor vehicle driver is negligent in Arlington Heights, and that negligent conduct result is harm to other people, the driver can be held liable for any damages sustained by the injured person. For assistance following an injury, seek the help of an Arlington Heights pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyer today. En Español.

Pedestrian Accidents in Arlington Heights

In 2017, according to the NHTSA, 5,977 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents. That means that, on average, a pedestrian was killed every 88 minutes. A majority of these injuries also occurred in urban environments, like the Chicagoland area and the Northwest Suburbs. In addition to pedestrian-vehicle accidents, non-vehicle pedestrian accidents also may occur. Most often, these types of injuries are caused by poor property maintenance, including sidewalk or parking lot defects. Whether a person was hit by a car or tripped on a sidewalk, a pedestrian and their Arlington Heights pedestrian accident lawyer can recover damages for his injuries if someone else’s negligence or intentional acts caused the accident.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

There are several common causes of pedestrian accidents that Arlington Heights pedestrian accident attorneys see:

  • A pedestrian walks into traffic mid-block
  • Vehicles turning right or left do not see the pedestrian
  • Pedestrian walking or running in the road
  • A vehicle is backing up in a parking lot
  • Distracted drivers or pedestrian
  • Bus accidents
  • Several lanes of traffic or vehicles where one car does not stop
  • Jaywalking

Children Pedestrian Accidents in Arlington Heights

In 2011, over one-fifth (21%) of all children between the ages of 10 and 15 who were killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians. According to the NHTSA, children age 15 and younger accounted for 6 percent of the pedestrian fatalities in 2011 and 19 percent of all pedestrians injured in traffic crashes. To help reduce this, the NHTSA has produced a curriculum for child pedestrian safety. Below are several of the tips:

  • Be prepared for walking by wearing bright clothes, reflective gear, and lights if walking at night.
  • Plan a safe route with less traffic and slower speeds
  • Although children cannot drive yet, they should become educated in the rules of the road.
  • Walk on sidewalks or against traffic if there is no sidewalk
  • Watch for cars backing up and expect that drivers may not see you
  • Do not be distracted – no texting, listening to music, or watching a video on your phone

Arlington Heights Bicycle Accidents

During much of the year, people enjoy bike rides with their family or utilize bikes to exercise. A bicycle accident can occur whether you’re on the streets commuting to work, enjoying a Saturday afternoon at Busse Woods or Lake Arlington. Bike accident injuries can be costly due to a bicyclist’s limited protection against outside impacts. Often, bicycle accidents result in head, neck, and spinal cord injuries.

Illinois is fifth in the nation for bicycle deaths. According to the Spotlight on Highway Safety: Bicyclist Safety report, the number of bicyclist deaths is rising. The total increased 16 percent from 2010 to 2012. “In that time, Illinois reported 80 bicyclist fatalities: 24 in 2010, 27 in 2011 and 29 in 2012. California topped the list with 338 fatalities over the three-year span, while Florida came in a close second with 329 deaths. The numbers are based on the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and were reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.”
However, safety precautions need to be taken to reduce the likelihood of serious injuries.

  • Make sure your bike is equipped for safety and working properly.
  • Every bike should have the required reflectors.
  • Check the brakes often to see that they are working.
  • The seat and handlebars should be securely attached and properly adjusted.
  • Wearing a helmet may prevent you from being seriously injured in an accident.
  • Keep both hands on the handlebars.
  • Use a backpack or a bike carrier to hold your books, lunch or other items.
  • Ride slower on wet streets, loose gravel or bumpy roads.
  • Ride single file. Do not ride next to each other if possible.
  • Always ride one to a bike. Your bike is harder to balance with another person on it, and a passenger may block your view of what’s around you.
  • Ride as close to the right edge of the road as practical. Certain conditions allow a bicyclist to move farther to the left if necessary, such as broken glass, drain grates, parked cars, left turns and passing.
  • Ride in the same direction as other traffic, not against traffic.
  • Slow down at intersections and railroad crossings to ensure it is safe to cross.
  • Avoid riding at night. If you must ride in the dark, the law requires that your bike have a front light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet and a rear red reflector visible for up to 600 feet.
  • Always wear white and/or reflective clothing when riding at night.

At Fault for a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident

When a driver hits a pedestrian or bicyclist, the first question that goes through anyone’s head is who is at fault? Generally, fault is determined by the law of negligence. A person who fails to exercise a reasonable standard of care under the circumstances may be considered “negligent.” But even if you contributed to a pedestrian or bicycle accident in Illinois, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries.

In Illinois, comparative fault applies to pedestrian accidents. This means that the pedestrian’s percentage of apportioned fault is figured into any recovery. However, under comparative fault law of Illinois, the pedestrian must be less than 50% at fault in order to recover. If a pedestrian or bicyclist is deemed to be more than 50% responsible for causing an incident, they are barred from any recovery.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident in Arlington Heights

After an accident, it is important to document what happened:

  • Write down as much as you can about the accident itself
  • Write down any injuries or other losses (such as wages) you’ve suffered
  • Note the names of any people you talked with that were involved with the accident
  • Take photographs
  • Locate people who witnessed the accident and who might be able to help you prove your case;
  • Notify anyone about your intention to file a claim for your injuries, and
  • Contact a personal injury attorney to evaluate and pursue your claim.

Reach out to an Arlington Heights Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

The Arlington Heights pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyers represent clients who have suffered personal injuries from bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and will represent the family of a cyclist or pedestrian killed in a roadway accident as a result of the reckless or negligent conduct of another person. Please contact us with any questions.

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