Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Chicago
Experienced Trial Attorneys. Maximum Recovery. No Fees Unless We Win
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in Chicago, you need an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer on your side. At Lloyd Miller Law Group, our attorneys fight for maximum compensation to cover your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, and you pay nothing unless we win.
You were just taking a stroll, heading to work, walking your dog, or picking up your kids from school. In a split second, a careless driver changed everything. Now you’re facing mounting medical bills, time off work, and a long road to recovery.
At Lloyd Miller Law Group, we understand that pedestrian accidents are different. Unlike other vehicle crashes, you had zero protection when that car struck you. The injuries are often severe, the insurance battles are fierce, and the financial pressure is overwhelming.
You don’t have to face the medical bills, lost wages, and insurance battles alone. Our Chicago pedestrian accident lawyers will fight to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you need to move forward.
Why Hire Us?
- Over 25 years of trial-tested legal experience
- Millions recovered for injured victims in Chicago and throughout Illinois
- Local attorneys who know Chicago’s accident hotspots and court systems
Call Lloyd Miller Law Group now at 773-838-8100 Your consultation is free.
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What It’s Really Like for Pedestrians in Chicago
Chicago streets weren’t designed with pedestrians in mind. Congested rush hour traffic, constant construction zones, and drivers who treat yellow lights as optional create a perfect storm for serious accidents. In an instant, an ordinary walk to work, school, or the store can turn into a life-altering event because a driver was distracted instead of focused on the road.
We Know What You're Going Through
The moment after impact, everything changes. The sirens, the hospital, the questions from police officers while you’re still in shock. Then comes the insurance adjuster, calling while you’re still recovering, asking you to give a recorded statement or sign papers you don’t understand.
This is when you need someone in your corner who understands the unique challenges pedestrian accident victims face. We’ve walked this path with countless clients, and we know the tricks insurance companies use to minimize what they pay you.
When you hire Lloyd Miller Law Group to handle your case, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the crash, including witness interviews and traffic camera footage
- Identify all responsible parties, from negligent drivers to third parties who contributed to unsafe conditions
- Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies so you don’t have to
- Take your case to trial if necessary to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve
Call 773-838-8100 for your free consultation. No fees unless we win.
Kurt D. Lloyd is a plaintiff’s trial lawyer who focuses on medical malpractice and other catastrophic injury cases. He lives in Chicago and represents injured clients throughout Illinois. He is also the founder of Lloyd Miller Law, Ltd.
Illinois Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions: Illinois State Bar
How Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Chicago
Most pedestrian accidents aren’t about “pedestrian error.” They’re about drivers who behave like the rules don’t apply to them. Whether it’s rushing through intersections, ignoring crosswalks, or failing to yield, these collisions are rarely “unavoidable.” Our attorneys investigate every detail to expose the truth about how reckless driver behavior puts pedestrians at risk.
When Pedestrians Get Hit: Driver Behaviors That Cause Accidents
- Right-hook turns: Drivers making right turns often fail to look for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Left-turn collisions: Motorists focused on oncoming traffic ignore pedestrians who are crossing with the walk signal.
- Crosswalk invasions: Cars roll past stop lines, hitting unsuspecting pedestrians.
- Speeding in school zones: Drivers disregard reduced speed limits near schools, endangering children and parents.
- Parking lot negligence: Drivers back up without looking or speed through areas where families are walking.
- Construction zone confusion: Poor signage and unsafe detours leave pedestrians vulnerable to distracted drivers.
We investigate every angle because the real story often contradicts what the police report says.
Chicago’s Most Dangerous Streets for Walkers
Living in Chicago means navigating streets that prioritize cars over people. Based on our case experience and city accident data, certain areas are especially dangerous for pedestrians.
Where We See the Most Serious Injuries
- Downtown Loop during rush hour: Commuters rushing to catch trains create chaos at every intersection. Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive intersections are especially treacherous.
- Lincoln Park Zoo area on weekends: Families with children face heavy traffic from drivers unfamiliar with the neighborhood, leading to serious accidents near the zoo entrance.
- Wicker Park nightlife district: Weekend nights bring intoxicated drivers to Milwaukee Avenue, Division Street, and North Avenue—areas packed with pedestrians bar-hopping.
- University of Illinois at Chicago campus: College students walking to class face constant danger from drivers cutting through campus streets and ignoring pedestrian right-of-way.
- Chinatown during festivals: Cultural events draw huge crowds, but many drivers remain aggressive and impatient around large groups of pedestrians.
- South Side commercial strips: Stretches like 79th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue have wide lanes that encourage speeding, making it deadly for pedestrians crossing.
- O’Hare and Midway airport areas: Tired travelers and ride-share drivers create unpredictable traffic patterns in areas where airport workers walk to public transportation.
What Your Pedestrian Accident Injuries Really Cost
Insurance adjusters focus on your initial hospital bill. They don’t factor in the ongoing expenses, or consider that pedestrian accident injuries change how you live, work, and enjoy life.
The Hidden Costs Insurers Don't Want to Pay
Adaptive equipment and home modifications: If your injuries affect your mobility, you might need wheelchair ramps, bathroom modifications, or specialized equipment.
Career limitations: A traumatic brain injury might end your career as a teacher. Leg injuries could prevent you from working in construction. Lost earning potential over a lifetime can exceed a million dollars.
Family impact: When you can’t coach your kid’s soccer team, help with household tasks, or maintain intimate relationships due to your injuries, your whole family suffers.
Psychological trauma: Many pedestrian accident survivors develop anxiety about crossing streets, driving, or even leaving their homes. Mental health treatment is expensive and ongoing.
Future medical complications: What looks like a “minor” injury today could require multiple surgeries, joint replacements, or pain management for decades.
We work with economists, vocational experts, and medical specialists to calculate what your pedestrian accident lawsuit is really worth—not what the insurance company wants to pay.
The Insurance Company Playbook Against Injured Pedestrians
Insurance companies have one playbook for pedestrian accidents: blame the victim. We’ve heard it all, and we know exactly how to respond.
“You weren’t in the crosswalk”: Even when you were legally crossing, they’ll claim you were jaywalking. We investigate with traffic engineers and accident reconstruction experts to prove where you were when the car hit you.
“You were wearing dark clothing”: They’ll blame your clothing choice for the accident, ignoring the fact that drivers have headlights and should be paying attention regardless.
“You could have avoided it”: They’ll argue you should have seen the car coming and jumped out of the way, as if pedestrians are expected to be stunt performers.
“Your injuries are pre-existing”: They’ll dig through your medical history, looking for any prior injury or condition they can blame instead of their driver’s negligence.
Quick settlement pressure: They’ll offer a few thousand dollars while you’re still in the hospital, hoping you’ll sign before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
We’ve seen every trick in their playbook. When you hire us, these tactics stop working.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Pedestrian Accident Claims
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies pay more when they know your lawyer isn’t afraid of a courtroom. Our trial experience gives us negotiating power.
How long will my pedestrian accident case take?
Simple cases with clear liability can resolve in 6–12 months. Complex cases with severe injuries or disputed fault may take 1–3 years. We don’t rush your case. We wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement so we can demand full compensation.
What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
You may still have options through your own auto insurance (uninsured motorist coverage), the driver’s assets, or other parties who might be responsible. Don’t assume you’re out of luck. Call us to explore all possibilities.
How much do you charge?
Nothing unless we win. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay zero attorney fees unless we recover money for you. We also advance all case costs, so you’re never out of pocket for expert witnesses, investigations, or court fees.
The driver's insurance company called me. Should I talk to them?
Never give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without an attorney present. They’re trained to get you to say things that will hurt your case later. Let us handle all communication with insurance companies.
I was hit while jaywalking. Can I still recover compensation?
Illinois law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Walking outside a crosswalk doesn’t automatically bar your claim.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
Pedestrian accident settlements often exceed other types of personal injury claims because the injuries tend to be more severe. The value depends on your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impact on your life.
I don't have health insurance. How will I get medical treatment?
We work with doctors who treat patients on a lien basis, meaning they’ll provide treatment now and get paid when your case settles. You shouldn’t delay necessary medical care because of insurance concerns.
Don’t let a careless driver destroy your future. Call Lloyd Miller Law Group at 773-838-8100 for a free consultation. We’ll fight to get you every dollar you deserve.