Most pedestrian accidents occur near crosswalks and intersections in Chicago. Studies conducted by the City of Chicago and the Illinois Department of Transportation consistently show that a large percentage of pedestrian injuries happen while people are lawfully crossing with a walk signal.
These collisions frequently involve turning vehicles that fail to yield, placing pedestrians at risk even when they are following traffic laws. Despite legislative changes, enforcement efforts, and safety technology, pedestrian injuries continue to occur in locations specifically designed to facilitate safe crossing.
Pedestrians struck in or near crosswalks may have strong legal protections under Illinois law, particularly when a driver fails to yield while turning. Lloyd Miller Law Group regularly represents pedestrians injured at Chicago intersections and understands how these crashes are evaluated under Illinois law. Call us at 773-838-8100.
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Most Chicago Pedestrian Accidents Happen at Intersections
Traffic data collected over multiple years shows that approximately 80% of pedestrian-vehicle crashes in Chicago occur at intersections or within close proximity, generally defined as within about 100 to 125 feet. These incidents commonly involve pedestrians who are crossing with the right of way.
Chicago has averaged roughly 3,000 reported pedestrian crashes per year, resulting in thousands of injuries. While safety initiatives have reduced certain types of collisions, intersection-related pedestrian accidents remain persistent, particularly in dense urban areas with high vehicle and foot traffic.
Intersections create multiple points of conflict, including left-turn and right-turn movements, where drivers may focus on vehicle traffic rather than people in the crosswalk.
Crosswalks and Turning Vehicles Are a Common Factor
A recurring factor in many pedestrian injury cases is a driver’s failure to yield while making a turn. Right-turn-on-red maneuvers, left turns across oncoming traffic, and hurried movements through intersections all contribute to pedestrian risk.
Common contributing factors include:
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Reduced visibility due to weather, lighting, or obstructions
- Complex or poorly designed intersections
Even at marked crosswalks with pedestrian signals, these factors increase the likelihood of a serious collision.
Illinois Law Requires Drivers to Yield to Pedestrians
Illinois law is clear regarding pedestrian right of way. Drivers are required to yield and stop for pedestrians who are within a crosswalk, whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked at an intersection. This obligation applies when pedestrians are crossing with the appropriate signal or otherwise lawfully within the roadway.
Violations of this duty can result in traffic citations and may establish liability in a personal injury claim if a pedestrian is struck. However, despite these legal requirements, pedestrian accidents continue to occur, highlighting the gap between traffic law and real-world driver behavior.
Enforcement and Safety Measures in Chicago
In response to ongoing pedestrian safety concerns, Chicago has implemented a variety of enforcement and infrastructure measures. These include increased police enforcement at high-injury intersections, automated red-light and speed enforcement, improved crosswalk markings, and pedestrian-focused signal timing.
The city has also identified “high-injury networks,” which are corridors where a disproportionate number of serious traffic injuries occur. While these measures have contributed to safety improvements in certain areas, pedestrian crashes at intersections remain a continuing concern across the city.
Age Groups Commonly Affected in Pedestrian Crashes
Crash data from Safe Kids Worldwide has consistently shown that teenagers and young adults represent a significant portion of injured pedestrians. In 2021:
- Approximately 385 children ages 0–19 were fatally injured as pedestrians
- 9,257 children and adolescents ages 0–19 were nonfatally injured as pedestrians
in motor vehicle crashes.
School zones, transit corridors, and busy commercial streets are common locations for these incidents.
Older adults also face heightened risk due to slower walking speeds and increased vulnerability to injury. When pedestrian accidents occur, the resulting injuries are often severe, including fractures, head injuries, and long-term mobility issues.
Legal Rights After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrians injured in Chicago accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. Illinois follows a comparative negligence system, meaning an injured pedestrian may still recover damages even if partial fault is alleged.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize claims by arguing that a pedestrian was inattentive or failed to use proper care. These arguments make it important for injured pedestrians to understand their rights and seek experienced legal representation.
How Lloyd Miller Law Group Represents Injured Pedestrians
Lloyd Miller Law Group in Chicago has over 75 years of collective legal experience representing pedestrians injured in traffic accidents. Our attorneys understand how pedestrian crashes occur, how traffic laws apply, and how to investigate intersection-related collisions.
Our approach includes reviewing police reports, traffic signal data, surveillance footage, and medical records to build strong claims on behalf of our clients. We work to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue full compensation for the harm caused.
Staying Alert as a Pedestrian in Chicago
Pedestrian safety remains a shared responsibility. While drivers have a legal obligation to yield, pedestrians should continue to follow traffic signals, remain alert at intersections, and be mindful of turning vehicles. Awareness and caution are important, particularly in high-traffic areas.
When drivers fail to follow the law, injured pedestrians deserve strong legal advocacy.
Speak With a Chicago Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you or a family member suffered injuries while walking in Chicago, Lloyd Miller Law Group can help you understand your legal options. Our firm is committed to protecting pedestrian rights and pursuing accountability when traffic laws are violated. Call 773-838-8100 for a free consultation.
