Hit by a Car? You Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you have been hit by a car while you were walking this is called a pedestrian accident. Pedestrians have the right of way much of the time when they are walking, and cars are required to stop for them to cross roads or to give them room when walking. However, many times cars fail to do that, and pedestrians are injured or even killed.

If you have been injured by a car while you were on foot or if you have had a loved one killed by a car while they were walking, riding a skateboard of otherwise travelling you might have a case that deserves top lawyer attention.

First, let us discuss how Illinois defines a pedestrian. Our state calls anyone that is walking, riding a skateboard, scooter, roller skates, roller blades or any other type of non-motorized conveyance, except for bicycles. Also defined as pedestrians are those with a disability that are wheelchair or automated chair bound. Illinois is one of the toughest states on pedestrian safety and the fines can be very severe. Of course, in return, a pedestrian that is injured by a car may end up with a very large compensation amount in a lawsuit. Contact the best pedestrian accident lawyer in Illinois you can find to assist you with any recent accident.

What Can I Do If I Was Hit By a Car as a Pedestrian?

Some of the pedestrian safety laws in Illinois include requiring that a vehicle stop for pedestrians that are waiting, whether or not there is a crosswalk at the intersection that is clearly marked. Also, cars should come to a stop when other cars are parked at a crosswalk to make sure that there is not a pedestrian coming around the car that is going to be hit by yours. Illinois law states that vehicles must give the right of way to pedestrians and to exercise all due care. This may be open to interpretation but it is clear that cars should be watching out for pedestrians on the road.

Of course, pedestrians still need to respect drivers. For instance, pedestrians cannot walk out into a crosswalk or run out when cars are too close to stop. Pedestrians should wait for their walk signal if they are at a traffic signal and cars should stop for pedestrians if it is their turn to cross. On an unmarked crosswalk cars are still required to stop, but pedestrians should wait until traffic has thinned and they can cross safely. They also have the responsibility to not stop in the crosswalk and block traffic from proceeding for any longer than necessary.

Even if the pedestrian follows these rules there are still many cases when the driver simply does not respect the pedestrians right to cross, and in fact, there have been more than a few reported cases where drivers actually sped up when seeing a pedestrian cross the road, as if the person on foot had no right to be on the roadway at all. If a situation like this has occurred or if you have been in an accident with a car as a pedestrian or had a loved one die from such you should contact an accident attorney for that particular matters for a consultation.

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Drunk Driving Accident Case

Unfortunately, approximately 29 Americans die every day from automobile crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver, which equals a single passing nearly every hour.

Being involved in a drunk driving car crash in Illinois can cause catastrophic injuries or death.  When you can not work because of your injuries, it is unlikely you have income to rely on.  When pricey medical bills keep piling up, it may be tempting to attempt and settle a claim for reimbursement on your own.

Howevera wise insurance adjuster for your negligent driver will most likely attempt to deny or reduce your claim.  Since fighting this is not something most people have the experience to manage, you need the abilities of motor vehicle accident attorney to fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Can A Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Help You?

• Research Your Injury Claim

Even in the event that you think that the drunk driver's accountability is clear cut, then his insurance provider could dispute this.  An attorney will conduct a thorough evaluation of your injury to demonstrate the other driver's negligence.  This may include seeing the wreck scene, collecting videos and pictures, reviewing the police report, along with other crucial areas of your case. For FREE Consultation visit drunk driving accident lawyer Illinois.

• Obtain Evidence of this Driver's Intoxication

In order to receive payment for your injuries, you must demonstrate that the motorist was drunk, and that this is the cause of your accident.  Your attorney can get the result of his blood test or other tests employed by the authorities to quantify his blood alcohol content.

• Interview witnesses

Interview witnesses who have no stake on your claim and that corroborate how your crash occurred are strong assets for your claim.

• Retain expert witness

Depending on the disputes on your instance, you may need to employ expert witnesses.  An attorney who manages many of these cases will have a network of qualified experts who can help.

• Communicate With the Insurance Provider

A attorney provides an invaluable service by taking over the communications with the insurance carrier.  This can help you avoid making a statement or conclusion that accidentally hurts your situation.

• Worth Your Claim

You are eligible for both previous and future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  An experienced attorney evaluates the situation and decides the worth of your claim, including complex factors such as potential expenses and pain and suffering.

• Negotiate Your Settlement

There are many tactics a insurer representative may utilize to deny or reduce your settlement.  Your legal representative struggles aggressively in your behalf in order to ascertain what you are eligible to get based on the facts of your situation.

• File a Lawsuit

When the insurance carrier fails to be reasonable, you need an attorney to file a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver and also to litigate your claim. 

Top 10 Causes Of Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted Driving Accident is Defined as any activity that diverts a motorist's attention away from driving, distracted driving can take many forms, all of which place others in great danger.

Drivers face many distractions on the road. Distracted drivers risk hitting another car. Additionally, they risk hitting a pedestrian or property. Common causes of Distracted Driving Accidents are:

• Texting while driving accidents
• Personal grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Eating and drinking
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player or MP3 player

Additionally, Here are the other causes of Distracted Driving Accidents

• Smoking-Related Behaviors - 1%

Smoking-related behaviors include smoking, lighting a cigarette and tapping away the ashes. Fewer Americans smoke cigarettes than ever before. But, smoking still contributes to fatal distracted driving crashes.

Smoking and driving is dangerous because it involves taking your hand off the wheel. The process of lighting and smoking a cigarette takes time. Your eyes and attention will be off the road. Also, your hand will be off of the wheel. It will be more difficult to react to situations on the road with a cigarette in your hand.

• Using Device/Controls Integral to Vehicle - 1%

A good example of this would be adjusting your seat or mirrors. If someone else drove your car last, you might have to adjust your seat and mirrors to the proper position. Make sure you do this before you drive, as it is unsafe to do on the road.

• Moving Objects in Vehicle (such as a pet or insect) – 1%

Your first reaction after seeing a bug is probably to swat it away or kill it. Or you might pick it up with a tissue and set it free. But, these things are dangerous to do if you’re driving. In fact, one girl caused a four-car crash that injured 11 people when she tried to kill a spider while driving.

If you see a bug or if your pet is bothering you, pull over when it is safe to do so and address the situation. Even if you’re terrified of bugs, take the time to deal with the spider in a calm manner. This is better than getting into a crash or injuring someone else.

• Reaching for or Using Device Brought into Vehicle – 2%

Reaching for or using a device like a GPS or headphones is dangerous. Even if you’re at a red light, your attention is diverted. Your foot could slip off the brake as you stretch your arm to grab an item in the glove compartment. Make sure these items are easily accessible before driving.

Navigation devices should be set before you start driving. Additionally, headphones are illegal to wear in both ears while driving.

• Adjusting Audio or Climate Controls – 2%

Between annoying commercials and bad songs, you may switch the radio station several times during a car ride. But, adjusting the radio is a distraction.

Combat this distraction by creating a playlist on your phone. Or, you could create a custom CD to play in the car. Additionally, if you have a passenger, give him or her control of the music.

• Eating or Drinking – 2%

It’s hard to resist the french fries you just bought from the fast food drive-thru. But, taking your hand off the wheel to eat or drink is risky. Enjoy your food in the parking lot before continuing on the road. Or, fight the urge and wait until you get to your destination.

If you’re on a long road trip, eat at a rest stop or picnic area. It’s better to be a few minutes behind schedule than try to eat a sandwich while driving. Don’t let hot fries be the cause of your fatal distracted driving crash.

• Other Occupants – 5%

Talking to or looking at other occupants causes a distraction. Passengers in the car can be a distraction. Whether it’s a crying child, noisy adults, or a frantic pet, other occupants can take your focus off driving.

In some cases, it’s helpful to have a person in the passenger seat. This person can control the radio and input directions into the GPS. It also means there’s another set of eyes on the road. But, having a conversation with a passenger can also be distracting. Be sure to stay alert when other occupants are in the car. Your eyes should always stay on the road.

• Looking at Something Outside the Car – 7%

This is commonly referred to as “rubbernecking.” As humans, we’re always curious. But checking out the person jogging or looking at the new stores along the roadside is dangerous. This is the #3 cause of fatal distracted driving crashes. You’re not paying attention to the road ahead of you. Looking away from the road is unsafe.

• Cell Phone Use – 14%

Many states have laws prohibiting texting while driving. This includes PA and NJ. But, 36% of drivers admitted to texting while driving in 2015. 660,000 people admitted to using an electronic device while driving during the day. Texting is dangerous because it takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the task of driving. Find out best attorney for texting while driving accidents in Champaign

Whether you’re texting, talking, or browsing the web, using a cell phone while driving is deadly. Even hands-free devices distract drivers.

• Daydreaming – 62%

Being “lost in thought,” or daydreaming is the #1 reason for distracted driving crashes. It’s easy for your mind to wander, especially during long drives. But when you’re thinking about your upcoming vacation, it takes longer for you to react. Daydreaming takes your attention off the events happening on the road.

Even though your hands are on the wheel and your eyes are on the road, your thoughts are not on driving. Your reaction time will be slower as you take your focus away from the task of driving. A split-second could be the difference between rear-ending a car in front of you and stopping in time. Don’t be the cause of a fatal distracted driving accident. Keep your mind on the road.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Hire A distracted driving accident lawyer who will fight for your rights.

Should I Get an Attorney after a Car Accident?

No one ever plans on being involved in an auto accident, so as it will occur, a lot of men and women are unsure of what to do or who to turn to for assistance.  What should you do immediately following the accident?  When can an attorney help you?  Here Is What you Want to know:

When to Hire an Attorney after a Car Accident?

In central Illinois, Some people aren't certain whether they're in need of an attorney. How can you tell if your situation warrants an lawyer? You should talk with an attorney about your legal options, if the accident involved any kind of injury that required a trip to a doctor. Attorneys may also help in cases. If the police report does not accurately describe the events of the crash, or puts you at fault once you think it was the fault of the other party, a lawyer can help. Fundamentally, if think you're injured in an auto accident because of another person's negligence, it's sensible to get in touch with an lawyer to explore the possibility of filing a personal injury case.

If you opted to start the process off by yourself, but are struggling to come to an arrangement with the insurance company, an attorney can take over and manage the negotiations. But, remember it is in your interests to allow an attorney handle it so you do not accidentally say something to the insurance company that could be misconstrued and used against you later on.

A lawyer can also help when the insurance company is acting in bad faith. An insurance company acts in bad faith when they deny you the coverage you have paid for, refuse to pay the claim before even investigating the issue, fail to cover the claim in a timely manner, or don't supply you with an explanation for why your claim is refused. An attorney can be your ally in the fight for justice.

It's always preferable to hire best lawyer for auto accident in Champaign, IL to go over the accident and determine when you've got the right and if you're in doubt.

Top 10 reasons you’ll want to hire a lawyer to help you protect your rights after a car accident.

• You Need to Know the Laws in Your State
• You Should be aware of All of Your Potential Damages
• You Have A Limited Time to take legal action
• You Might Need to fulfil with Certain Rules
• Your Insurance Company Could Have a Different Agenda
• Proving Your Case Might Be Even More difficult
• Filing a claim Means Sticking to Complex Rules
• Proving Liability Is Complicated
• You Could Be Faced with Financial Loss
• You Need to Understand Settlement Options

The general rule is this: The more serious the injuries, the larger the value of hiring a lawyer. If you were in a minor fender bender with very little or no injury, you can probably negotiate a suitable settlement . You would be doing yourself a disservice to pay a third of a simple -- and guaranteed -- settlement.