A pedestrian accident can be the most dangerous type of accident. Since the victim is not in a vehicle, they have minimal protection from the car hitting them. This often results in severe injuries or even death.
Chicago’s traffic situation means there is a lot of traffic in most parts of the city during the day. Because of this, there is a relatively high chance of being struck by a vehicle. In 2009, there were more than 3,000 pedestrian accidents with serious injuries or deaths in Chicago [1].
Unfortunately, the number of accidents remains high, as the number of car accidents and pedestrian accidents in Chicago stays relatively high despite government efforts to reduce them. Read on to learn more about pedestrian accidents in Chicago, the most dangerous intersections, the most common causes, and what to do if you are involved in a Chicago pedestrian accident.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Chicago
1.9% of accident victims in Chicago traffic accidents are pedestrians and bicyclists [2]. However, 88% of pedestrians involved in car accidents in Chicago are injured or die because of their injuries. Traffic crashes involving pedestrians can be one of the most dangerous types of accidents.
If you are hit by a car, or a loved one dies from being hit by a car, discuss your case with a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer for help filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Lawyers can also help you deal with the insurance company and ensure you are compensated fairly.
Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Chicago
While traffic issues are common across Chicago, there are areas where pedestrian accidents are unusually high. These areas have high foot traffic and vehicle traffic around popular venues or city areas.
Wrigley Field, for example, creates the conditions for an increase in pedestrian crashes on game days. Here are some of the intersections in Chicago with the highest risk of pedestrian crashes.
Downtown Chicago
Downtown Chicago is a busy area with plenty of places where it is less safe to be a pedestrian. Some of these places include:
Six-Way Intersections
Many of the intersections in Chicago are six-way intersections where three roads meet. The crossings are either short or significantly longer, making it hard to cross in time. It also makes it hard for cars to navigate through the streets and see pedestrians at certain angles. Some of these intersections include:
- N. Milwaukee Ave/W. North Ave/N. Damen Ave
- N. Halsted St/N. Lincoln Ave/W. Fullerton Ave
- N. Elston Ave/N. Western Ave/W. Diversey Ave
Wide Intersections
Since Chicago continues to expand roadways, some intersections are very wide. Some intersections are six or seven lanes long, making them difficult to cross. Sometimes, the combination of small sidewalks and tall buildings can cast shadows that make it hard to see pedestrians. Some of these intersections include:
- N. Cicero Ave and W. Chicago Ave
- S. Cottage Grove Ave and E. 79th St
- S. Ashland Ave and W. 63rd St
- N. Cicero Ave and W. Madison St
- N. McCormick Blvd and W. Touhy Ave (Skokie)
- S. Cicero Ave and W. Cermak Rd (Cicero)
- N. Harlem Ave and Madison St (Forest Park/Oak Park)
- E. 147th St and Halsted St (Harvey)
- Harlem Ave and 79th St (Burbank)
- Shermer Rd and W. Dempster St (Morton Grove)
Overhead Obstructions
Some intersections have significant obstructions, such as overhead highways or overhead trains. These obstructions make it harder to see through the intersection due to shadows or pillars that block your view. Some of these intersections include:
- N. Ashland Ave and W. Cortland St
- S. Martin Luther King Dr and E. 63rd St
Strange Crosswalk Designs
In a few places, the sidewalks and crosswalks are unconventionally designed. This can make it difficult for drivers to navigate through the crosswalk or understand where pedestrians may come from. An example of this can be found at:
- Harms Rd & Glenview Rd
Common Pedestrian Accident Scenarios
Traffic accidents involving pedestrians usually happen under the same conditions. High foot traffic alongside heavy vehicle traffic and limited space for pedestrians contribute to increased accidents in specific areas. These are some of the scenarios where people are at risk of being in traffic accidents with pedestrians.
Pedestrian Accidents Involving Tourists
Many pedestrian injuries result from traffic accidents involving tourists. They may not be familiar with the area and walk into a situation that can quickly lead to an accident. The risk of pedestrians being involved in accidents is higher in certain areas.
For example, the convention center has many people visiting from out of town, and traffic patterns can quickly change from calm to congested. Many pedestrian injuries happen in places like Michigan Avenue and around Wrigley Field since they have high foot traffic every day.
Tourists are not likely to be as familiar with Chicago’s traffic laws and patterns as they should be. Not knowing how to navigate Chicago traffic successfully may be one of the leading reasons why tourists are involved in so many accidents.
Regional Weather Patterns and Their Impact
Chicago’s weather conditions, especially harsh winter weather, contribute to pedestrian accidents. Snow, sleet, and ice can make roads and walkways slippery, affecting vehicle control, as vehicles may not be able to stop in time.
Winter conditions can also impair visibility, making it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. Some types of winter clothing may reduce a pedestrian’s availability to see well. Very cold conditions may encourage some riskier behaviors, such as jaywalking, so that walkers can get inside and away from the cold sooner.
Accidents at Crosswalks
Unfortunately, many pedestrian accidents happen at crosswalks, where pedestrians are supposed to be safe. Drivers who are distracted or fail to observe traffic signals can easily hit a pedestrian. In other cases, drivers may swerve to avoid collisions with other vehicles and accidentally strike a pedestrian while missing another car.
Parallel Parking Related Accidents
Parallel parking along the street is very common in many downtown Chicago area locations. Sometimes, parallel parking can cause pedestrian accidents, especially in busy areas with many pedestrians and vehicles within the same space. The most common cause of pedestrian accidents while parallel parking is when vehicles enter or exit parking spots.
Parking Lot Accidents
While the most dangerous intersections account for many Chicago car accidents, many accidents occur in parking lots at various venues, such as grocery stores and office spaces. People can often be in a rush before or after shopping or going to work and are more likely to be distracted or tired.
When the accident scene takes place at a business, there are premises liability concerns. Did the property design, lighting, or signage play a role in the accident? If so, holding the business accountable in a premises liability case might be possible.
Prevention Tips
The number of car accidents in Chicago has slowly declined since 2019 [3]. Due to the vehicles’ low speeds, many of these accidents only cause property damage. Staying vigilant about looking out for pedestrians and defensive driving can help reduce the number of pedestrian accidents in Chicago.
Tips for Drivers
There are specific behaviors drivers can adopt to prevent pedestrian accidents from happening in the first place. These include:
- Refraining from distracted driving, such as responding to text messages or eating while driving, as these can reduce your reaction time and make it less likely you will see a pedestrian in your path.
- Check your rearview and side mirrors often instead of relying solely on your car’s safety technology to detect people and objects that may be nearby.
- Adhere to posted speed limits.
- Use turn signals appropriately so pedestrians and other vehicles can anticipate your turns.
It is too easy to forget these simple driving best practices, which are the rules of the road, with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Yet, even taking a few extra seconds to pull over to the side of the road to check a text message or to be extra sure there’s no one next to you can save someone’s life and prevent a pedestrian accident.
Tips for Pedestrians
Many pedestrian accidents cannot be prevented by anything a pedestrian does. The pedestrian wasn’t jaywalking or walking out into oncoming traffic. They were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. However, there are some ways pedestrians can reduce their risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident:
- Stay alert at all times, even when it appears there aren’t any cars nearby.
- Wear bright clothing, especially at night, to ensure drivers can see you easily.
- Always look both ways before crossing the road.
- Use sidewalks whenever possible, as most pedestrian accidents occur on the road and at intersections.
Legal Assistance for Pedestrian Accident Victims
In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, victims have to deal with a lot. There are doctor appointments, mounting medical bills, and the lost ability to work. If your loved one died in a pedestrian accident, you have to deal with grief and their final affairs.
When you work with a personal injury lawyer, you can focus on your family and health while your attorney files your claim, negotiates with insurance companies, and collects evidence. They already understand how to file a claim properly and can assess how much your pedestrian accident case is worth.
The sooner you can hire a personal injury lawyer, the better. You only have two years to file a personal injury claim, and the longer you wait, the more difficult it can be. Some types of evidence, such as surveillance footage from local businesses, can be challenging to obtain after too much time has passed.
Serious Injuries? Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one is seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, contacting a local pedestrian accident lawyer for a consultation is a good idea. During the consultation, you’ll discuss what happened to you and what damages you’ve incurred because of the accident. You will then get advice about what legal options may be available to you.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has extensive experience representing both drivers and pedestrians involved in accidents. We have helped our clients recover millions in damages after serious injury and wrongful death.
Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling toll-free at (888) 424-5757. A member of our legal team is available 24 hours a day to take your call. We work on a contingency fee basis and do not charge anything for our consultations.
Resources: [1] City of Chicago, [2] Safe Roads USA, [3] Safe Roads USA