Anyone who is struck by a vehicle while walking down a highway shoulder is likely to receive severe, possibly lifelong, injuries. In these cases, medical treatment and rehab costs can mount very quickly, and it’s important to understand what damages may be available for the pedestrian to recover.
Can you recover damages if you were on a shoulder when you were hit? The answer is often yes, but whether this is true of your case depends on the circumstances of the wreck. A Barrington, IL personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and what your case might be worth in 2026.
Is It Legal To Walk on a Highway Shoulder in Illinois?
Walking on a highway shoulder isn’t automatically illegal in Illinois. The rules depend on the type of road and the availability of sidewalks. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1007, pedestrians are required to walk on sidewalks where they’re available. When there’s no sidewalk, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road or shoulder, facing oncoming traffic, as far away as possible from the lanes. Pedestrians do not have the right of way on highway shoulders.