Bolingbrook, IL Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Top-Rated Injury Attorneys for Walkers and Joggers in Bolingbrook, Illinois

Pedestrian accidents in Bolingbrook, Illinois, are a serious local concern. As one of Will County’s largest villages, Bolingbrook’s mix of busy arterial roads, shopping districts, residential neighborhoods, and nearby interstate corridors creates many locations where pedestrians and vehicles interact. When collisions occur, the consequences can be severe, especially for children, seniors, and people struck in high-speed areas. The path from injury to recovery often requires careful evidence preservation, medical documentation, and experienced legal advocacy.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we are proud to represent victims and families who have suffered serious injuries in pedestrian accidents throughout Bolingbrook and Will County. With offices conveniently located in the Chicagoland area, our firm has earned a strong reputation for helping clients recover full and fair compensation after being struck by negligent drivers. Our team of top-rated Bolingbrook pedestrian accident lawyers understands how devastating pedestrian crashes can be, from catastrophic injuries and overwhelming medical bills to long-term emotional trauma. Led by attorney John J. Malm, our firm brings decades of experience and proven results in handling pedestrian injury and wrongful death claims. When a pedestrian is injured by a careless or distracted driver, our attorneys act quickly to investigate the crash, identify all responsible parties, and fight to ensure our clients receive justice under Illinois law.

“Pedestrian collisions can change lives in an instant. In Bolingbrook we see crashes that occur on busy arterials and devastating driveway strikes close to home. We urge victims and families to preserve evidence, document medical treatment, and consult experienced counsel early so they don’t forfeit crucial rights.” — John J. Malm, Bolingbrook injury lawyer

How Big is the Problem of Pedestrian Accidents?

Nationwide and in Illinois, pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries attracted renewed attention after pandemic-era travel patterns changed exposure and crash dynamics. National groups such as the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and state agencies documented elevated pedestrian deaths in recent years, even as overall traffic patterns shifted. GHSA’s nationwide projections show that pedestrian deaths remain well above pre-pandemic levels, and state-level reporting has mirrored that concerning trend.

Illinois’ official crash reports make clear the scale of traffic harm.  In 2023, there were 3 pedestrian accidents in Bolingbrook, resulting in 1 fatality and 2 serious injuries. This was a decrease from 2022, which saw 8 pedestrian accidents, resulting in 1 fatality and 7 injuries.

Where and Why Pedestrian Crashes Happen in Bolingbrook

Several features of Bolingbrook’s road network and land use help explain where pedestrian incidents commonly occur:

• Arterial corridors and shopping areas. Roads such as Boughton Road, Route 53 (N. Bolingbrook Drive), and parts of Weber Road carry high vehicle volumes and frequent pedestrian crossings for retail, schools, and transit stops. Intersections and mid-block crossings near shopping centers are common conflict points.
• Residential driveways and neighborhood streets. Tragic pedestrian incidents sometimes happen close to home, including driveway back-over crashes that can injure children and seniors. Recent local reporting of a 2-year-old fatally struck while a vehicle was backing from a driveway in Bolingbrook illustrates this risk and the importance of vigilance in residential settings.
• Interstate proximity and high-speed frontage roads. Bolingbrook sits near I-55 and other regional routes; high-speed traffic on frontage roads and ramps creates severe outcomes when pedestrians enter the roadway or when vehicles leave the shoulder.
• Visibility and lighting issues. Poorly lit crossings, reduced winter daylight hours, and weather conditions (rain, snow, sleet) reduce driver reaction time and contribute to collisions during low-visibility periods.

Who is Most at Risk of Serious Injuries in Bolingbrook Pedestrian Accidents

Certain groups are disproportionately represented in pedestrian-injury statistics:

• Children and older adults. Young children and seniors are physiologically more vulnerable to severe injury when struck, and children are often injured close to home (driveways, residential streets). The recent Bolingbrook child fatality underscores this risk in residential settings.
• People walking near commercial corridors. Shoppers, transit users, and employees who cross busy arterials for access to stores or bus stops face elevated risk at poorly marked crossings.
• Nighttime pedestrians and those impaired by alcohol or substances. Reduced visibility and impairment increase vulnerability and raise the severity of outcomes. Statewide reports note higher fatality rates during nighttime hours.

Typical Injuries in Bolingbrook Pedestrian Crashes

Pedestrian collisions often produce severe and long-lasting injuries because pedestrians lack the protective structure of a vehicle. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): including concussions and more severe brain trauma from head impact with a vehicle, pavement, or roadside structures.
• Spinal injuries and paralysis: damage to the spinal cord from high-force impacts or secondary crushing injuries.
• Multiple fractures: arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs are commonly fractured when a vehicle hits a pedestrian and often require surgery, fixation devices, and long rehabilitation.
• Internal organ injuries and internal bleeding: blunt trauma can cause life-threatening internal damage necessitating emergency surgery.
• Soft-tissue injuries and chronic pain: including whiplash, ligament tears, and injuries that produce long-term disability and medical needs.

Because pedestrian victims frequently require emergency care, hospitalization, and extended rehabilitation, medical bills and lost earning capacity can escalate quickly, making early medical documentation and legal advice essential.

What Causes Most Pedestrian Crashes in Bolingbrook?

The causes of pedestrian accidents in Bolingbrook reflect a combination of driver behavior, roadway design, and situational factors:

• Driver inattention or distraction. Phone use, infotainment, and other distractions reduce scanning for pedestrians.
• Speeding and unsafe passing. Higher vehicle speed increases stopping distance and the severity of injury on impact.
• Failure to yield at crosswalks and intersections. Drivers sometimes fail to recognize marked or unmarked pedestrian crossings, particularly at mid-block locations.
• Backing/driveway incidents. Short-range visibility limitations and inattentive drivers cause many residential pedestrian strikes, including back-over incidents.
• Alcohol or impairment (drivers or pedestrians). Impairment increases crash likelihood and complicates liability assessments.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident in Bolingbrook?

Liability depends on the facts, but potential defendants include:

• The striking driver: for negligent driving (speeding, inattention, failure to yield).
• Property owners or residents: in driveway back-over cases, where unsafe design or negligent behavior contributed.
• Municipalities or agencies: in limited circumstances where deficient roadway design, signage, or lighting that the municipality failed to remedy contributed to the crash (government claims involve special notice and shortened deadlines).
• Commercial entities or employers: if a delivery driver or company vehicle was involved, and the employer’s policies or negligence contributed.

Comparative fault rules in Illinois mean a victim’s recovery can be reduced by any share of fault attributed to the pedestrian. This makes objective evidence (camera footage, eyewitnesses) particularly valuable.

Steps Victims Should Take After a Pedestrian Crash in Bolingbrook, Illinois

Gathering evidence quickly preserves the best chance of proving fault and recovering compensation. After a pedestrian accident, victims should:

• Get medical care immediately: document injuries and treatment; medical records are the cornerstone of injury claims.
• Call the police and obtain a crash report: official reports often include statements, citations, and crash diagrams.
• Photograph the scene: take pictures of vehicle positions, crosswalk markings, lighting, skid marks, and vehicle damage.
• Collect witness contact information and any video evidence (nearby businesses, doorbell cameras, dashcams).
• Preserve electronic evidence: phone records, surveillance footage, and, if involved, vehicle event data recorder (EDR) information.
• Avoid detailed recorded statements to insurers without counsel: insurers may use early statements to limit liability.
• Contact a Bolingbrook personal injury attorney experienced in pedestrian crash cases to preserve time-sensitive evidence and investigate liability.

Frequently Asked Questions about pedestrian accidents in Bolingbrook

Q: Who pays my medical bills after a pedestrian is hit?
A: Initially, emergency and hospital bills are handled by your providers or health insurance. For recovery, you may seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s auto insurer, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if applicable), or other responsible parties, depending on the circumstances. An attorney can help identify all potential sources.

Q: Can I sue a municipality for poor crosswalk lighting?
A: Possibly, but suing a government entity involves special notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines. Consult a lawyer quickly so notice deadlines and preservation steps aren’t missed.

Q: What if the driver fled the scene?
A: If it’s a hit-and-run, file a police report immediately. Uninsured motorist coverage on your policy may provide recovery if the driver is not found; law enforcement efforts and camera footage may help identify the vehicle.

Q: How long do I have to bring a claim?
A: Illinois statutes of limitations generally limit personal injury suits to two years from the date of injury (with exceptions). Claims against municipalities or certain state entities may have different timing rules.

Contact the Trusted Bolingbrook Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

Pedestrian accidents in Bolingbrook can change a person’s life in seconds, but with the right legal team on your side, you can rebuild and move forward. At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to protecting the rights of pedestrians who have been seriously injured or lost loved ones due to negligent drivers. Our Bolingbrook pedestrian accident attorneys have extensive experience handling complex pedestrian accident claims throughout Will County, and we know how to hold insurance companies accountable when they try to minimize or deny compensation.

If you or someone you love was injured while walking in Bolingbrook, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to secure the maximum recovery you deserve. Call us today. Your recovery starts with a conversation.