DeKalb County, IL Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

5-Star Rated Injury Attorneys for People Struck By Cars While Walking

Pedestrian accidents, incidents in which people on foot are struck by motor vehicles, are a serious public safety concern across the United States. While much of the attention on road safety focuses on collisions between vehicles, pedestrians remain some of the most vulnerable users of the transportation system. In DeKalb County, Illinois, pedestrian crashes represent a small share of all traffic collisions but account for a disproportionately high percentage of serious injuries and fatalities.

“Pedestrian accidents are not mere statistics, they are life-altering events that can devastate families in an instant. In DeKalb County and across Illinois, our priority is ensuring that the negligent drivers responsible for these collisions are held accountable and that victims receive the compensation they need for recovery.”— John J. Malm, DeKalb injury attorney

Pedestrian Traffic Safety in DeKalb County

Pedestrian crashes occur in a variety of settings, from busy urban streets and university zones to rural roads and county highways. In DeKalb County, which includes communities like DeKalb, Sycamore, and Cortland, walking is common among residents, students, and visitors. Despite this activity, pedestrians are involved in a relatively small portion of all reported crashes; however, when pedestrians are involved, the injuries are often severe.

A regional transportation safety analysis shows that between 2018 and 2022, pedestrians and bicyclists together were involved in only about 2.1 % of total crashes in DeKalb County, with pedestrians accounting for approximately 1.2 % of total collisions. Yet in that same period, pedestrians represented a much larger share of serious injury and fatal crashes, about 5.7 % of KSI (“killed or serious injury”) crashes, despite their low share of total crashes. This reflects the heightened vulnerability of pedestrians when collisions occur.

Statewide Trends Inform Local Context

Statewide data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) highlights that pedestrian fatalities are a growing concern. While overall fatal vehicle crashes in Illinois declined modestly in recent years, pedestrian-involved fatal crashes have increased. For example:

• In a recent IDOT data release, Illinois saw 219 fatal pedestrian-involved crashes in one year, representing a nearly 10 % increase over the prior year.
• State task force reports show that pedestrian deaths have steadily climbed from about 195 in 2022 to 218 in a subsequent year, even as other traffic fatalities declined.

These statewide trends are critical because DeKalb County’s pedestrian safety profile exists within the larger context of increased pedestrian risk across Illinois.

Local Crash Patterns

Accurate county-specific pedestrian crash data is typically compiled through IDOT reports that break out crashes by severity, type, and location. For 2023, crash data tables indicate that DeKalb County had a small number of pedestrian-involved crashes, with around 1–3 pedestrian crashes reported (including injuries) in that year’s county breakdown. While the absolute numbers are low, this should not diminish the concern for pedestrian safety: one injury or fatality is one too many.

Some additional contextual patterns in DeKalb County and surrounding areas include:

• Serious pedestrian and bicyclist crashes are concentrated in areas with higher walking activity, especially in the city of DeKalb and near Northern Illinois University, due in part to pedestrian density.
• Roadway segments near Lincoln Highway, Annie Glidden Road, Peace Road, and Illinois Route 23 are often identified as high-traffic corridors where vehicle and pedestrian volumes intersect.

These patterns mirror national findings that pedestrian crashes tend to occur where vehicles and foot traffic intersect with inadequate separation, infrastructure, or visibility.

Intersection-Specific Crash Patterns in DeKalb County

High-Crash Intersections Identified by Local Reports

While Illinois Department of Transportation county crash summaries don’t break out every location by intersection, locally reported data shows certain junctions in DeKalb County are recurring hotspots for all types of crashes, which likely include pedestrian risk points due to high traffic volumes and complex crossing demands:

• Route 64 & Peace Road (Sycamore): Reported as the most crash-prone intersection in the county in recent years, with 13 crashes recorded in 2021. Peace Road serves as a major east–west corridor with significant vehicle and local pedestrian activity near residential and commercial areas.
• Peace Road & Barber Greene Road (DeKalb): Also noted as a high-crash location, with 12 crashes in 2022, the most of any intersection in that year.

These locations may not be exclusively pedestrian crashes, but pedestrian interactions with vehicles are more likely at intersections with higher overall crash frequency and busy traffic flows. Improving safety at these intersections (e.g., better crossings, signals, and signage) can reduce the risk to pedestrians.

NIU Area Crossing Points of Concern

Within the NIU and campus area, historical reporting, including decades of student news coverage, highlights specific campus sensory points where pedestrians and vehicles interact:

• Annie Glidden Road & Stadium Drive: A longstanding concern for pedestrian safety, this intersection has been the site of reported pedestrian strikes in past years. Safety improvements like signal installation and pedestrian countdown timers were implemented after previous incidents.
• Normal Road & Lucinda Avenue / NIU Crossings: Campus streets where students commonly cross (especially near dorms and central campus) have been sites for pedestrian hits by turning vehicles, often involving students moving between classroom zones and parking or transit stops.

NIU Pedestrian Traffic Patterns and Campus Context

High Pedestrian Exposure on and Near Campus

Northern Illinois University contributes significant foot traffic exposure in DeKalb, especially given the daily flow of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Even though comprehensive NIU-specific pedestrian count studies aren’t routinely published, there are indications of substantial pedestrian volumes and crossing usage:

• Pedestrian crossing projects near NIU: Construction updates from NIU’s Facilities Management show improved pedestrian crossings (e.g., at Lucinda/Normal intersection) with features like flashing and audible signals.
• Pedestrian detection study at NIU: A research project at NIU’s DeKalb campus used camera data to count pedestrians crossing near academic buildings, capturing millions of pedestrian detection events as part of analyzing crosswalk use and compliance behavior.

Although not publicly summarized as official traffic volume counts, this type of automated analysis demonstrates a very high volume of pedestrians around campus crosswalks.

Common Causes of DeKalb County Pedestrian Accidents

Multiple factors contribute to pedestrian collisions in DeKalb County and across Illinois. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Driver Negligence

• Distracted driving: texting, phone use, and other in-vehicle distractions reduce reaction times.
• Failure to yield at crosswalks or stop signs: drivers sometimes fail to see or yield to pedestrians legally crossing.
• Speeding and aggressive driving: higher speeds increase both crash risk and injury severity.

2. Poor Visibility and Road Design

• Inadequate lighting at night makes it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.
• Lack of sidewalks or crosswalks forces pedestrians to walk in vehicle travel lanes.
• Complex intersections or wide travel lanes can reduce pedestrian safety.

3. Environmental Conditions

• Inclement weather: rain, snow, or fog reduces visibility and traction.
• Rush-hour traffic: increased volumes of vehicles and pedestrians create more interaction and potential conflicts.

4. Pedestrian Behavior

• Improper crossing outside designated crosswalks, jaywalking, or misjudging traffic gaps can increase risk.
• Use of headphones or mobile devices can also contribute to pedestrian inattention.

Consequences of Pedestrian Crashes in DeKalb County, Illinois

Pedestrians lack the protective structure of a vehicle. As a result, even low-speed collisions can cause serious or life-changing injuries. Common outcomes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Fractures and broken bones, especially in the arms and legs
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from direct head impact
• Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis or long-term disability
• Internal organ damage, requiring emergency surgery
• Amputations or permanent impairments

The emotional and financial toll can be profound. Victims may incur significant medical bills, lose wages due to the inability to work, and require ongoing therapy or rehabilitation.

Legal Considerations After a Pedestrian Accident

When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, several legal questions typically arise:

Fault and Liability

To secure compensation, it’s necessary to establish that the driver or another party was legally negligent, meaning they failed to exercise the reasonable care owed to others on the road. Evidence may include:

• Traffic camera footage
• Police crash reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Medical records
• Expert testimony on visibility, road conditions, or vehicle speed

Damages and Compensation

Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Role of Insurance

Illinois requires drivers to carry liability insurance, which can be a source of compensation. However, insurance companies often minimize payouts or dispute claims unless strong evidence supports the victim’s case.

Frequently Asked Questions about DeKalb County, IL Pedestrian Crashes

Q: What counts as a pedestrian accident?

A: A pedestrian accident occurs when a person on foot is struck by a motor vehicle. This includes collisions at intersections, crosswalks, parking lots, and mid-block locations.

Q: Are pedestrian crashes common in DeKalb County?

A: Pedestrian crashes represent a small share of total traffic collisions in DeKalb County (about 1.2 %), but they account for a disproportionate share of serious injuries and fatalities, underscoring their severity when they occur.

Q: Who is most at risk?

A: Vulnerable groups include older adults, children, and people walking in areas without adequate pedestrian infrastructure. Visibility issues at night and driver distraction also increase risk.

Q: Do I need a lawyer after being hit as a pedestrian?

A: If you suffered injuries, legal representation is recommended to secure evidence, negotiate with insurers, and advocate for maximum compensation.

Q: How long do I have to file a claim in Illinois?

A: Illinois has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. It’s important to consult an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.

Contact the DeKalb County, IL Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

Pedestrian accidents in DeKalb County may not dominate the headlines, but their human consequences are no less profound. When a vehicle strikes someone on foot, the results can be devastating: physically, emotionally, and financially. Statistics reveal that even though pedestrians comprise a small percentage of total collisions, they are overrepresented in serious injury and fatal crash counts.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in DeKalb County, you deserve experienced legal advocacy on your side. These cases involve complex evidence, insurance hurdles, and nuanced liability questions. Our DeKalb County injury lawyers are dedicated to investigating every detail, holding negligent parties accountable, and fighting for the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation. Don’t wait; understanding your legal rights and options early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and stand with you through every step of the legal process.