DuPage County Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Top Accident Attorneys for Pedestrians Struck by Cars, Trucks, and Buses in DuPage County

In Illinois, the harsh reality is this: every 48 hours, someone on foot is killed in a crash with a vehicle. Despite safety innovations and public awareness campaigns, pedestrian fatalities continue to rise—and the dangers are especially pronounced in fast-growing suburban areas like DuPage County.

“Pedestrian accidents don’t just injure people — they change lives,” says attorney John J. Malm, founder of John J. Malm & Associates. “We’ve seen clients face traumatic injuries, long-term disability, and emotional loss from what should’ve been a safe walk across the street. Our commitment is to hold negligent drivers accountable and to give victims a voice in the legal system.”

At John J. Malm & Associates, we know the ripple effects these incidents have. A single moment—a distracted turn, a missed stop sign, a speeding driver—can leave a person with life-altering injuries and a family with unanswered questions. We take pedestrian accident cases seriously because we’ve seen firsthand how devastating they can be.

In 2023 alone, 198 pedestrians were killed on Illinois roadways, accounting for nearly 17% of all traffic fatalities. And in DuPage County, where bustling corridors and expanding developments have collided with aging infrastructure, the risks are just as real—if not more so.

The Rising Threat to Pedestrians in DuPage County

With 17,203 total crashes reported in DuPage County in 2023 by the Illinois Department of Transportation, the county’s roads remain among the busiest in Illinois outside of Chicago. Of these, more than 3,900 were injury crashes—and a significant portion involved pedestrians struck by vehicles.

While DuPage does not lead the state in total pedestrian deaths, it consistently records some of the highest numbers of suburban pedestrian injuries. In fact, across the broader six-county region, pedestrian fatalities jumped by 6.7% in 2024, indicating an unsettling trend: walking in suburban Illinois is getting more dangerous.

Where Are Pedestrian Accidents Happening in DuPage County?

You might expect pedestrian crashes to happen only in congested downtowns or big cities, but that’s not the case. In DuPage County, these incidents are often spread across multiple communities and road types, particularly where major arterials intersect with retail or residential corridors.

High-Risk Roads and Intersections in DuPage County:

• Route 59 (Naperville, Aurora, Warrenville)
• Ogden Avenue (U.S. Route 34)
• Butterfield Road (Route 56)
• Roosevelt Road (Route 38)
• 75th Street & 95th Street
• Interstate 88 Interchanges (Naperville, Downers Grove)

These areas aren’t inherently unsafe for walkers—but when road design doesn’t prioritize pedestrian visibility and crossing safety, even a quick trip to a store can turn tragic.

Who’s Most at Risk of DuPage County Pedestrian Accidents and Fatalities?

Pedestrian accidents in DuPage County are influenced by a mix of driver behavior, pedestrian decisions, infrastructure design, and timing.

Age Groups Most at Risk

Pedestrian accidents in DuPage County don’t affect all age groups equally. According to IDOT and NHTSA data, two populations are especially vulnerable: children under the age of 15 and seniors over 65. Children often lack the judgment or experience to safely navigate traffic, especially in residential neighborhoods or near schools. Older adults face increased risk due to slower reaction times, reduced visibility, and the likelihood of sustaining more severe injuries. In fact, pedestrian fatalities among seniors are rising nationwide, as aging populations remain active in their communities. Knowing which groups are most at risk helps inform smarter infrastructure planning and reinforces the need for community-wide awareness.

Time of Day Patterns

Most serious pedestrian crashes occur between 4 p.m. and midnight, according to IDOT data. These hours coincide with a dangerous mix of reduced daylight, increased foot traffic from evening commuters and shoppers, and a rise in fatigued or distracted drivers. Diminished visibility and reliance on artificial lighting also make it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians, especially those wearing dark clothing or crossing mid-block.

Days of the Week Trends

Weekends, especially Saturday evenings, show elevated rates of serious or fatal pedestrian incidents. Alcohol use, social outings, and higher foot traffic all play a role.

Weather and Seasonal Factors

While snowy or icy conditions bring other crash risks, the majority of fatal pedestrian incidents occur in the fall and winter months, largely due to early darkness and poor lighting.

The Human Cost of DuPage County Pedestrian Crashes: Injuries, Trauma, and Lives Changed Forever

Pedestrians have no protection in a crash. That simple fact explains why their injuries are often among the most severe. Common injuries after a DuPage County pedestrian accident include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Pelvic and leg fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Psychological trauma and PTSD

Even pedestrian accident survivors face long roads to recovery, both physically and emotionally. Some will never return to work. Others will fear crossing the street for years to come. In our experience as DuPage County personal injury lawyers, we’ve represented several residents throughout the county who were simply walking their dog or heading home from work when a careless driver turned their life upside down.

Why Are Pedestrian Crashes So Severe in DuPage?

DuPage County has experienced rapid growth in commercial and residential development over the last decade. Unfortunately, many streets were not designed with pedestrians in mind. Instead, they cater to traffic flow, large intersections, and vehicle speed.

Key Contributing Factors to Severe Pedestrian Crashes:

• Large vehicles like SUVs and trucks, which are more likely to cause fatal injuries due to height and weight.
• Distracted driving, particularly texting while behind the wheel.
• Failure to yield, especially at marked or unmarked crosswalks.
• Poor lighting on roadways without pedestrian islands or mid-block crossings.

In many of these collisions, speed is a critical factor. A pedestrian struck at 25 miles-per-hour has a 90% chance of survival; at 40 miles-per-hour, that chance drops below 20%.

Rights, Responsibilities, and Legal Remedies for Injured DuPage County Pedestrians

Under Illinois law, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. That includes:

• School zones
• Intersections with traffic signals
• Mid-block crossings marked by signage

However, pedestrians also have responsibilities. Crossing against signals or outside of designated crosswalks can result in shared fault. But even in those cases, Illinois’ comparative negligence laws may still allow a victim to recover compensation.

Legal claims for pedestrians can include compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Disability or disfigurement
• Loss of normal life

In hit-and-run cases or crashes involving uninsured drivers, victims may be able to bring a claim under their own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy.

Real Cases and Real Results in DuPage County

Our team at John J. Malm & Associates represented an elderly Downers Grove man who was struck while walking in a crosswalk and suffered a serious brain injury known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Despite the driver’s attempt to shift blame, we secured a $150,000 settlement for our client to help cover his medical care, long-term recovery, and emotional trauma.

While every case is unique, one thing remains the same: the need for experienced legal representation that understands both the medical realities and the complexities of Illinois injury law.

FAQs about DuPage County Pedestrian Accidents

1. What should I do if I’m hit by a car while walking? Seek immediate medical help, report the accident to police, gather witness information if possible, and contact an attorney as soon as you are able. Timely action helps preserve crucial evidence and strengthens your potential injury claim.

2. Can I still file a claim if I was jaywalking? Possibly. Illinois applies comparative negligence, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. The amount of compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

3. What if the driver fled the scene? You may be able to file a claim under your own auto insurance’s uninsured motorist coverage. It’s important to report the hit-and-run promptly and cooperate with law enforcement during the investigation.

4. How long do I have to file a claim? Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident, but there are exceptions. Delays can jeopardize your ability to pursue compensation, so it’s wise to act quickly.

5. Who is liable if poor road design contributed to the crash? In some cases, a claim can be brought against the municipality or agency responsible for maintaining the roadway. Proving this often requires expert analysis and timely notice of the claim.

6. What compensation can I receive? You may be entitled to medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, depending on the severity of your injuries. Each case is different, and a full evaluation is necessary to determine your total damages.

7. Do I need an attorney?  Statistics on settlements with vs. without an attorney suggest that you do.  Pedestrian accidents often involve complex legal and insurance issues. A lawyer can best handle communications, investigate liability, and work to secure fair compensation while you focus on recovery.

Contact the Award-Winning DuPage County Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, we bring more than 90 years of combined legal experience to every case. With offices conveniently located in Naperville and St. Charles, our team of top-rated DuPage County pedestrian injury attorneys has recovered millions for clients injured in pedestrian crashes and car accidents. We understand the pain, confusion, and frustration that follow a serious injury, and we fight tirelessly for the justice you deserve.

• Free consultations
• No fee unless we recover for you
• Personalized attention and compassionate advocacy

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait. Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation.

John J. Malm & Associates — Experience You Can Count On. Justice You Deserve.