Lombard Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Experienced Representation for Pedestrians Injured by Negligent Drivers in Lombard, Illinois

Walking should be one of the safest ways to travel through Lombard, whether you are crossing Main Street to visit local businesses, walking through downtown, heading to the Lombard Metra Station, or exercising along the Illinois Prairie Path. Unfortunately, pedestrians have little protection when they are struck by a car, SUV, pickup truck, or commercial vehicle. Even crashes at relatively low speeds can result in life-changing injuries or fatalities.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the devastating impact a pedestrian accident can have on victims and their families. Our experienced Lombard pedestrian accident attorneys fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the maximum compensation available under Illinois law. If you or someone you love has been injured while walking in Lombard, you may be entitled to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and other losses.

Pedestrian Accidents Continue to Rise Across Illinois

Pedestrian fatalities have increased significantly nationwide over the past decade, making pedestrian safety a growing public concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of pedestrians are killed each year in traffic crashes, while tens of thousands more suffer serious injuries. Illinois experiences hundreds of pedestrian fatalities and thousands of pedestrian injuries annually, with many occurring in suburban communities like those throughout DuPage County.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT):

• Hundreds of pedestrians are killed in Illinois traffic crashes each year.
• Thousands more suffer injuries requiring emergency medical treatment.
• Most pedestrian crashes occur in urban and suburban areas.
• Many collisions happen at intersections, marked crosswalks, or while pedestrians are legally crossing the street.
• Darkness, distracted driving, speeding, and driver failure to yield are among the leading contributing factors.

Although Lombard is considered a relatively safe suburban community, pedestrian accidents still occur on busy arterial roads, near shopping centers, around schools, and in the downtown business district where vehicle and foot traffic frequently intersect.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Are Often So Severe

Unlike occupants inside a motor vehicle, pedestrians have no airbags, seat belts, or steel frame protecting them during a collision. Instead, the full force of the impact is absorbed by the human body.

A pedestrian struck by a vehicle may first hit the hood or windshield before being thrown onto the roadway. These multiple impacts often cause catastrophic injuries, especially when larger SUVs and pickup trucks are involved. Older adults and children are especially vulnerable because they are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries even at relatively low vehicle speeds.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Lombard

Most pedestrian accidents are entirely preventable and occur because a motorist failed to exercise reasonable care. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted driving
• Texting while driving
• Speeding
• Failure to yield at crosswalks
• Running red lights
• Rolling through stop signs
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving
• Illegal turns
• Backing accidents in parking lots
• Poor visibility at night
• Driver fatigue
• Failure to check for pedestrians before turning

Many pedestrian crashes happen when drivers are focused on other vehicles instead of watching for people crossing the street.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Lombard

While pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere, certain areas of Lombard experience higher traffic volumes and increased pedestrian activity. These include:

• Main Street
• St. Charles Road
• Roosevelt Road (Illinois Route 38)
• North Avenue (Illinois Route 64)
• Butterfield Road
• Highland Avenue
• Finley Road
• Grace Street
• Downtown Lombard
• Commercial shopping centers
• School zones
• Park entrances

Busy intersections requiring extra caution include those near downtown businesses, restaurants, retail centers, and major commuter routes where both pedestrians and vehicles compete for limited space. Drivers approaching these areas should reduce speed, remain alert, and anticipate pedestrians entering crosswalks.

Pedestrians Hit Walking to or Near the Lombard Metra Train Station

One of the busiest pedestrian areas in Lombard is the downtown district surrounding the Lombard Metra Station on the Union Pacific West Line. Every weekday, commuters walk to and from the station to reach nearby businesses, parking lots, residential neighborhoods, and local restaurants. This concentration of foot traffic increases the risk of pedestrian accidents, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours.

Pedestrians traveling to the station often cross busy streets such as Main Street, St. Charles Road, and Parkside Avenue, where turning vehicles, distracted drivers, and congested traffic can create hazardous conditions. During darker winter mornings or evenings, reduced visibility may further increase the danger for commuters walking to catch or return from their train.

Common scenarios involving pedestrians near the Lombard Metra Station include:

• Drivers failing to yield while making left or right turns at intersections.
• Vehicles striking pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
• Distracted drivers looking for parking rather than watching for people crossing the street.
• Motorists backing out of parking spaces without checking for pedestrians.
• Speeding through downtown during commuting hours.
• Delivery vehicles blocking sidewalks or creating visibility issues.

Illinois law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, particularly in areas where pedestrian traffic is expected. Motorists traveling through downtown Lombard should anticipate commuters crossing streets near the train station and remain vigilant at all times.

Children Face Unique Risks as Pedestrians

Children are among the most vulnerable pedestrians because they are smaller, less visible to drivers, and may act unpredictably near roadways. They often lack the judgment necessary to accurately estimate vehicle speed or recognize dangerous traffic situations.

In Lombard, pedestrian accidents involving children may occur near:

• Elementary and middle schools
• School bus stops
• Parks and playgrounds
• Residential neighborhoods
• Sports complexes
• Libraries
• Shopping centers

Drivers must exercise extra caution whenever children are present. Reduced speeds in school zones, careful observation at crosswalks, and avoiding distracted driving are essential to preventing these tragic accidents.

Older Adults Are Also at Increased Risk

Older pedestrians are more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries after being struck by a vehicle. Age-related decreases in mobility, vision, hearing, and reaction time can make crossing busy intersections more challenging. Even relatively low-speed impacts can cause devastating injuries, including:

• Hip fractures
• Pelvic fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal injuries
• Permanent disability

Many older adults also experience longer recovery times and may require assisted living or long-term nursing care after a serious pedestrian collision.

Weather and Seasonal Hazards in Lombard

Illinois weather creates additional risks for pedestrians throughout the year. Rain, snow, ice, fog, and shorter daylight hours can reduce visibility and increase stopping distances for motorists.

Winter presents particular challenges around downtown Lombard and the Metra station, where commuters often walk before sunrise or after sunset. Snowbanks may obstruct sight lines, icy sidewalks can force pedestrians closer to traffic, and slick road conditions make it more difficult for drivers to stop quickly.

Drivers should adjust their speed to account for weather conditions and remain alert for pedestrians, especially during periods of reduced visibility.

Distracted Driving Continues to Endanger Pedestrians

One of the fastest-growing causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Looking at a text message, adjusting a navigation system, or interacting with an infotainment screen for just a few seconds can prevent a driver from seeing someone crossing the street.

Common distractions include:

• Texting
• Using social media
• Reading emails
• Programming GPS devices
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting the radio
• Talking with passengers

A driver who takes their eyes off the road while approaching a crosswalk may not realize a pedestrian is present until it is too late to avoid a collision.

Illinois Laws That Protect Injured Pedestrians

Illinois law provides important protections for pedestrians. Drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely, remain alert, obey traffic signals, and yield to the right-of-way when required. When motorists fail to meet these obligations and a pedestrian is injured, they may be held financially responsible for the damages they cause.

Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are lawfully within marked crosswalks and, in many circumstances, unmarked crosswalks at intersections. Drivers also have a continuing duty to exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians, even if a pedestrian is not crossing exactly where the driver expects. These laws recognize that pedestrians are among the most vulnerable users of Illinois roadways.

Unfortunately, many pedestrian accidents occur because drivers are in a hurry, distracted by their phones or in-vehicle technology, or simply fail to look carefully before making a turn.

Who May Be Liable for a Lombard Pedestrian Accident?

Although the driver is often responsible for a pedestrian accident, liability is not always limited to one individual. A thorough investigation may reveal that multiple parties contributed to the collision.

Potentially liable parties include:

• Negligent drivers
• Commercial trucking companies
• Delivery companies
• Employers of at-fault drivers
• Government entities responsible for unsafe road design or maintenance
• Contractors performing roadway construction
• Vehicle manufacturers if a mechanical defect contributed to the crash

At John J. Malm & Associates, we carefully investigate every pedestrian accident to determine all available sources of compensation. This may involve reviewing police reports, surveillance video, traffic camera footage, witness statements, vehicle data, and accident reconstruction evidence.

Comparative Negligence in Illinois

Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame onto injured pedestrians. They may argue that the pedestrian crossed outside a crosswalk, entered the roadway unexpectedly, or was distracted while walking.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means an injured pedestrian may still recover compensation as long as they are less than 51% responsible for the accident. Any compensation awarded is reduced by the pedestrian’s percentage of fault. For example:

• If a jury awards $500,000 and finds the pedestrian 20% at fault, the injured person can still recover $400,000.
• If the pedestrian is found more than 50% responsible, they generally cannot recover damages.

Insurance companies often raise comparative negligence arguments to reduce the value of claims. An experienced attorney can help gather evidence to refute these allegations and protect your right to full compensation.

Evidence That Can Help Prove Your Case

Strong evidence is critical to establishing liability after a pedestrian accident.

Important evidence may include:

• Police crash reports
• Surveillance camera footage
• Dashcam recordings
• Traffic camera video
• Eyewitness statements
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Vehicle damage
• Skid marks
• Cell phone records
• Event data recorder (“black box”) information
• Medical records
• Expert accident reconstruction testimony

Preserving this evidence early is often essential because surveillance footage may be overwritten within days, and witnesses’ memories can fade over time.

Compensation Available After a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents often result in significant financial and personal losses. Illinois law allows injured victims to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

You may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital bills
• Ambulance transportation
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Prescription medications
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability
• Permanent disfigurement
• Loss of normal life

If the accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may also have the right to pursue compensation through an Illinois wrongful death claim.

Insurance Companies Often Try to Minimize Pedestrian Claims

Because pedestrian injuries are frequently severe, insurance companies often face substantial financial exposure. As a result, adjusters may employ tactics designed to reduce the value of legitimate claims. These tactics may include:

• Requesting recorded statements shortly after the accident
• Questioning whether the pedestrian was paying attention
• Disputing the severity of injuries
• Claiming pre-existing medical conditions are responsible for ongoing symptoms
• Making quick settlement offers before the full extent of injuries is known
• Delaying payment while additional documentation is requested

Before accepting any settlement offer, it is wise to consult an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who can evaluate whether the offer fairly compensates you for your injuries and future needs.

What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

The steps you take immediately after an accident can have a significant impact on both your health and your legal claim. If possible, you should:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Accept emergency medical evaluation.
• Report the accident to the police.
• Obtain the driver’s insurance and contact information.
• Take photographs of the scene and your injuries.
• Speak with witnesses and obtain their contact information.
• Keep copies of all medical records and bills.
• Avoid discussing fault with the driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
• Contact an experienced Lombard pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Prompt medical treatment not only protects your health but also creates important documentation connecting your injuries to the collision.

Why You Should Contact an Attorney Quickly

After a pedestrian accident, important evidence can disappear surprisingly fast. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses may be erased, witnesses may become difficult to locate, and physical evidence at the scene may no longer be available.

Prompt legal representation can help preserve critical evidence, including:

• Security camera footage
• Traffic camera recordings
• Vehicle electronic data
• Witness statements
• Accident reconstruction evidence
• Medical documentation

Early involvement by an attorney also allows your legal team to communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lombard Pedestrian Crashes

What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident?

Your first priority should always be your health. Call 911, seek immediate medical treatment, report the accident to law enforcement, obtain the driver’s insurance information if possible, document the scene with photographs, and contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney before speaking with the insurance company.

Can I recover compensation if I wasn’t in a crosswalk?

Possibly. Illinois law does not automatically prevent recovery simply because a pedestrian crossed outside a marked crosswalk. Every case depends on its specific facts, including the actions of both the pedestrian and the driver.

How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?

The value of a pedestrian accident claim depends on numerous factors, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• Medical expenses
• Future treatment needs
• Lost income
• Permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Whether you share any responsibility for the accident

An experienced attorney can evaluate your claim after reviewing the facts and your medical records.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Illinois?

In most cases, Illinois law provides two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, shorter deadlines may apply if a governmental entity is involved, so it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

What if the driver claims they never saw me?

This is one of the most common defenses raised in pedestrian accident cases. Drivers have a legal duty to maintain a proper lookout and exercise reasonable care to avoid striking pedestrians. Simply claiming they did not see someone is not necessarily a defense if they should have seen the pedestrian through the exercise of ordinary care.

Can I recover damages if the driver fled the scene?

Yes. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you may still have options for compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or other available insurance policies. An attorney can help identify all potential sources of recovery.

Do I need an attorney after a pedestrian accident?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, pedestrian accident claims often involve severe injuries, substantial medical expenses, and aggressive insurance company tactics. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, preserve evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue the maximum compensation available under Illinois law.

Contact the 5-Star Rated Lombard Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

A pedestrian accident can change your life in an instant. The physical injuries, emotional trauma, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future can feel overwhelming. You should not have to face those challenges alone, especially when your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have spent decades representing injury victims throughout DuPage County and across Illinois. We understand the unique challenges pedestrian accident victims face and are committed to helping our clients obtain the compensation they deserve. From investigating the crash and preserving critical evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and taking cases to trial when necessary, our experienced legal team is prepared to advocate for you every step of the way.

If you or a loved one has been injured while walking in Lombard, including near the Lombard Metra station, at a crosswalk, in a parking lot, or on a neighborhood street, contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation. Let us answer your questions, explain your legal rights, and help you pursue the financial recovery you need to move forward with confidence.