$400,000 Settlement for Chicago Pedestrian Struck in Crosswalk

Attorneys Jason P. Schneider, Rachel E. K. Legorreta, and John J. Malm of John J. Malm & Associates secured a $400,000 settlement for a pedestrian who suffered a serious leg injury after being struck by a vehicle while walking in a Chicago crosswalk. This case not only involved substantial physical harm, including a tibial plateau fracture, but also featured compelling digital evidence from the striking vehicle itself.

The Crash: A Pedestrian’s Right of Way Violated

The incident occurred in a busy Chicago intersection where our client was lawfully crossing within a marked crosswalk. A motorist failed to yield and struck her, causing immediate and severe trauma to her left leg. Fortunately, the vehicle was equipped with an internal camera system, and video footage clearly captured the moment of impact.

This footage became a crucial element in the case, proving that our client was properly within the crosswalk and had the right-of-way. The driver’s actions were negligent and in clear violation of Illinois traffic laws. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), pedestrian accidents, like our client’s, continue to rise in the state, particularly in urban areas like Chicago.

The Injury: Tibial Plateau Fracture and Long-Term Consequences

Our client was rushed to a local hospital, where she was diagnosed with a tibial plateau fracture. This type of fracture involves the upper surface of the tibia (shinbone) near the knee joint and can result in significant joint instability and long-term mobility issues.

According to the Mayo Clinic and other orthopedic research, trauma to the knee, such as a tibial plateau fracture, can lead to lasting damage including chronic pain, post-traumatic arthritis, and even the need for future joint replacement. In our client’s case, orthopedic surgeons performed surgical repair and placed internal hardware to stabilize the fracture.

Despite adhering to all prescribed rehabilitation and physical therapy, our client continues to experience daily pain, limited range of motion, and stiffness in her knee. Her physicians have warned of an increased likelihood of requiring a total knee replacement in the future.

Legal Strategy: Leveraging Digital Evidence and Medical Documentation

Immediately upon being retained, our team at John J. Malm & Associates took swift action to preserve and review all available evidence. The most compelling piece was the vehicle’s internal dash camera, which captured the precise moment our client was struck. This indisputable footage allowed us to establish liability early and present a powerful case to the defendant’s insurance company.

In addition to the video, we gathered:

• Police crash reports
• Eyewitness testimony
• Detailed surgical records
• Statements from treating physicians
• Expert opinions on future medical care and knee replacement risk

We prepared a comprehensive demand package that not only addressed past medical costs and lost wages, but also projected future treatment needs and the long-term impact of the injury on our client’s life.

Settlement Outcome: $400,000 for a Life-Altering Injury

“We were able to use the vehicle’s own dash cam footage at mediation to clearly demonstrate that our client had the right-of-way and was paying attention while crossing,” said attorney Jason P. Schneider. “That video was critical in helping us achieve a strong settlement without the delays of trial.”

Through assertive negotiation and detailed case development, we were able to reach a $400,000 settlement without the need for protracted litigation. This result reflects both the seriousness of the injury and the strong evidence gathered by our legal team.

The compensation helped our client cover her medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation, and expected future surgeries. It also addressed the pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life she has endured since the accident.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Require Experienced Legal Advocacy

Pedestrian accident claims require more than just proving fault; they demand a clear demonstration of how a driver’s negligence caused lasting harm. Even in crosswalk collisions with strong evidence, insurance carriers may still dispute the severity of injuries or delay fair compensation. Our firm focuses on building strong, evidence-driven cases to ensure injured pedestrians receive the justice and recovery they deserve.

“Too often, pedestrians are left with life-changing injuries while drivers deny fault or shift blame. In this case, the defense tried to claim our client was distracted, but dash cam footage told the real story, and we used it to prove the truth,” said Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer John J. Malm

According to NHTSA, in 2021 alone, 7,388 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States, an average of one death every 71 minutes. In Illinois, IDOT data reflects a troubling rise in pedestrian fatalities, with urban environments being particularly dangerous due to higher traffic volumes and intersection conflicts. Notably, a City of Chicago crash analysis found that 32% of pedestrians struck citywide were in crosswalks at the time of impact. This underscores the urgent need for accountability when drivers fail to yield in these marked, protected spaces.

Medical Perspective: Knee Trauma from Pedestrian Accidents

Knee injuries from high-impact trauma, like being struck by a vehicle, are among the most challenging to recover from. The tibial plateau bears much of the body’s weight, and damage to this area can lead to long-term dysfunction.

The Mayo Clinic and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons note that patients with tibial plateau fractures are at increased risk for:

• Chronic joint pain
• Ligament instability
• Meniscal damage
• Early-onset arthritis
• Total knee replacement later in life

For our client, even after successful surgery, the road to recovery is far from over.

John J. Malm & Associates Are Your Trusted Pedestrian Injury Advocates

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have successfully represented injured pedestrians throughout Chicago and across Illinois. Our team brings more than 90 years of combined legal experience and includes six award-winning attorneys dedicated to fighting for injury victims.

Whether your case involves a crosswalk collision, a distracted driver, or a hit-and-run, we have the tools and experience to build a compelling case and secure meaningful compensation.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our compassionate pedestrian injury attorneys. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call us at 844-MALMLAW or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation.