Kankakee Pedestrian Accident Attorneys for Injuries Caused by Intoxicated Drivers
While driving is the most common mode of transportation, many of us have to walk to get from point A to point B. Drivers are supposed to take extra care when traveling in areas of high foot traffic. Still, pedestrian accidents occur frequently because of negligent drivers who fail to take the proper care to avoid injuring unsuspecting pedestrians. Few acts show negligence more clearly than a driver who gets behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
As someone who was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident caused by an intoxicated driver, you can hold the negligent driver accountable by taking legal action against them. They may be liable for compensating you for the financial costs of your injuries and the effect that your injuries have had on your life.
The attorneys of Spiros Law, P.C. have experience handling pedestrian accident cases for our clients who were injured by intoxicated drivers. Since 2005, we’ve sought and obtained well over $100 million in compensation for our clients. With our legal skills and determination to get justice for you, you may be able to recover the losses you’ve suffered from your injuries.
Call the Spiros Law, P.C. Kankakee pedestrian accident attorneys at (815) 929-9292 or contact us online right away to schedule a free consultation. At your consultation, we’ll discuss the accident and your related injuries and help you determine the best legal course of action to secure compensation for your injuries.
The Risks Intoxicated Drivers Pose to Pedestrians
Pedestrians can be seriously injured in accidents caused by motorists who drive while they’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 17 percent of all pedestrian accident fatalities in the United States were caused by a driver who had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit of 0.08 g/dL.
Pedestrian accidents result in some of the most severe injuries because pedestrians have no protection from a collision. These injuries are financially costly and can impact pedestrian accident victims for the rest of their lives.
There is a plethora of research about the effects of alcohol or drugs on a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Drinking and drug use can impair a driver’s cognitive abilities and physical faculties. Their reaction time is slowed. Their ability to make sound judgments and decisions regarding the safety of themselves and others is significantly impaired. Their vision is blurred.
Drunk drivers have an increased likelihood of causing a serious auto or pedestrian collision. A driver who consumes illegal drugs, and even some prescription drugs, can deal with the same effects as someone who is intoxicated by alcohol.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians suffer from devastating and often life-threatening injuries when they’re hit by an intoxicated driver. The following injuries are commonly seen in pedestrians after being hit in an accident:
- Severe head trauma
- Brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Broken bones
- Sprained or strained muscles
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations and scrapes
- Burns
- Hearing and vision impairment
- Bruises
These physical injuries don’t even begin to account for the emotional and psychological trauma that results from being hit by a drunk or intoxicated driver. Many of those injured in pedestrian accidents battle long-term or lifetime depression, anxiety, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even if you optimally recover from your physical injuries, you could be left to deal with permanent mental health disorders that you’ll need continued psychological and pharmacological treatment to cope with.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are answers to some of the questions you might have about your case and what you should do to work toward getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Should I speak to an insurance agent?
It’s strongly advised that you avoid speaking to any representative from an insurance company after being injured in a pedestrian accident. The insurance company isn’t contacting you to determine fair compensation for your injuries. They’re seeking to either offer you a low settlement for your injuries or to glean statements from you that can be used against you to deny your claim. If you’re contacted by an insurance company, always refer them to your attorney.
Do I have to file a lawsuit to be compensated for my injuries?
You may not have to file a lawsuit if the insurance company agrees to fully compensate you for your losses. If the insurance company isn’t willing to pay you a fair settlement for the value of your claim, then you can choose to file a personal injury lawsuit against the intoxicated driver. The pedestrian accident attorneys of Spiros Law, P.C. will advise you every step of the way while negotiating with the insurance company. We’ll be prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf if it’s your best chance to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?
You’re constrained by the time limit dictated by the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. The Illinois statute of limitations dictates that you file a legal action for personal injury within the two years following the date of the accident.
Call a Kankakee Pedestrian Accident Attorney Now
Did a motorist who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol severely injure you in a pedestrian accident? You have the right to take legal action against them to obtain the compensation you’re owed for your injuries. The intoxicated driver may be liable for compensating you for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other financial and emotional losses.
At Spiros Law, P.C., our pedestrian accident attorneys are ready to fight for you to get justice and be fairly compensated for the harm caused to you. Call us today at (815) 929-9292 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
