The Cost of Serious Pedestrian Injuries

Monday, April 12, 2021

The Cost of Serious Pedestrian Injuries

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Pedestrian injuries are costly, and studies show that these costs can reach into the tens of billions of dollars over a lifetime. However, injured pedestrians can hire a Chicago personal injury attorney to help them obtain the compensation they are entitled to receive for their losses. 

Pedestrian accidents have long been a severe and costly problem in the U.S. Recent findings show no changes in this pattern. According to information from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,977 pedestrians were fatally injured in traffic crashes in 2017 alone. A pedestrian was killed every 88 minutes on average during this same year. During the same time period, Illinois had 145 pedestrian accident deaths, representing 13.2 percent of their total traffic fatalities for the year. Of these, Chicago had 41 pedestrian fatalities, representing nearly 28 percent of its traffic fatalities.

Not only do these accidents cause serious injury and the loss of life, but they come at other costs as well. One study revealed that the costs of pedestrian and pedalcycle injuries in 2000 would come with a price tag of $40 billion over the lifetimes of those injured. If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident, you deserve compensation for your costs. An experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you seek that compensation.

Financial Costs of Serious Pedestrian Accidents

Even pedestrian accidents at low speeds can cause severe or even catastrophic injuries. From broken bones to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), victims are left to pay for their medical costs. These expenses might include emergency room and hospital visits, diagnostic testing, doctor bills, treatments, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. Short-term minor treatments can cost thousands of dollars, and catastrophic injuries can reach into the millions.

On top of medical expenses, many injured pedestrians have to miss work for some time. They lose income and use up PTO time. Their employers aren’t immune to the financial implications of the accident as they lose productivity. 

Other Costs of Pedestrian Accidents

Serious pedestrian accidents come with more than a financial cost. The non-economic costs to victims and their families are often so high that it is incalculable. However, a knowledgeable Chicago personal injury attorney can help them file a claim seeking compensation for these costs as well as the financial costs of the accident. 

Some victims have severe or even chronic pain that they will live with for the rest of their lives. They may not be as mobile as they used to be or be able to return to work. Sometimes their entire lifestyle has to change, and they have to give up doing things they once enjoyed. Their relationships can also be impacted. 

Let a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Work on Your Behalf 

You and your family members shouldn’t have to absorb the costs of your serious pedestrian accident injuries. While the law entitles you to compensation from negligent parties, this process can be a complicated and challenging one. Let our legal team handle your claim while you focus on your physical recovery and treatment.

You can receive a free no-obligation case review with the skilled personal injury attorneys at Malman Law. Call (312) 629-0099 today or contact us online.

Steve Malman

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, truck accidents, car accidents, premises liability, construction, and workers’ compensation cases in Chicago, IL.

Years of experience: +30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law—Last Registered Year: 2024

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