Most Common Injuries in Pedestrians Hit by Cars

 Posted on October 19, 2025 in Car Accidents

Pedestrians have no protection against the impact of a moving car, so even a low-speed crash can cause serious harm. Pedestrian accidents can happen under a number of circumstances, but more often than not, the driver carries most of the responsibility. If you were hit while walking on a sidewalk or crossing the street, the type and severity of your injuries will impact your claim. Our Schaumburg, IL pedestrian accident attorneys will walk you through the legal process and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois?

Pedestrian injuries can range from minor cuts to life-threatening trauma. Because every accident is different, the type and severity of injuries often depend on the speed of the car and where you were hit. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries: A blow to the head can cause a concussion or a traumatic brain injury. These can lead to dizziness, memory loss, and long-term cognitive problems.

• Broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and hips often take the impact first. Some fractures heal with time, while others require surgery and extended rehabilitation.

• Spinal cord and back injuries: Damage to the spine can cause herniated discs, nerve damage, or even paralysis.

• Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding are especially dangerous because symptoms may not appear right away.

• Soft tissue injuries: Torn ligaments, sprains, and bruising can cause lasting pain and limit movement.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1002, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. If the driver who hit you violated traffic laws, they are likely responsible for your losses.

Could a Pedestrian Be Blamed for an Accident?

There are cases where a pedestrian is partially responsible for a collision with a vehicle. For example, if you were crossing outside a crosswalk or ignoring traffic signals, you may share fault with the driver who hit you. However, that does not mean you are left without any options.

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, Illinois uses a "modified comparative negligence" rule to handle accidents with shared fault. It states that you can recover damages as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. The court will reduce the total recoverable damages by an amount equal to your percentage of fault. In practice, if you are 30 percent at fault, you can recover 70 percent of your losses.

What Can You Do After a Pedestrian Accident To Protect Your Claim?

Your health is the priority after a crash. Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take hours or days to appear. Next, report the accident to the police and request a copy of the crash report. If you are able, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any nearby traffic signals or signs.

You should also exchange contact and insurance information with the driver. Do not discuss fault or apologize, as these statements can be used against you later. Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your care, which you can use as evidence of your claims.

Then, contact our firm to start building your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Schaumburg, IL Pedestrian Accident Attorney

You deserve a legal team with experience and a proven record of success. At Grauer & Kriegel, LLC, we have spent decades representing injury victims and families who have lost loved ones. We recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Known for our willingness to aggressively fight cases and go to trial, we built a strong reputation for exceptional advocacy in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.

Call us today at 847-240-9010 for a free consultation with one of our experienced Mt. Prospect, IL pedestrian accident lawyers.