We tend to think of car accidents as crashes between motor vehicles, but in reality, this is only one of the many ways that a motor vehicle can cause an injury. Some of the most serious car crash injuries happen when a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle. In Illinois in 2019, pedestrians were involved in around 18 percent of fatal accidents, and around 12 percent of accidents resulting in incapacitating injuries.

Injured pedestrians and their families often feel at a loss when it comes to holding drivers accountable for their injuries. However, it is important to know that pedestrians have the right to safely use the road, and they may be entitled to compensation when their injuries are caused by driver negligence. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you need.

Driver Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrians are more likely to be injured in motor vehicle accidents at night and in urban areas. However, in addition to these environmental factors, some form of driver negligence is also often a contributing factor. Common examples of driver negligence in pedestrian accidents include:

Car accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common causes of crashes include distracting driving behavior (i.e., texting and driving), driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or speeding or disobeying some other traffic law. In the majority of car accidents, fault lies with a driver who acted in a negligent or reckless manner.

However, not all car accidents are caused by another driver. Some crashes occur because of a defective or malfunctioning part or component in the vehicle. Over the past several years, car accidents that resulted in the death or severe injuries of victims have been caused by defective airbags, ignition switches, and fuel tanks. A recent recall for power steering issues on some General Motors (GM) vehicles could put the vehicle’s occupants and other commuters in danger of serious accidents.

GM Issues Recall

GM has issued a recall notice for almost 27,000 SUVs because of a software issue that could cause the vehicle’s power steering system to suddenly stop. According to the company’s announcement, if the system stops working, a driver should still be able to steer the vehicle but will likely need to use more effort to turn the steering wheel.

It is a fact of life that no matter how safe a driver you are, your chances of being involved in a car accident are high. Insurance statistics show that the average driver will file an auto accident claim approximately every 18 years. Most people get their driver’s license in their late teens, so it is estimated that the majority of drivers will be involved in three to four accidents in their driving lifetime.

Illinois Car Insurance Requirements

When a person is injured in a car accident caused by another driver, the victim usually files a claim for damages with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In Illinois, every vehicle owner is required to purchase automobile liability insurance. The minimum requirement is:

• $25,000 for injury or death for one victim

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When most people think of car accidents, they usually picture a crash scene on a road or highway. Many people would be surprised to learn that one out of every five car accidents occurs in a parking lot or parking garage. Another surprising statistic is that just under 15 percent of all vehicle accidents that end up causing damage also take place in parking lot crashes. In fact, according to data gathered by the National Safety Council, more than 500 victims die and another 60,000 are injured in the more than 50,000 vehicle accidents that take place in parking lots and garages each year.

Distracted Driving

One of the most common causes of parking lot accidents is distracted driving. This is usually because once a driver pulls into a parking lot, they tend to let their guard down. They are often not as focused on their driving as they would be if they were driving on a street. Instead, they become more focused on finding a parking space. Studies show that driving at the low rate of speed required in parking lots often gives drivers a false sense of security, making them feel they do not have to be as careful and alert to what is going on around them as they would when traveling on streets and highways.  

Many drivers also tend to grab and check their cell phones once they pull into a parking lot, even if they have not yet found a space and parked. One major survey found that more than 65 percent of drivers felt comfortable making a call on their phone while driving in a parking lot, while half of those drivers said they would feel comfortable texting and checking their social media while driving in a lot.

Obtaining a driver’s license is a rite of passage when individuals turn 16. With it comes a certain responsibility, and teenage drivers are subject to specific restrictions as young motorists. Some of these rules are put in place to prevent car accidents caused by inexperienced drivers. Despite the laws, there are various reasons that crashes can occur, including distracted or drunk driving, inclement weather conditions, and defective or faulty auto parts. Depending on the circumstances, injuries can be minor to serious or even fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), approximately 2 million drivers suffer a permanent injury every year from car accidents. 

Illinois’ Graduated License Program

The requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Illinois are regulated by the Secretary of State (SOS). Like most states, Illinois has implemented a graduated driver licensing (GDL) program for first-time teenage drivers. The program increases driving privileges and levels of responsibility for teen motorists after they reach certain ages and complete the designated levels of education and practice.

In Illinois, the process involves obtaining a learner’s permit, completing a driver’s education course, getting a restricted or provisional license, and ultimately graduating to a full, unrestricted Illinois driver’s license. Before receiving a standard license, a teen driver must complete the following: