What Are Types of Pedestrian Collisions?

Pedestrian collisions are among the most serious traffic incidents because pedestrians have little protection when struck by a vehicle. Even low-speed impacts can result in severe injuries, long-term disabilities, or fatalities.

Understanding the different types of pedestrian collisions can help injured individuals and families recognize how these incidents occur and when negligence may have played a role.

What Is a Pedestrian Collision?

A pedestrian collision occurs when a person traveling on foot is struck by a motor vehicle, bicycle, or other mode of transportation.

These incidents often occur because of:

• Distracted driving

• Failure to yield the right of way

• Speeding

• Impaired driving

• Poor visibility

• Unsafe roadway design

Pedestrian collisions can happen almost anywhere, including intersections, parking lots, sidewalks, and residential neighborhoods.

Common Types of Pedestrian Collisions

Pedestrian collision cases can occur in many different ways, each with unique causes and legal considerations.

Crosswalk Collisions

Crosswalk collisions occur when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians who are lawfully crossing the street.

These incidents often involve:

• Drivers turning at intersections

• Distracted driving

• Failure to obey traffic signals

• Limited visibility

Crosswalk collisions are among the most common pedestrian incidents in urban areas.

Intersection Collisions

Intersections are one of the most dangerous locations for pedestrians.

Common causes include:

• Left-turn collisions

• Right-turn-on-red collisions

• Drivers focusing on vehicle traffic instead of pedestrians

• Failure to obey traffic signals

These incidents frequently occur even when pedestrians have the right of way.

Backover Collisions

Backover collisions occur when a vehicle reverses into a pedestrian.

These incidents often happen:

• In parking lots

• In residential driveways

• Near schools or parks

• In loading zones

Children and elderly pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to backover incidents.

Parking Lot Collisions

Parking lots present unique hazards due to vehicle congestion and limited visibility.

Common causes include:

• Drivers backing out of parking spaces

• Distracted driving

• Speeding through parking aisles

• Failure to watch for pedestrians

Although speeds are often lower, serious injuries can still occur.

Sidewalk Collisions

Sidewalk collisions occur when a vehicle leaves the roadway and strikes a pedestrian on a sidewalk.

These incidents may result from:

• Distracted driving

• Impaired driving

• Medical emergencies

• Loss of vehicle control

Because pedestrians expect sidewalks to be safe, these collisions can be especially traumatic.

School Zone Collisions

School zones often involve large numbers of children crossing streets during busy traffic periods.

Common causes include:

• Failure to stop for crossing guards

• Speeding in school zones

• Distracted driving

• Illegal passing of stopped school buses

Children may be less visible to drivers and less predictable in their movements, increasing the risk of collisions.

Bus Stop Collisions

Pedestrians may be injured while waiting for or exiting public transportation vehicles.

These incidents may involve:

• Drivers passing stopped buses

• Failure to yield to pedestrians crossing near bus stops

• Distracted driving

• Poor visibility

Bus stop collisions frequently involve children and older adults.

Hit-and-Run Collisions

Hit-and-run collisions occur when a driver leaves the scene without stopping to provide information or assistance.

These cases may involve:

• Uninsured motorist claims

• Criminal investigations

• Difficulty identifying the responsible driver

Victims may still have legal options even if the driver is not immediately located.

Impaired Driving Collisions

Alcohol and drug impairment remain major contributors to serious pedestrian injuries.

Impaired drivers often experience:

• Reduced reaction times

• Poor judgment

• Decreased awareness of pedestrians

These collisions frequently occur during nighttime hours and weekends.

Distracted Driving Collisions

Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of pedestrian injuries.

Common distractions include:

• Texting while driving

• GPS or navigation systems

• Eating or drinking

• In-vehicle technology

Even a few seconds of distraction can prevent a driver from seeing a pedestrian in time to stop.

Do I Have a Pedestrian Collision Case?

You may have a legal claim if a driver's negligence caused your injuries.

A pedestrian collision case generally involves proving:

• The driver had a duty to operate their vehicle safely.

• The driver breached that duty through negligent conduct.

• The negligence caused the collision.

• You suffered damages as a result.

Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability.

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Collision Cases

Pedestrian injury claims in Illinois are subject to legal deadlines.

In general:

• Personal injury claims typically must be filed within two years of the collision.

• Claims involving minors may have extended deadlines.

• Claims involving government vehicles may have additional requirements.

Because these deadlines can vary, acting quickly is important.

Why Choose Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C.?

Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. represents pedestrians and families affected by serious vehicle collisions throughout Illinois.

We are known for:

• Investigating complex roadway incidents

• Working with accident reconstruction experts

• Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies

• Taking cases to trial when necessary

• Providing compassionate, client-focused representation

We understand the devastating impact pedestrian collisions can have on individuals and families, and we are committed to helping our clients move forward.

Speak With a Chicago Pedestrian Collision Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian collision, you may have legal options.

At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C., we provide confidential consultations to help injured individuals understand their rights and next steps. Our team will guide you through the legal process while pursuing accountability and compensation.

Contact our Chicago pedestrian collision lawyers today to take the first step toward recovery and justice.