Fall brings earlier sunsets, and daylight saving time ends Nov. 1. More people walk to work, school and transit in the dark. GHSA found that more than three-quarters of pedestrian deaths happen at night.

Halloween adds another risk. Children trick-or-treating at dusk often cross mid-block, wear dark costumes and are hard for drivers to see.

The data also point to other hazards:

• Nearly 1 in 4 pedestrian deaths involves a hit-and-run driver.
• Three in five deaths happen where there is no sidewalk.
• Driver distraction is a growing factor in pedestrian crashes.

How can pedestrians stay safe?

• Use crosswalks and signals. Cross at intersections or marked crosswalks, and wait for the walk signal.
• Make eye contact. Never assume a driver sees you. Wait until a car stops before stepping into its path.
• Be visible. Wear bright clothing by day and reflective gear or a light at night.
• Put the phone down. Keep your eyes up and at least one ear free near traffic.
• Walk facing traffic. Where there is no sidewalk, Illinois law directs pedestrians to walk on the left shoulder facing oncoming traffic.
• Watch for turning vehicles. Drivers turning right on red often look left for traffic, not right for people walking.

What should drivers do to protect pedestrians?

• Stop for people in crosswalks. Illinois requires drivers to stop, not just slow down, for pedestrians in a crosswalk where no traffic signal is in place.
• Never pass a stopped car at a crosswalk. It may be stopped for someone you cannot see.
• Slow down. Speed sharply increases the chance a pedestrian is killed, especially in school zones and neighborhoods.
• Look twice before turning. Check crosswalks on both sides before a right or left turn.
• Stay off your phone. Illinois bans handheld phone use while driving.
• Use extra care on Halloween. Expect children to dart between parked cars at dusk.

Illinois law also requires every driver to use due care to avoid hitting a pedestrian, including children and anyone who appears confused or impaired.

What should you do if you're hit by a car?

The moments after a crash can shape both your recovery and any claim you may have. If you are able, take these steps:

1. Call 911. Get medical help and make sure police respond and file a report.
2. Get medical care right away. Some injuries, such as head trauma and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms at first. Follow all treatment your doctor recommends.
3. Get the driver's information. Write down the name, phone number, license plate, insurance company and policy number.
4. Talk to witnesses. Ask for names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash.
5. Take photos and video. Capture the vehicle, the scene, crosswalk markings, traffic signals, lighting and your injuries.
6. Ask about cameras. Note nearby businesses, homes or buses that may have recorded the crash. Footage is often erased within days.
7. Keep your records. Save medical bills, pay stubs and the clothing and shoes you wore.
8. Don't give a recorded statement. Do not accept a settlement or sign anything from the driver's insurer before talking to a lawyer.

What if the driver who hit you drove away?

Illinois law requires a driver involved in a crash that causes injury to stop and remain at the scene. If the driver flees, report it to police immediately and share any details you remember about the car.

You may still have options. Uninsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy, or a household member's, may cover injuries from a hit-and-run, even if you were walking.

Can you recover compensation if you were partly at fault?

Possibly. Illinois uses a modified comparative fault rule. You may recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault, though your award is reduced by your share of fault.

Insurers often try to blame pedestrians for crossing mid-block or wearing dark clothing. An experienced Parente & Norem lawyer can investigate the crash and push back on unfair blame.

Illinois also sets strict deadlines for filing injury claims, and some claims involving government vehicles have shorter notice periods. Talking to a lawyer early helps protect your rights.

Hurt in a pedestrian accident? Talk to Parente & Norem

The pedestrian accident lawyers at Parente & Norem, P.C. have represented injured people across Chicago and Illinois for over twenty-five years. We offer free consultations, and you pay no fee unless we win your case.

Call or text (312) 641-5926 or fill out a form here on our website to speak with our team.