Legal Options for Tourists Hit by a Car While Walking in Chicago

Chicago is one of America’s most visited cities, known for its lakefront skyline, historic neighborhoods, and bustling streets. But with busy intersections, distracted drivers, and high volumes of foot traffic, pedestrian accidents involving tourists are an unfortunate and growing reality. Being hit by a car is traumatic—especially in a city you don’t live in. If you’re a visitor injured while walking in Chicago, you still have legal rights. In this blog, we explain what to do after being struck by a car in Chicago, who may be liable, and how an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages—even if you’re from out of state or another country.

Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago

Pedestrian fatalities and injuries have been on the rise in Illinois, and Chicago is no exception.

In 2022, 188 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
Chicago accounted for a significant portion of those fatalities, with 43 pedestrian deaths in 2022 alone.
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) reports that more than 3,000 pedestrians are injured each year on the city’s streets.
According to Smart Growth America, pedestrian deaths increased nationally by 77% from 2010 to 2021, outpacing other traffic fatalities.

Tourists may be especially vulnerable to being involved in a pedestrian accident because they are unfamiliar with traffic patterns, crosswalk locations, and the pace of city driving.

Why Tourists Are at Risk for Serious Accidents

Several factors contribute to higher accident risks for tourists in Chicago:

Unfamiliarity with traffic laws or road layouts
Distraction while sightseeing or navigating
Relying on GPS instead of watching the road
Walking in high-traffic areas like Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, or River North

In some cases, tourists may assume they are safe in marked crosswalks, but distracted or speeding drivers may still strike them.

What to Do Immediately After the Accident

If you are a tourist hit by a car while walking in Chicago, take the following steps:

Call 911

Always report the accident and request emergency medical assistance. Police will document the scene and file a crash report.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, symptoms of trauma (such as concussions or internal injuries) can appear later. A medical evaluation helps your recovery and documents your injuries for legal purposes.

Get the Driver’s Information

Collect the driver’s:

Name
License plate
Insurance information
Contact details

Gather Evidence

Take photos of the scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and street signage.
Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.

Do Not Admit Fault

Even a simple apology may be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking with police and insurers.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Chicago Pedestrian Accident?

The Driver

In most cases, the driver is liable, especially if they:

Ran a red light or stop sign
Were texting or distracted
Failed to yield in a crosswalk
Were speeding or driving recklessly
Were under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Rideshare Drivers (Uber or Lyft)

If you were hit by a rideshare vehicle, like Uber or Lyft, different rules may apply. Illinois law requires rideshare companies to carry $1 million in liability coverage during active rides. This may offer more compensation than typical personal policies.

Commercial or Delivery Drivers

If a delivery van or commercial truck hit you, their employer may be liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior, meaning an employer can be held responsible for its employee’s negligent actions during work hours.

City or State Entities

If poor street maintenance, malfunctioning traffic signals, or inadequate signage contributed to your accident, you may have a claim against a government entity. These claims require filing a notice of claim and meeting strict deadlines under the Illinois Court of Claims Act or the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act.

Legal Options for Tourists

File a Personal Injury Claim in Illinois

Even if you live in another state or country, you can file a lawsuit in Illinois where the accident occurred. A local personal injury attorney can represent you, often without requiring you to return for every court date.

Negotiate an Insurance Settlement

An attorney may first attempt to negotiate a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurer. This can result in compensation for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages or trip cancellation costs
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Future medical care

File a Lawsuit if Necessary

If settlement fails, your attorney can file a lawsuit in Cook County or another Illinois jurisdiction. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202).

What Damages Tourists Recover after a Chicago Pedestrian Accident?

As an injured pedestrian, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation:

Medical Bills: Hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, follow-up care—even if treatment occurs in your home state.
Lost Income: If the injury prevents you from returning to work or extends your trip unexpectedly.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Travel changes, extended lodging, or care for dependents.
Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, disfigurement.
Permanent Disability: For long-term or life-changing injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Do I Need a Local Attorney?

Yes. Personal injury cases must be filed in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. A Chicago personal injury lawyer:

Knows local courts and judges
Can investigate the scene
Is licensed to file in Illinois courts
Will handle negotiations with Chicago-based insurers and adjusters

At John J. Malm & Associates, we regularly assist out-of-state and international clients injured while visiting Illinois. We handle all filings, communications, and negotiations so you can focus on healing.

What If I’m from Another Country?

Foreign tourists have the same legal rights as U.S. citizens to seek compensation for injuries. However, coordinating care and legal representation can be more complex. Key considerations include:

Keeping thorough medical records
Translating foreign-language documents
Navigating travel visas and court appearances

Our firm has experience working with embassies, travel insurers, and international clients to ensure fair treatment under U.S. law.

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago

Chicago’s Vision Zero program aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2026. As part of this initiative, the city has:

Installed pedestrian refuge islands
Improved traffic signal timing
Added leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs)
Increased protected crosswalks

Still, pedestrian safety remains a challenge. Tourists should:

Use designated crosswalks
Avoid crossing mid-block
Stay alert while navigating with smartphones
Watch for turning vehicles—even when signals indicate it’s safe to walk

Final Thoughts

A pedestrian accident can turn a dream vacation into a medical and legal nightmare. If you’re a tourist hit by a car while walking in Chicago, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. You have rights—and legal options—even if you live far away.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we help tourists recover fair compensation for their injuries. We’ll investigate your case, handle communications with insurance companies, and fight for the financial recovery you deserve—no matter where you call home.

Contact the Top-Rated Chicago Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one were injured as a pedestrian while visiting Chicago, contact John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. We’ll help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you need to move forward.