Who Is Liable When a Pedestrian Is Hit in a Chicago Crosswalk?

 Posted on September 16, 2026 in Car Accidents

Walking through Chicago means sharing busy streets with cars and other vehicles. Even when a pedestrian uses a crosswalk, a driver who is distracted or fails to stop can cause a serious accident.

Illinois law protects people using crosswalks, and a driver who violates those protections can be liable for a pedestrian's injuries. If you were injured while walking in a crosswalk in 2026, a Chicago, IL pedestrian accident attorney can investigate who caused the crash and help you seek compensation.

When Do Drivers Have to Stop for Pedestrians in Illinois Crosswalks?

Illinois has specific rules for drivers approaching someone in a crosswalk. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1002, drivers must stop when a pedestrian is using the portion of the roadway their vehicle is traveling on. They must also stop if a pedestrian coming from the opposite side has moved close enough to be at risk.

These requirements apply at crosswalks where there is no working traffic signal. If there are traffic signals at the intersection, both drivers and pedestrians must obey them.

A second vehicle also cannot go around a car that has stopped at a crosswalk for someone on foot. These rules are designed to give pedestrians a safe opportunity to finish crossing the road.

Do Pedestrians in Illinois Always Have the Right-of-Way in a Crosswalk?

Crosswalk protections do not allow pedestrians to step directly in front of a vehicle that has no reasonable opportunity to stop. Illinois law prohibits someone from suddenly leaving a curb or other safe location when an approaching vehicle is too close.

Traffic signals also control when a pedestrian can begin crossing. Someone who enters the street against the signal can bear part of the responsibility for a resulting collision.

A pedestrian's mistake does not remove a driver's obligations. According to 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, motorists must exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians. If a driver has time to see a person in the roadway and react, the pedestrian's actions do not automatically excuse the driver.

What Does Illinois Law Say About Fault for a Chicago Crosswalk Accident?

Illinois allows responsibility for an accident to be divided between the pedestrian and the driver. This is known as modified comparative negligence.

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, a pedestrian can receive compensation when their share of responsibility is 50 percent or less. The amount they receive is then reduced to account for their share of fault.

For example, a pedestrian could share fault for entering a crosswalk against a signal while a speeding driver also contributed to the collision. If the pedestrian is found 20 percent at fault, their compensation would be reduced by 20 percent.

What Evidence Can Show Who Caused a Crosswalk Accident in Illinois?

Determining fault often requires reconstructing what happened in the seconds before the collision. Evidence can establish where the pedestrian was located, whether the traffic signal had changed, and whether the driver had an opportunity to stop.

Important evidence may include:

• Video captured by traffic cameras or nearby businesses
• Photographs taken at the accident scene
• Accounts from witnesses who saw what happened
• Police records from the collision
• Medical records showing the injuries caused by the impact

Some of this information does not remain available forever. A nearby business, for example, could record over its security footage. Collecting evidence soon after a crash can help preserve information that shows how the collision occurred.

What Compensation Can an Injured Pedestrian Recover in Illinois?

A pedestrian injured by a negligent driver can seek payment for the losses caused by the accident. This includes the cost of medical care needed because of the injuries.

Lost income can also be recovered when injuries keep someone away from work. More serious injuries can support compensation for pain or lasting changes to the person's life, including disability.

Contact a Chicago, IL Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Drivers have a responsibility to watch for people crossing local streets and to follow Illinois crosswalk laws. When a driver fails to do so, an injured pedestrian can take legal action to pursue compensation.

If you were injured by a car in a pedestrian crosswalk, Kadzai Law Group, LLC can investigate the collision and help determine who should be held responsible. For a free consultation, contact our Hyde Park, IL personal injury lawyer or call at 312-229-0050.