What Type of Compensation Am I Entitled to in a Pedestrian Accident?

 Posted on July 11, 2026 in Pedestrian Accidents

If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of these accidents can be enormous, given the vulnerability of pedestrians. Knowing what types of compensation you can pursue helps make sure nothing is left on the table. If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in 2026, the Bloomington, IL personal injury lawyers at Kanoski Bresney can help you fight for every dollar you deserve.

What Is the Legal Basis for a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Illinois?

Most pedestrian accident claims are based on negligence. To recover compensation, you have to show four things:

• The driver had a duty to drive safely.
• They broke that duty by acting carelessly or recklessly.
• Their actions directly caused the accident.
• And the accident caused you real harm.

Drivers are required by law to watch for pedestrians, yield at crosswalks, and operate their vehicles safely at all times. When they fail to do that, and someone gets hurt, they can be held financially responsible for what happened.

What Economic Damages Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?

Economic damages are the financial losses you can document with bills, receipts, and records. These are often the largest part of a pedestrian accident claim.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses are typically the biggest part of economic damages. It covers emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care related to your injuries. Future medical costs are especially important in serious injury cases because you should not have to pay out of pocket for care you will need years from now.

Lost Wages

If your injuries kept you from working, you can recover the income you lost during recovery. This includes wages, salary, tips, bonuses, and any other pay you would have earned if the accident had not happened.

Loss of Future Earning Capacity

If your injuries are severe enough to affect your ability to work long-term or prevent you from returning to your previous job, you may be able to recover compensation for that lost earning potential. This requires a careful analysis of your career, your injuries, and what you would have been able to earn going forward.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Other costs directly related to the accident and your recovery may also be recoverable. This includes transportation to medical appointments, home modifications if your injuries require them, and costs for household help if you cannot do things you could do before.

What Non-Economic Damages Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?

Non-economic damages compensate you for the ways the accident has affected your life beyond the financial losses. They are harder to put a number on, but they are just as real and just as important.

Pain and Suffering

Pedestrian accidents can cause significant physical pain during treatment and recovery. Compensation for pain and suffering reflects the physical discomfort you have gone through and will continue to go through because of the accident.

Emotional Distress

A serious accident can leave lasting psychological effects. Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and fear of being in traffic are all real consequences that can affect your daily life. Compensation for emotional distress recognizes that impact.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injuries prevent you from doing things you loved before the accident, whether that is playing with your children, exercising, or pursuing hobbies, you may be able to recover compensation for that loss.

Loss of Consortium

If the accident has significantly affected your relationship with your spouse, your spouse may have a separate claim for loss of consortium. This covers the loss of companionship, affection, and support that the injury has caused.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Bloomington, IL Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Our Peoria, IL personal injury lawyers bring over 100 years of combined legal experience to every case. Attorney Todd Bresney previously worked at the Federal Trade Commission and the State's Attorney's Office for Cook County, which gives him a deep understanding of how complex legal cases are built and won at every level.

Contact Kanoski Bresney at 888-826-8682 to schedule a free consultation today. We’ll ensure that you claim every available damage in your case.