Can Multiple Drivers Be at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?

 Posted on April 13, 2026 in Pedestrian accidents

Car accidents involving pedestrians aren’t always as straightforward as a driver hitting a person they don't see. Sometimes other cars contribute. What happens when more than one driver plays a role in causing a pedestrian wreck in Illinois?

If you or someone you love was hurt in a pedestrian accident in 2026, a Park Ridge personal injury lawyer can help you sort out who's responsible and what your options are.

Can More Than One Driver Be Held Responsible in Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois?

Illinois law allows fault to be divided among multiple parties when more than one person causes an accident. If two drivers acted carelessly and a pedestrian was hurt as a result, both drivers can be held liable for damages.

This isn’t unusual in pedestrian accidents. One driver could run a red light and strike a pedestrian in a crosswalk, while a second driver couldn't stop in time and also hit the pedestrian, or one driver could make an illegal U-turn and stop when they realize that someone is in the crosswalk. They could then be hit by the inattentive driver behind them, rear-end their car, and push them into the pedestrian.

These are just hypothetical examples, but in these cases, both drivers made choices that contributed to the outcome. Under Illinois law, both can be brought into a legal claim.

How Is Fault Decided Between Multiple Drivers in a Pedestrian Accident?

Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. Fault is assigned as a percentage to each party involved. As long as a driver is found to be at least partially responsible, they can be held liable for that portion of the injured person's damages.

Fault is determined through evidence. The more evidence in a case, the easier it is to figure out who did what. Evidence that helps establish driver fault includes:

• Traffic camera or dashcam footage showing the sequence of events
• Eyewitness accounts from bystanders or other drivers
• Police reports documenting the accident
• The positions of each vehicle and the pedestrian after the accident
• Skid marks, debris patterns, and other physical evidence at the scene
• Cell phone records if distracted driving is suspected
• Speed data from vehicle event recorders

Once the evidence is collected, attorneys, insurance adjusters, and, if necessary, a judge or jury will assign percentages of fault to each driver. The injured pedestrian can then seek compensation from both, proportionate to each driver's share.

What if a Pedestrian Was Also Partially at Fault for an Accident in Illinois?

Under Illinois' modified comparative fault rule, a pedestrian can still recover compensation even if they share some of the blame, as long as their fault doesn't exceed 50 percent.

If a pedestrian was jaywalking when they were struck, but the drivers involved were both speeding or distracted, the pedestrian may still have a claim. Their compensation would be reduced by whatever percentage of fault is assigned to them. However, it wouldn't be eliminated entirely.

This is also why insurance companies often try to pin as much blame as possible on the injured pedestrian. They know that pushing the pedestrian's fault above 50 percent cuts off their ability to recover anything at all. Having an attorney in your corner helps prevent this.

Why Pedestrian Accidents with Multiple Vehicles Are More Complicated in Illinois

When only one driver is involved, the claim typically runs through one insurance policy. When multiple drivers share fault, things get more complicated. Each driver may have a different insurer. Those insurers may disagree about how fault should be split. They may each argue that the other driver bears more responsibility to reduce their own payout.

Pedestrians caught in the middle of this can find themselves dealing with multiple adjusters, conflicting accounts, and drawn-out negotiations. Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries, long recovery times, and significant medical bills. Having an attorney to keep you out of the insurance fight can be a big relief.

Call a Des Plaines, IL Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident involving more than one driver, don't try to navigate the insurance process alone. With one dedicated attorney handling your case personally from start to finish, Quinn Law Group, LLC will work to make sure every responsible party is held accountable. Call Quinn Law Group, LLC at 847-232-7180 today to set up your free consultation with our Park Ridge pedestrian accident lawyer.