Why Light Trucks Cause More Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

 Posted on April 11, 2026 in Truck Accidents

A recent study by the National Safety Council found that light trucks are responsible for roughly 40,000 deaths on the road per year. This statistic is alarming, as it highlights safety concerns that have gone unaddressed for a long time. Pedestrians in particular are at greater risk in collisions with pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans precisely because of the size disparity compared to other cars. If you or somebody you care about has been hit by a light truck, get in contact with a Joliet, IL personal injury attorney today.

At Schwartz Injury Law, we have a wealth of experience handling auto accident claims, having recovered millions on behalf of our clients. In one stand-out case result, we managed to secure $325,000 for a client who was struck in a pedestrian accident.

Why Do Light Trucks Pose a Greater Risk to Pedestrians in Illinois?

Light trucks often sit higher off the ground than passenger cars. Their front ends are also taller and flatter. That design can make a crash worse for a pedestrian. A smaller car may strike a person lower on the body. A light truck is more likely to hit the torso or head right away. That can lead to more deadly injuries.

These vehicles also weigh more than many sedans. More weight usually means more force in a crash. Even at moderate speeds, that force can be devastating. A person on foot simply does not have much chance against a heavy vehicle.

Light trucks are also common in parking lots, neighborhoods, and school areas. Those are places where drivers should expect to see people walking. When a driver is distracted, speeding, turning carelessly, or backing up without checking carefully, a light truck collision can become deadly in seconds.

How Long Do You Have To File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Pedestrian Accident?

After a fatal pedestrian crash, families are often overwhelmed. They may be planning a funeral, dealing with bills, and trying to understand how their loved one died. During that time, legal deadlines can be easy to miss. That is one reason it is important to speak with a lawyer sooner rather than later.

In Illinois, wrongful death claims usually must be filed within a limited time period. In many cases, that deadline is two years (740 ILCS 180/2). Still, the exact timing can depend on the facts. When a wrongful death claim involves a government vehicle, the timeline to respond may be much shorter. Minors may also have an extended amount of time to file a claim when a parent passes in an accident.

Large Blind Zones on Light Trucks Are a Danger to Pedestrians

Blind zones are one of the biggest dangers with light trucks. Many of these vehicles have large front blind spots, rear blind spots, and side blind spots. A driver may think the path is clear when it is not. That mistake can cost someone their life.

This danger is especially serious for children. A child may be too short to be seen over the hood of a large pickup or SUV. A driver pulling out of a driveway or parking space may never realize the child was there until it is too late.

Blind zones can also endanger older adults, joggers, bicyclists, and people crossing at intersections. In a busy area, a driver must watch for many things at once. If the vehicle already limits visibility, the risk grows even more.

When a driver reverses a light truck without checking carefully, a pedestrian can be struck before the driver even understands what happened. Mirrors and cameras still leave gaps. Drivers must stay alert and move carefully, especially in crowded areas.

Estimating Your Damages in a 2026 Wrongful Death Claim

No amount of money can make up for a lost life. Still, a legal claim can help a family recover financial support and seek accountability.

Damages in a wrongful death claim may include medical bills tied to the final injury, funeral and burial costs, and the loss of the income the person would have provided. In some cases, the claim may also address the loss of services, care, guidance, and support that the person gave to loved ones.

It is also important not to assume that the first settlement offer is fair. Insurance companies often try to resolve claims quickly and for as little money as possible. A grieving family may feel pressure to accept an early offer just to put the matter behind them. That can be a costly mistake. An early offer may leave out major parts of the loss, especially when the full financial and emotional impact of the death is still not clear.

Filing a Survival Action

In some cases, a family may also have a survival action in addition to a wrongful death claim. These are not the same thing. A wrongful death claim focuses on the losses suffered by surviving family members because of the death. A survival action focuses on the harm the victim suffered before death. That may include the person’s medical expenses, lost income before death, and the pain and suffering he or she experienced between the accident and passing away.

What Evidence Is Required To Prove a Truck Accident Claim in Illinois?

In a fatal pedestrian accident case, the evidence often needs to show how the crash happened, who was at fault, and how the death affected the family.

Useful evidence may include:

• Police reports
• Scene photos
• Surveillance video and dashcam footage
• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Vehicle damage

In some cases, a lawyer may also seek black box data, cellphone records, or information about the truck’s safety features and blind zones. The crash scene itself can reveal a great deal. Skid marks, debris, road design, lighting, crosswalk markings, and traffic signals can shed light on the conditions before a crash.

In Joliet, evidence from nearby businesses, homes, or traffic cameras may help tell the story. An attorney may also work with investigators or other professionals to understand speed, line of sight, and stopping distance. The sooner that work begins, the better the chance of preserving what happened before key proof is lost.

Contact Our Kendall County, IL Auto Accident Attorneys

Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident can be extremely difficult to cope with. At Schwartz Injury Law, we understand how painful and confusing this time can be, and we are prepared to help you investigate what happened and pursue the compensation your family may be owed. Call 708-888-2160 or contact our Joliet, IL wrongful death lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.