The Risk of Pedestrian Injuries on Halloween

 Posted on October 07, 2025 in Pedestrian Accidents

Trick-or-treating is a time-honored tradition on Halloween. However, children and their parents need to exercise extra vigilance when looking out for negligent drivers. Ahead of the holiday festivities, you should know that if you or your child is injured in a pedestrian car accident, you have a right to seek compensation for your damages. A Cook County, IL personal injury attorney can assist you in filing a claim, fighting for your rights with an advanced knowledge of the law.

At the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., we handle a wide range of cases, and no claim is too small for us to handle. Our solo attorney can help you investigate a car accident from Halloween night and compile evidence to hold the negligent driver accountable.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents on Halloween

Even at low speeds, a vehicle striking a pedestrian can result in serious, possibly life-threatening injuries. Some of the common causes of pedestrian accidents may include:

• Drunk driving: Drivers coming home from Halloween parties where alcohol was served can endanger trick-or-treaters, as their reaction times and judgment may be impaired.

• Reckless driving: Drivers may have to drive at a lower speed to account for the increased pedestrian presence, especially when children are around. Many accidents are caused by reckless drivers failing to reduce their speed in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.

• Distracted driving: Cell phones, loud music, or rambunctious passengers may take a driver’s attention away from the road, which can be dangerous when there is a large amount of foot traffic.

Other factors like low visibility or bad weather can increase the risk of a car accident on Halloween night.

Wrongful Death Claims for Halloween Pedestrian Accidents

An article by USA Today shed light on a disturbing statistic, finding that Halloween night is one of the most dangerous times of year for child pedestrians. In the most harrowing cases, pedestrian accidents can be fatal. If the worst comes to pass, a personal injury attorney can help the surviving family members file a wrongful death claim.

A wrongful death claim can cover damages related to funeral expenses, loss of future income, and end-of-life medical expenses. In addition, these claims can also compensate the surviving family for emotional trauma and loss of companionship (740 ILCS 180/2). 

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident While Trick-or-Treating?

If you or your loved one has been struck in a pedestrian accident on Halloween night, there are steps you can take to protect your rights, such as:

• Calling 911: A police report will serve as vital documentation for your claim. More importantly, if you are in need of immediate medical attention, getting an emergency responder on-site as soon as possible is critical. However, keep in mind that police response times may be delayed on Halloween.

• Gathering Witness Statements: If there are other families in the vicinity who witnessed the accident, their testimony can help support your claim. While you are still at the scene, you may wish to exchange contact information with people who can support your account.

• Getting a Medical Examination: Seeing a doctor or going to a hospital immediately after the accident can help to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.

Our firm can assist with all of the paperwork after the accident, taking swift action to make sure that you file your claim on time.

Contact a Cook County, IL Pedestrian Accident Attorney

In the weeks leading up to Halloween night, remember to prioritize safety while trick-or-treating. If you are hit by a negligent driver, reach out to our firm for help. To schedule a free consultation with the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. today, call our Orland Park, IL car accident lawyer at 708-321-1223.