What Is Scott’s Law, and How Does It Affect You?

 Posted on January 07, 2025 in Personal Injury

2024 saw 27 reported violations of Scott’s Law that injured 12 Illinois State Police troopers and killed another, with the last crash happening on New Year’s Eve. Another Scott’s Law crash took place on January 1, 2025.

While outside their cars, troopers who are struck by passing vehicles often suffer catastrophic injuries. Other pedestrians, such as road construction crews and tow truck drivers, are also at risk. Whether you are injured through a Scott’s Law violation or another type of pedestrian car accident, working with a skilled Aurora, IL personal injury lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

What Is Scott’s Law?

On Dec. 23, 2000, Chicago Fire Lieutenant Scott Gillen was at the scene of a traffic collision on the Dan Ryan Expressway. An intoxicated driver caused a crash that pinned Scott against a fire truck. Gillen sustained multiple injuries and died. Illinois named the state’s move-over law in memory of Scott Gillen. This law states that if you are approaching a vehicle with flashing lights activated, you should:

• Yield the right of way

• Slow down

• Move to another lane that is not adjacent to the emergency vehicle if possible

• Proceed with caution

Patrol cars are not the only kinds of vehicles protected under Scott’s Law. Others include construction vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, other emergency vehicles, and commercial trucks that are legally permitted to have flashing, oscillating lights installed. Other stopped vehicles with hazard lights flashing are also included.

An expansion to Scott’s Law went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. This amendment requires drivers entering road maintenance or construction zones to change lanes if possible and reduce speeds to avoid striking workers.

Why Is Following Scott’s Law Important?

If you violate this law, you may pay fines and lose your driver’s license. If you cause a crash that injures or kills someone, you can face criminal charges and a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, the more important reason is to avoid harming pedestrians.

Drivers and passengers in cars and trucks are enclosed in a protected compartment designed to minimize injuries during a collision. Pedestrians, including emergency response personnel and road construction workers, have no such protection. Even at slower speeds, a moving vehicle can cause severe or fatal pedestrian injuries due to the multiple impacts they experience. Common pedestrian injuries include organ damage, extensive bruising, brain and spinal cord injuries, and lacerations.

How Can a Lawyer Help?

If you are injured in a car crash as a pedestrian or a family member lost her life in a pedestrian accident, you deserve compensation. Your eligible damages may include medical and rehabilitation expenses, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. Wrongful death claims may provide additional damages.

As with most insurance claims, the insurer will probably attempt to shortchange your payout. Most people do not understand how to calculate their case’s value and are unable to fight effectively to collect the full amount. A skilled attorney knows what to do to win your case.

Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Kane County, IL Car Accident Lawyer

If you are injured in a car accident, whether as a pedestrian, driver, or passenger, Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. will fight to protect your best interests. Contact us online or call 630-907-0909 to arrange your free case review with one of our determined Aurora, IL personal injury attorneys today.