Does Scott’s Law Only Apply to State Troopers?

 Posted on April 11, 2025 in Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents

On April 7th, 2025, an Illinois State Trooper was seated in his car at the scene of an accident on I-94 in Chicago. The trooper’s squad car was in the right-hand lane with its flashing lights activated. A Chevy Impala hit the squad car, injuring the trooper. His injuries were not life-threatening, but he was transported to a nearby hospital. This collision was the fifth accident caused by a violation of Scott’s Law in 2025. In 2024, one ISP trooper was killed and 12 were injured in Scott’s Law crashes.

It seems that the people most affected by Scott’s Law violations are state troopers. However, this law’s requirements also apply to other kinds of vehicles. Whether inside their vehicles or outside them, working as pedestrians, troopers are not the only ones who can be harmed. Pedestrians often sustain catastrophic or fatal injuries in motor vehicle collisions. If you are injured in a car accident as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, our experienced Arlington Heights, IL personal injury attorneys will advocate for your interests and fight to maximize your settlement.

What Is a Scott’s Law Violation?

Named after Chicago firefighter Scott Gillen, Scott’s Law was enacted to protect first responders and law enforcement officers at crash scenes and traffic stops. Mr. Gillen was hit and killed by a drunk driver while he was responding to an accident in December 2000.

The law expanded to include other vehicles that are stopped with their lights flashing, such as tow trucks and road construction vehicles. Motorists who approach these vehicles should slow down, proceed with caution, and yield the right of way. If possible, they should change lanes to allow space between the stopped vehicle and theirs. Special care should be taken to avoid hitting workers in road construction areas, as well.

A recent article published the story of an ISP trooper who was hit in 2019. He flipped through the air and landed on a roadway. Unable to move because of his injuries, he raised an arm in an attempt to keep an approaching vehicle from running over him. Thankfully, the driver’s headlights showed the trooper’s arm, and the vehicle was able to stop in time. That account highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians and serves as a reminder to be careful when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights.

Why Are Pedestrians at Risk of Serious Injuries?

Pedestrians, including first responders and road construction workers, have no protection against the impact of a car hitting them. Even low-speed collisions are potentially fatal. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Speeding
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Running stop signs and red lights

If you are injured as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation. Your financial and non-financial damages, which are specific losses, are probably quite high, so the liable insurance company is likely to try to shortchange you. Our attorneys will not let an insurer take advantage of you.

Speak to Our Skilled Rolling Meadows, IL Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

When your damages are high, you cannot afford to choose the wrong lawyer. When you partner with Newland & Newland, LLP, your experienced Palatine, IL personal injury lawyer will do all we can to secure full compensation on your behalf. For your free consultation, contact us online or call 847-797-8000 today.