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CHICAGO, Cook County, Ill., Oct. 10, 2026 — A 70-year-old woman was struck by an SUV during an apparent argument on Saturday night, October 10, on the West Side, Chicago police said. The crash happened in the 3300 block of West Jackson Boulevard at about 9:22 p.m.
A man driving a black SUV struck the woman while she was outside. The circumstances that led up to the crash remain under investigation, and it was not immediately clear what relationship, if any, existed between the woman and the driver.
As the SUV was leaving the scene, someone opened fire on the vehicle. No one was struck by gunfire, according to the report.
The woman was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, and her condition had not been released as of Saturday afternoon. No arrests had been announced, and the shooting remains under investigation alongside the crash.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
When Pedestrian Crashes Are Most Likely to Happen in Chicago
Pedestrian crashes cluster around certain hours more than people expect. Evenings after sundown, especially between 6 p.m. and midnight, see a heavy share of incidents because streetlighting is uneven and drivers have less time to spot someone stepping off a curb. Weekend nights add another layer: more foot traffic, more vehicles on the road, and in some cases alcohol or distraction in the mix.
Visibility is the biggest variable that shifts after dark. Headlights create glare that can wash out a pedestrian's silhouette, and drivers usually misjudge both distance and speed in low light. Fatigue plays a role too, both for pedestrians walking home late and for drivers who have been behind the wheel for hours.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 77 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark in 2023. That pattern holds in cities of all sizes, including dense urban grids where crosswalks and intersections are frequent but lighting and driver attention vary block to block.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes pedestrian accidents?
Common factors include driver distraction, failure to yield at crosswalks, speeding, and low visibility at night. Some crashes also stem from disputes or intentional acts rather than ordinary traffic error, which is determined case by case during an investigation.
Does vehicle speed change the outcome for a pedestrian?
Yes. Even modest increases in speed raise both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injury, because higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force of impact.
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen?
A large share occur at or near intersections and mid-block crossings in urban areas, though crashes also happen in parking lots and on residential streets where drivers may not expect pedestrians.
Are these crashes more common after dark?
Yes, nighttime hours see a higher share of pedestrian crashes than daylight hours, largely due to reduced visibility for both drivers and people on foot.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Chicago, IL
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately so officers and paramedics can respond. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation is important, since some injuries, particularly head and internal injuries, are not obvious right away.
If you are able, note what you saw: the time, the direction vehicles were traveling, and any details about the people involved. Chicago police rely on witness accounts and any available surveillance or dashcam footage to piece together what happened. Following up with the police department for a copy of the official report can also help with insurance or medical documentation in the days after the crash.
