Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Last month, a pedestrian and her son were injured after being struck by a motorist in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. According to accident witnesses, the woman was reportedly pushing a stroller across North Clark Street when the driver of a Toyota failed to stop at a crosswalk and hit her. The force of the impact allegedly threw the child onto the ground in tears and one accident witness stated it appeared that the child’s leg was broken. A Chicago Fire Department spokesperson, Will Knight, said the child’s mother was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in serious-to-critical condition. Knight also said that emergency responders took the boy to Lurie’s Children’s Hospital in serious-to-critical condition. Following the crash, the driver of the Toyota was allegedly cited for striking the two pedestrians.
Although the intersection where the injury accident occurred does not have a stop sign, a nearby sign reportedly warns drivers to yield to pedestrians. The Illinois Vehicle Code requires all drivers to stop for pedestrians who are using a crosswalk. This includes unmarked crosswalks and those that lack a traffic signal or stop sign. Although the penalty for failing to stop for a pedestrian who is attempting to cross the street varies by county, drivers may be fined up to $500 per instance. More importantly, motorists who fail to stop for pedestrians risk causing catastrophic damage to another human being.
Almost 6,000 pedestrians are struck by motorists throughout Illinois every year. Although someone who is traveling on foot may be injured by a car anywhere, most pedestrian accidents in Illinois occur on city streets or in an urban setting like Chicago. Unfortunately, nearly all pedestrian crashes result in some type of injury. Last year, more than 100 pedestrians were killed in an accident with a motor vehicle throughout the state.
In Chicago, there is normally a high volume of pedestrian traffic. Commuting residents, cab drivers, and tourists driving rental cars are often sharing the city’s intersections with those walking to public transit or other destinations. If you or a loved one was hurt by a motorist while using a crosswalk, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation for your injury. Accident victims may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you were injured by a motor vehicle while crossing a street, it is a good idea to contact a qualified pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss your case.
If you were hurt in a Chicago pedestrian accident, call the attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. today at (312) 475-9596. Our hardworking Chicago Metro pedestrian accident lawyers are available every day of the week to answer your questions and assist you in filing your personal injury case. At Abels & Annes, P.C., our experienced attorneys are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve based upon the severity of your injuries. Our knowledgeable lawyers are ready and willing to advocate on behalf of clients who were hurt in an unexpected pedestrian or other accident throughout Chicago. To speak with an experienced personal injury attorney today, do not hesitate to contact Abels & Annes, P.C. through the law firm’s website.
More Blogs:
Steger Man Killed, At Least Two Others Injured in Dan Ryan Expressway Collision, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, November 27, 2012
Seven Teens Hurt in Hinsdale Rollover Accident, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, November 19, 2012
Additional Resources:
Mother, child hit by car in Lincoln Park, driver ticketed, by Carlos Sadovi, Chicago Tribune
Mother, Baby Struck By Vehicle in Lincoln Park, nbcchicago.com