Many people in Chicago do not realize how many pedestrian-related car accidents occur in the city and across the nation every year. Pedestrian accidents may not be as visible as crashes involving multiple vehicles and they may not receive the same amount of attention in the media but that does not mean they are rare. In fact, in 2010 alone, nearly 3,000 pedestrians were involved in traffic accidents in Chicago alone, not to mention the thousands of other pedestrians who were injured across Illinois.
Many pedestrians who are hurt or sustain injuries in an accident turn to lawyers to help them understand their legal rights. In Chicago, a pedestrian who is involved in an accident due to the negligence of another, like a distracted driver or a motorist who fails to yield the right-of way, is entitled to seek relief for his or her damages. This can be accomplished through the use of a civil claim for damages and it can allow a pedestrian to recover for things like medical bills incurred and time missed from work. As the facts and circumstances surrounding each accident are unique, it is a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer regarding the details of your crash to learn about what legal options may be available to you.
Unfortunately, often in pedestrian accidents, the injuries sustained by the victim are too severe and the pedestrian loses his or her life. In those cases, no amount of money can adequately compensate a family for the damages they sustain though legal relief is still available to help ease the financial burden placed upon the victim’s loved ones.
Authorities in Aurora reported a fatal crash between a pedestrian and a passenger car in the western suburb early this morning. At this time, they believe that a 56-year-old woman was walking northbound on Randall Road when she was hit by a Ford Taurus, also traveling northbound in the area. The victim initially survived the accident and was transported by ambulance to an area hospital but succumbed to her injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead.
The area near Indian Trail Road and Sullivan Road was closed down for several hours while officials investigated following the 4:15 a.m. crash. The driver of the Ford remained at the scene and spoke with officials who do not suspect impairment by the driver as a factor at this time. No citation have been issued and the investigation continues.
Pedestrian accidents nearly always result in injuries to the pedestrian and often in injuries to the driver or passengers inside of the car involved in the crash. Common injuries include broken or fractured bones, neck and back injuries, cuts and abrasions, damage to internal organs, head injuries including concussions, and even death.
If you have been involved in an accident that left you injured or if your loved one has lost his or her life in a pedestrian crash, know that you have legal rights and that you may be entitled to relief for your damages. The attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. are standing by now to take your call and to provide you with a free case consultation regarding your accident, including what legal options may be available to you.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we know that accidents happen at all times of the day and night and on any day of the year. That is why we are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. If an accident has caused you damage, do not wait to see if an insurance company does the right thing. Call us today and let us help you get a recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
GM Recall Now Includes 1.37 million Million Vehicles Over Safety Concerns with Ignition, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published February 26, 2014.
Resource:
Woman hit by car in Aurora dies, by Rosemary Regina Sobol, Chicago Tribune, published March 6, 2014.