Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Chicago boasts walking paths, wide sidewalks, and a public transportation system that enables many in the city to walk on a regular basis. Whether a pedestrian walks their entire trip or starts out in a car or on a bus before walking, chances are that most people hit the streets at some point in any given day. Everyone is a pedestrian sometimes, yet drivers do not always respect the rights of those who are walking. When a driver fails to pay attention or otherwise acts in a negligent manner, a collision between a car and a pedestrian may result.
Pedestrian accidents in Chicago are the cause of thousands of injuries every year, many of which require hospitalization or other medical treatment, and some of which claim the lives of the pedestrians involved. The fact remains that when compared to the large, heavy, and dense nature of a car, truck, or van, a pedestrian does not stand much of a chance – the pedestrian usually receives the majority of the force in a collision and is the one most likely to suffer injuries.
When a pedestrian accident occurs and injuries result, though, the pedestrian may have legal recourse to ensure that expenses are covered, including medical and surgical bills, lost wages, and other damages like pain and suffering. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who regularly represents victims of pedestrian collisions in Chicago may help you understand whether you have a valid claim and whether you are entitled to relief.
Unfortunately a tragic accident happened and cost a pedestrian her life on Sunday in the North Austin neighborhood of the city. Police have reported that a 64-year-old woman was walking in a crosswalk along West North Avenue at approximately 9:40 p.m. when a car approached the area, traveling westbound. For reasons that are not yet known, the driver of the car allegedly failed to stop or yield to the woman and instead struck her, causing serious injuries that eventually claimed the woman’s life.
The driver of the car involved in the crash then fled the scene, according to police. Leaving the scene of an accident in Illinois is against the law and can lead to serious traffic or criminal charges, especially in the event where someone was injured in the crash and in need of medical assistance. At this time, police have not yet apprehended the individual responsible and are still investigating the incident.
Pedestrians injured in accidents are often entitled to relief for their losses. Generally, these claims can be brought against an individual, corporation, or entity responsible for the collision, including an at-fault driver or the owner of the offending vehicle. But many victims do not realize that they may be entitled to relief even if the responsible driver fled the scene and cannot be located.
In the event that a responsible driver remains unidentified, an uninsured motorist claim may be possible and may provide a victim with the ability to be fairly compensated by his or her own insurance company. A lawyer who has experience with pedestrian accidents can help you realize whether any claims may be available to you.
If you have been injured as a pedestrian or if your loved one has been killed, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and let us help you get the answers you deserve. We offer a free case consultation to all injury victims and we have a licensed lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call. If you have been victimized, make sure you have someone on your side who is willing to fight for your rights. Call us now.
Prior Blog Entry:
12 Injured in Crash Between Van and CTA Bus, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published April 17, 2014.
Resource:
Woman, 64, killed in West Side hit-and-run, by Adam Sege, Chicago Tribune, published April 21, 2014.