Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
A typical idea of a car accident may conjure an image of two vehicles colliding, resulting in some minor damage to the vehicles and causing some anger and frustration among the drivers involved. In fact, car accidents in Chicago can involve any number of vehicles from one to dozens and may only cause property damage or may cause much greater devastation. In 2012, there were 274,111 traffic related collisions in the State of Illinois and more than 60,000 of those caused injuries to at least one person involved. Nearly 900 collisions proved fatal.
With a greater number of vehicles involved in a crash comes a greater potential for victims to result. This is particularly true when a high capacity vehicle is involved, like a van, bus, or other transit vehicle because these vehicles tend to have a large number of passengers who may be hurt. The fallout from these crashes can become complicated and can turn into a “he said, she said” situation as the drivers of the cars blame one another. Police and local officials may attempt to sort out the actions from a criminal standpoint but this can leave victims wondering whether anyone will help them or be on their side. Fortunately, car accident victims in Chicago have express rights that cannot be taken away by a negligent driver. But these victims must affirmatively seek the help they deserve by bringing a civil claim, a type of action that is unique and separate from any traffic or criminal charges brought against a driver and these claims can be brought with the help of a personal injury lawyer.
As rush hour began Thursday morning, three cars were involved in a collision on the Stevenson Expressway in the northbound lanes. At this early state, state troopers who responded to the scene have not yet revealed a suspected cause of the crash or whether any of the drivers involved were at-fault. It is also not clear whether any traffic tickets have been or will be issued as a result of this incident.
Emergency crews were on the scene near Harlem Avenue and they assessed multiple people who were involved. Several victims suffered injuries and had to be transported via ambulance to area hospitals but it is not known what their injuries were or whether anyone was facing life-threatening injuries.
While officials attempt to sort through the facts of the collision to determine what each driver was doing immediately prior to the collision, the victims are receiving medical treatment to help them with their injuries. Though the extent of the damage is not known, approximately half of all car accident victims across the nation require treatment beyond the day of the accident which can include follow up treatment, rehabilitative care, and future surgical needs.
The cost of post-accident medical care can be staggering and can accumulate quickly when a victim needs additional treatment. But victims may not have to bear the financial responsibility for these bills if the collision was the fault of another, whether that other was the driver of the car or the driver of another vehicle.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys understand the complicated nature of car accident claims and we fight to help victims understand the impact of these accidents on their personal lives. We provide a no-obligation, no-cost case consultation to those who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak with you.
If a car accident happens, do not let if affect your life indefinitely. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. now and let us help you toward the path of recovery and toward the path of relief.
Prior Blog Entry:
Bono’s Bicycle Accident Injuries May Prevent Him from Playing Guitar, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published January 2, 2015.
Resource:
Several people injured in I-55 crash, Chicago Tribune, published January 8, 2015.