Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Many people in Chicago fail to realize how frequent pedestrian accidents occur in the city and how many of those accidents involve one or more vehicles. From collisions at intersections to those in parking lots and crashes near school zones, pedestrians face a multitude of risks as they travel across the city. When an accident happens, the pedestrian involved is injured or killed most of the time and these damages cause a ripple effect that reaches a victim’s family members, friends, and loved ones.
But why should people who walk have to suffer when a driver acts negligently and causes an accident? In Chicago, the answer may be that the victim has the rights and options to seek relief to stem the harm and compensate the injured for the damages caused by a crash. These claims are separate and distinct from any charges that may be brought against the driver by the State of Illinois or any traffic offenses for which the driver is ticketed. However, these claims must be brought in accordance with all state and local laws and within a specified time period so victims must take certain steps to ensure their rights are protected. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can help victims understand their legal options and can help them move forward with a claim for relief when that accident happens in the Chicago area.
A Sunday morning accident in Calumet Heights left two women in critical condition, according to local police. The collision occurred in the 8900 block of South Stony Island Avenue and began when two middle-aged women were crossing the street. Reports indicate that a minivan approached the area where the women were crossing and that the driver failed to slow or otherwise avoid the pedestrians, instead striking both women and causing critical injuries to each.
Police arrived on the scene and began an initial investigation including interviewing the driver of the minivan who was charged as a result of the collision. The victims were taken to area hospitals for treatment where their current conditions are not clear.
Pedestrians who are injured in traffic accidents do not have to continue suffering without relief. Instead, they can seek compensation for the totality of their damages by bringing a claim against the driver or other person responsible for the incident. Typical damages include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanency of injuries though the losses experienced in any particular crash will vary.
The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. believe in fighting for the rights of the injured and we focus our practice on that. We offer a case consultation without cost and without obligation to those who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and to make it as convenient as possible, we have a licensed lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
If we represent you in your case, we will never charge a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf and we advance all case-related expenses. If an accident has changed your life, make sure you know your options by getting the advice you deserve. Call the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
2 Dead, Several Hurt in Bridgeview Car Accident, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published May 4, 2015.
Resource:
2 pedestrians struck by vehicle, critically injured on South Side, by Quinn Ford, Chicago Tribune, published May 10, 2015.