Car accidents are the number one cause of unintentional death among teens ages 15 through 19 across the nation. Unfortunately, Chicago experiences a number of these deaths every year. But teens and other inexperienced drivers are far from the only ones at risk of death or serious injury in a car accident. In fact, any driver or passenger in Chicago can be involved in a crash, even if that driver is operating in a safe manner. The actions of others on the road can determine whether or not a collision occurs and whether or not injuries result.
There are hundreds of reasons why collisions occur, including speeding, driving while intoxicated, a mechanical failure, poor weather conditions, and poor road design. In some cases, it can be difficult to determine the facts that led up to and eventually caused an accident.
When negligence or a mistake by one or more individuals involved causes a collision to occur, anyone injured in the crash may be entitled to seek relief for the injuries sustained. This can include any medical expenses incurred or likely to be incurred in the future, nursing and rehabilitative care, pain and suffering, and even lost wages for time missed from work. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who handles car accident claims may help you understand whether you are entitled to relief if you have been hurt in an accident.
In the worst instances, one or more people involved lose their lives in a car crash. Though no amount of compensation can ever adequately compensate for these loses, the victim’s surviving family members may have a right to seek a recovery to help ease the financial burden left after their loved one’s passing.
Police in Chicago have reported a tragic accident that occurred on Saturday morning along Lake Shore Drive. According to officials, a car with at least three occupants was traveling along the busy street around 4:30 in the morning when the driver lost control and crashed into a pole. Officials are not sure what caused the driver to lose control at this time and are still investigating the incident to determine whether negligence was involved.
The incident happened just south of the I-55 ramp and claimed the life of a 29-year-old man who had been in the car at the time of the impact. Two other individuals, both believed to be in their 20s, were in the vehicle as well. They survived and were transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical conditions.
If you have been involved in a car accident or if your family member was killed in a crash, make sure you understand whether you have a claim for your damages. The lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. are standing by now to take your call and to provide you with a free, no obligation telephone consultation concerning your accident.
You can reach us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we are standing by 24 hours a day. Anything discussed will remain confidential and there is no obligation on your part for speaking with us. If you prefer to meet with us in person but you are too injured to travel to our offices, we offer a free in-home or in-hospital consultation.
If you have been hurt, make sure you get the relief you deserve. Call us today and let us help you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Chicago Hit-and-Run Leaves Motorcyclist Injured, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published June 23, 2014.
Resource:
1 dead, 2 critically hurt in Lake Shore Drive crash, by Peter Nickeas, Chicago Tribune, published July 6, 2014.