Pedestrian accidents in Chicago unfortunately are common, especially in areas where heavy walking and vehicular traffic both occur. These spots include crosswalks near busy intersections, sidewalks crossing alleys, and the entrances and exits of parking garages. In many cases, the pedestrian has the right-of-way over a car, meaning that the car is required to let the person walking proceed first. However, in many cases, pedestrian traffic also must follow specified rules including obeying pedestrian crossing signals and crossing only in designated areas.
When a collision between a car and a pedestrian occurs, it can be difficult to understand the factors that led to the crash, including whether either party involved was acting in a negligent manner. Investigators have special training to help them recreate the facts of a collision and they may be able to determine who bears fault in the crash in the eyes of the State of Illinois. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who handles cases on behalf of injured pedestrians may help you understand your personal legal rights and options following an accident if you sustained injuries.
When an accident occurs and it gives rise to a right to a recovery by a victim, any victim involved may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages including pain and suffering. In the worst cases where a victim is killed, that individual’s surviving family members may be entitled to relief for their losses, though no payment can ever truly provide adequate compensation in those cases.
Chicago police were called to respond to an accident between a car and a pedestrian early yesterday morning on the city’s northwest side. Though still early in the investigation, officials believe that the victim, an 85-year-old man, may have been in the street in front of oncoming traffic when he was struck. The incident happened shortly before 6:00 a.m. in the 4400 block of North Narragansette and caused emergency crews to respond to the scene. Medical personnel transported the victim to Resurrection Medical Center but the man’s injuries were too severe and he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Investigators are trying to determine if the man was in the street before the crash and if so, what caused him to be there. The driver involved in the incident stayed at the scene and spoke with police; officers have reported that the driver has not been ticketed.
Any type of car accident can cause injuries but those involving a pedestrian almost always result in harm to the pedestrian, the driver involved, or both. If you have been a victim of a car accident, know that you may be entitled to relief for your injuries.
The lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have experience representing victims of car accidents and they are ready to help you in your claim for your losses. Call us today toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and let us provide you with a free, no obligation case consultation. We never charge our clients a fee unless we make a recovery in their case and we are standing by 24 hours a day to take your call. If you have been injured and you do not know where to turn, call us today and let us help you understand your legal rights following an accident.
Prior Blog Entry:
Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash in Chicago, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published March 24, 2014.
Resource:
Fatal car crash on Northwest Side kills elderly man, Chicago Tribune, published March 27, 2014.