A driver in Chicago struck a police officer at a traffic stop, sped off, and dragged the officer with her car, according to local authorities.The driver was stopped by Gresham District police late on Monday night for a routine traffic stop. When the responding officer approached the stopped vehicle, the driver of the car hit the officer in the face and then fled the scene. As she was fleeing, the driver hit the officer with her car and dragged the officer for an unspecified distance.
The driver was arrested and is facing charges related to the incident but it is not immediately clear what motivated her actions. The police officer has been described as experienced and was injured in the incident but is expected to recover. She was treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital late Monday evening and the nature and extent of her injuries is not currently known.
This collision highlights some of the dangers that exist when motorists drive in a careless or reckless manner. Illinois roads continue to have a large number of crashes every year that cause injury and death to motorists, cyclists, and even pedestrians.
In 2011, there were 281,788 motor vehicle collisions in Illinois resulting in 918 deaths and an additional 84,172 injuries. Many of these injuries required medical treatment and resulted in pain and suffering, disability, or an inability to work temporarily or permanently, further affecting the State of Illinois.
All drivers are required to follow the law when driving in the state. This includes obeying traffic signals, yielding the right-of-way, and exercising due care for others on the road when driving. Even though all drivers are required to drive in a safe manner, some ignore the laws and drive recklessly or hazardously which often results in collisions.
Cars are safer than ever but injuries still occur as a result of accidents. If you have been involved in an accident and you have suffered injuries, you may have a claim for your loss. Your claim can cover your medical bills, any lost wages you were unable to earn, out of pocket expenses, pain and suffering, and any other damages you incurred. Only a skilled personal injury attorney can discuss your rights to recover and what your options are as a result of an accident.
If you have been injured in a car crash, call the Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a no obligation, free telephone conversation about your case. We have an attorney available 24 hours a day to speak with you on your schedule and to discuss your rights.
Prior Blog Entries:
Massive Sink Hole in Southside Chicago Responsible for Swallowing 3 Cars, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published May 13, 2013.
Inconsistent Statistics Regarding Rate of Teenage Drivers Killed in Auto Accidents, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published May 12, 2013.
Resources:
Woman arrested after hitting, dragging cop in traffic: police, by Leeann Shelton and Jordan Owen, Chicago Sun-Times, published May 13, 2013.
2011 Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics, Illinois Department of Transportation, 2012.