Although most drivers know to exercise additional caution when navigating busy city traffic, Chicago car accidents still take place on a daily basis. Sometimes, even the utmost of caution from a careful driver can result in a deadly car accident if others are driving recklessly or carelessly. When these accidents take place, those who fail to operate according to the rules of the road should be held accountable for their actions.
According to a recent local news report, a deadly crash took place on a local expressway that left a 32-year-old Chicago man dead and two other individuals hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Local authorities noted that a witness saw a reckless driver speeding on the expressway prior to the crash.
Speeding on the expressway, according to recent data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, has increased by nearly 10 percent this year as compared to the previous year. For example, in the last year, the agency reported a 10 percent increase in fatalities from crashes, an 11 percent increase in speeding citations, and a six percent increase in DUI citations.
With more individuals traveling on the road as the world reopens, many drivers have expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of reckless driving, speeding, and careless behavior on city roads. In fact, many drivers have opted for alternate routes to avoid reckless drivers on the expressway and have chosen to commute around the city using city streets or local roads.
Sometimes, however, traveling on the expressway is unavoidable—and accidents happen. In Illinois, when an individual dies as a result of a negligence-based incident—such as reckless driving in a car accident—there may be recourse through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Wrongful death lawsuits in Illinois must be filed by a personal representative of the deceased individual’s estate. If the claim is successful, Illinois courts can award damages for loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, such as lost wages or benefits, loss of consortium or companionship, and pain and suffering endured by survivors of the deceased. In addition, although some states place a cap on the amount of money that can be received from wrongful death lawsuits, Illinois does not have a limit.
If you decide that a wrongful death claim is something you would like to pursue on behalf of a deceased loved one, time is of the essence. Wrongful death claims in Illinois must be filed within two years from the date of the individual’s death in most cases, or the claim will be barred by the statute of limitations. However, there are shorter statute dates for certain types of defendants, so it is recommended that you consult with a lawyer as soon as practicable.
Do You Need an Illinois Wrongful Death Attorney?
If someone you love was recently killed in a fatal Chicago car accident, contact the attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. today. Our lawyers have collected millions of dollars on behalf of our clients and will provide you with the legal assistance, advocacy, and support you need to pursue your claim in court. To schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team today, contact us at 312-924-7575.