When no witnesses to a car accident are found, it can be difficult for police to understand exactly what happened immediately before a crash occurred. Through an investigation, though, often the factors involved in a crash are determined and officials learn whether one or more drivers were to blame for a crash. Tickets may or may not be issued, potentially leading to a criminal charge in the matter, but regardless of whether a citation is received, a responsible driver may be held liable for the financial damages done in a collision.
The ability to seek financial relief is available to victims who are hurt in a car accident that was the fault of another, whether it was the driver of the car the victim was riding in or the driver of another vehicle that caused a crash. Speaking with an injury lawyer who handles these cases in Chicago is the best way to understand what legal options may be available in your case.
Many people do not realize that they can be cited in a collision even if they were not initially at fault. Most often, this occurs when a not-at-fault driver flees the scene of a collision after a crash without speaking with police first. The laws in Illinois require all drivers to remain at the scene, regardless of who was at-fault, with limited exceptions to seek immediate medical care. Failing to stay at the scene may lead to a traffic or criminal charge and may result in fines, loss of license, or even incarceration.
Police are currently investigating an unusual accident that claimed the life of an Illinois man early this morning. They believe that the driver, a 33-year-old man, was traveling in his Toyota Camry on I-80/94 near I-65 shortly after 1:00 a.m. The driver collided with something on the road at a high rate of speed, causing significant damage to his vehicle and leaving him seriously injured. Police responded to the collision and attempted to help the man who was unresponsive and in distress. Though he was transported to a local hospital in Gary, the man’s injuries were too severe and he died as a result of the crash.
At this time, police believe that the man may have collided with the rear of a semi truck on I-80/94 and that the semi truck fled the scene of the crash. When they arrived at the scene, the victim’s car was still on the expressway’s driving surface, suggesting that the collision occurred while the car was traveling along the road. Authorities have not determined the identity of the other driver involved but they have spoke to individuals at area truck stops, trying to turn up any leads.
It appears that alcohol may have been a factor in this crash and that the 33-year-old driver may have been traveling at a high rate of speed immediately before the collision. Officials will not know more until they complete their investigation into this crash, at which time they will determine what factors led to the collision.
If another driver has been negligent behind the wheel and has caused a collision that left you injured or that claimed the life of your loved one, you should know that you may be entitled to seek relief for your damages. Often, these claims can be brought against all those responsible, including a driver, a vehicle’s owner, or even the employer of the driver involved if the driver was working at the time of the crash. An injury attorney in Chicago will help you understand whether multiple parties may be responsible for your damages.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that all car accident victims deserve to be represented by a lawyer who puts the victim’s interests first, and that is exactly what we do every day. We offer a free case consultation to all injury victims who cal us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call. There is no obligation on your part for taking advantage of the free consultation and if we take your case, we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf.
If an accident has left you hurt, do not let yourself continue to be victimized. Call us today and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Potholes in Chicago are becoming a Serious Problem, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published January 27, 2014.
Resource:
South Holland man dies after crash on I-80/94, Chicago Tribune, published February 3, 2014.