A relative of a 53-year-old Park Ridge man who was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Maine Township in November has filed a lawsuit against the driver accused of hitting him. The complaint filed in Cook County Circuit Court alleges the 36-year-old driver of a black Dodge Challenger was speeding when he struck the decedent as he walked along the south side of West Touhy Avenue near the entrance to the Iroquois Woods at Axehead Lake Forest Preserve. In addition, the lawsuit claims the driver, who was reportedly employed as an emergency medical technician in Skokie at the time of the collision, failed to stop and render aid to the injured pedestrian.
According to Frank Bilecki, a spokesperson for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, a passing bicyclist found the pedestrian’s body lying on the side of the roadway and called 911. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office found that the pedestrian died as a result of multiple blunt force injuries sustained in a crash. Following the fatal hit-and-run collision, police reportedly canvassed the area for any witnesses. Bilecki said officers discovered the identity of the alleged hit-and-run driver after he took his vehicle to a local body shop for repairs.
Unfortunately, life-threatening injuries often result when a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle. Drivers in Illinois must stop and render aid or exchange insurance information following any accident that results in physical harm or property damage. If a motorist fails to stop, he or she may be criminally prosecuted and lose all driving privileges. As happened in this tragic case, a driver may also be sued for any damages that resulted from his or her failure to render aid. An individual who was injured by a negligent driver may be entitled to collect compensation for their medical expenses and physical injuries. In addition, the family of a person who was killed by a motorist may also be able to recover for wrongful death. If you were hurt or lost a close relative in a hit-and-run or other motor vehicle accident, you should contact a capable car accident attorney to discuss your options for recovery.
If you were the victim of a hit-and-run crash in the Chicago Metro, do not hesitate to give the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. a call at (312) 475-9596. Our experienced Chicago car accident attorneys are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week to answer your questions and help you file your personal injury or wrongful death claim. Our capable lawyers have years of experience advocating on behalf of clients who were hurt by a negligent driver throughout the Chicago area. To speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer today, please contact Abels & Annes, P.C. through our website.
Note: Abels & Annes, P.C. does not represent the victim’s family in the above mentioned lawsuit.
More Blogs:
Woman Allegedly Driving Stolen Vehicle Blamed for Fatal Crash in Chicago Suburb, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, December 11, 2012
Illinois Lawmakers Consider Allowing Illegal Aliens to Obtain Temporary Driver’s Licenses, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, December 7, 2012
Additional Resources:
Lawsuit: EMT charged in fatal hit-and-run failed to render aid, by Jennifer Delgado, Chicago Tribune
Authorities seek black Dodge Challenger in fatal hit and run, Staff Report, Chicago Tribune