Annually, over 4,000 pedestrians die in traffic-related accidents across the United States every year. Several of those deaths often occur in Chicago, a metropolis known for heavy foot traffic and congested roadways. In addition to those pedestrians who are killed, hundreds more are injured and are forced to incur medical and surgical expenses for their damages even though an accident may not have been their fault.
Pedestrian accidents in Chicago are often devastating and critical because they tend to involve an unprotected pedestrian and a much larger, heavier object like a car. When compared to the steel of a vehicle, a pedestrian does not stand much chance in an accident, explaining part of the reason why pedestrians almost always suffer injuries when hit by a car.
In addition to cars, though, pedestrians can be hurt in collisions with motorcycles, bicycles, public transportation buses, and even trains. Unlike other areas, the city of Chicago has all of these potential threats to pedestrians and more; often, a pedestrian walking just a handful of blocks downtown can encounter all of these threats in a small, combined space. When a pedestrian is hurt in an accident or when he or she is killed, the pedestrian or the pedestrian’s surviving family members may be entitled to seek relief for the damages that are incurred, including any medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of life in the event of death. No amount of relief can ever properly compensate a family who has lost a loved one due to the negligence of another but bringing a claim for damages can help ease some of the burden experienced by a death. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand whether you may be entitled to relief following your accident as well as what legal options and claims may be available to you.
Unfortunately, a pedestrian became the victim of what police have described as a hit-and-run car accident in Chicago on Saturday. The incident occurred in the 1000 block of West Grand Avenue shortly before 5:00 p.m. as a 33-year-old man was walking on or near the street. A car approached the area where the man was walking and hit him, causing a serious collision and reportedly throwing the man to the ground. The driver of the car fled the scene of the crash without speaking with police or even stopping to see if the pedestrian was injured. At this time, the driver has neither been identified nor apprehended but police are searching for the individual as well as the car’s owner.
Emergency crews responded to the scene and transported the victim to John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County for treatment. The pedestrian’s injuries were too severe and he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at the hospital.
If you have any information on this accident, including information on the driver involved in the crash, you are encouraged to call the local Chicago Police Department.
Accidents can happen at any time and at any place. Even pedestrians who are walking on a sidewalk or within a crosswalk can become a victim if a driver fails to exercise caution or otherwise drives in a negligent or reckless manner. When this happens, it can be difficult to know where to turn.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that all accident victims deserve a free case consultation without any obligation on their part whatsoever so we are standing by 24 hours a day to provide exactly that. We can be reached toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and if we represent you, we will never charge a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf. If an accident has left you injured or claimed the life of your loved one, do not allow yourself to continue to be victimized. Call us today and let us help you get a recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Taxi Accident Seriously Injures Pedestrian in Chicago, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published March 13, 2014.
Resource:
Pedestrian killed in West Town hit-and-run identified, by Carlos Sadovi, Chicago Tribune, published March 23, 2014.