Car accidents are tragic collisions that usually are caused by the mistakes of one or more drivers involved. The fact that the vast majority of collisions are preventable make them all the more tragic, especially when a victim is injured or killed. While a collision can occur to any driver in the state of Illinois, some types of motorists are more likely to be involved than others. Particularly, teenage drivers and elderly motorists are involved in a disproportionately large number of Chicago car accidents every year.
While teenage drivers lack the experience necessary to make educated decisions behind the wheel, the issues facing elderly drivers are more complex. As motorists age, they may suffer from medical conditions that make driving difficult. Decreased eyesight, including the presence of cataracts or glaucoma, can make it challenging for a driver to see oncoming traffic, bicyclists, or pedestrians. Prescription and over-the-counter medication may interfere with an elderly driver’s thinking capabilities and may lead to mistakes. Serious diseases that affect older Americans disproportionately may lead a driver to become confused, unsure of where he or she may be or what needs to be done. These diseases can include things like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Regardless of the factors that lead to a car accident involving an elderly driver in Chicago, the results can be similar. If a victim is injured or killed in that crash, the victim or the victim’s surviving family members may be entitled to financial compensation for their damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago may help you understand your legal options if you have been the victim of an accident.
What began as a car accident turned deadly on Wednesday in Aurora, according to local police. It appears that an 84-year-old female driver attempted to back out of a driveway, but in doing so, struck a vehicle and caused a crash. The woman attempted to back up after the crash and may have lost control of her vehicle, then drove into two yards near the area after the initial impact. A 51-year-old man in the area witnessed the woman at a loss of control and ran towards her vehicle in an attempt to render aid. The driver’s door of the vehicle was open and the man reportedly attempted to place his foot inside the vehicle to manually press the brake pedal because the vehicle was still traveling backward. Police believe that the driver struck the gas pedal at the time the man’s foot was inside the vehicle, sending the car backward even farther and causing the open door to collide with the man and throw him to the ground.
Emergency crews responded to the scene of the accident and assessed the Good Samaritan for injuries. He struck his head on the pavement when he was hit by the car door and was in critical condition when crews transported him to an area hospital for treatment. Shortly thereafter, the man was airlifted to Good Samaritan Hospital but his injuries were too severe and he died as a result of the incident.
At this time, the elderly driver involved is facing a ticket for improper backing but the investigation into this incident is ongoing. It is unclear whether any other charges will be brought. Neither the woman nor the driver of the second car involved in the crash were hurt.
When a car accident occurs in Chicago, an innocent victim is often left with the financial damages that result, whether they come in the form of hospital bills, rehabilitative care, or even time missed from work. But the laws in Illinois are designed to hold negligent drivers responsible for their actions, including the financial damages they cause, so these victims may be entitled to seek relief.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our firm is comprised of personal injury lawyers who believe in fighting for the rights of our clients, and if you have been hurt in an accident, we want to fight for you. We are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and to provide you with a free, no obligation case consultation. Everything discussed will be kept confidential and you will speak with a licensed lawyer when you call our offices.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we know that victims have rights, and we fight to make sure those rights are respected. If you have been hurt in an accident or if your loved one has been injured or killed, call us today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Cyclist Critically Injured after Collision with Car, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published October 10, 2014.
Resource:
Aurora auto accident claims life of Plainfield man, by Rosemary Regina Sobol, Chicago Tribune, published October 11, 2014.