When a pedestrian is involved in a traffic collision, the results are almost always calamitous for the victim. In fact, in 2013, there were 4,718 pedestrian accidents in the State of Illinois. Of those, 4,419 caused injuries and 115 were fatal. This translates to more than 96 percent of all pedestrian collisions causing either injuries or death – an absolutely staggering number that reveals the extreme threats posed by these accidents.
But the harm to those involved reveals just a snapshot of the overall suffering that is caused when a person is involved in a pedestrian incident. In addition to the injuries caused, a victim may incur medical expenses, suffering pain and anguish, and may be forced to miss time from work. That victim’s family will also incur damages as their lives are affected and those who love and work with victims will suffer as well. The economic toll of pedestrian collisions across the nation is estimated to be in the billions of dollars every year with some collisions causing damages that last a lifetime.
Once an accident happens, nothing can turn back time and erase the harm done by that crash but a victim and/or that victim’s family members may be able to obtain financial compensation that allows them to move forward after a collision. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you understand what type of claims may be possible and who may be financially liable for your suffering.
Tragedy struck this weekend in the Lawndale neighborhood in Chicago when a 27-year-old man lost his life. According to local police, the man was walking in the 1100 block of South Francisco Avenue around 5:00 a.m. Sunday when an unidentified vehicle approached the area. The driver of the car struck the man before fleeing the scene, without stopping and checking on the man’s condition or without speaking to police about the incident.
Though emergency medical crews transported the man to an area hospital for treatment, his injuries were too severe and he died shortly thereafter.
Police are still looking for the driver of the car involved in the incident and are asking anyone with information to come forward at this time. An investigation is also ongoing.
When the unthinkable happens, victims of pedestrian accidents and their family members may feel like they have nowhere to turn and that no one is on their side. But the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. are here to help you and to enable you to get the relief you deserve. We offer a free case consultation without obligation to those who contact us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we keep a licensed lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
If you have been hurt by the actions of another or if your loved one was taken from you, the person responsible for the accident should be held liable for your damages and for the pain that they caused. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. now and let us get to work so that you can get the greatest award possible in your case.
Prior Blog Entry:
Collision between Bicyclist and Automobile Kills 1 in Illinois, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published June 28, 2015.
Resource:
Man killed in hit-and-run in Lawndale, Chicago Tribune, published July 5, 2015.