Traffic safety often makes drivers and passengers think about car accidents in Chicago and across the state of Illinois. The typical image of an accident involves two cars colliding due to a mistake on the part of one driver, whether that mistake was speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield the right-of-way. While this may be the popular image thought of in the city, it is far from the only type of collision that occurs. In fact, every year, thousands of car accidents involving only a single car take place in Illinois.
Every single car accident in Chicago involves a unique set of facts and therefore different legal options may result for the victims who are harmed in those accidents. Some of these collisions may be caused by bad weather conditions while others may result from a mechanical malfunction. In some instances, a driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Yet in other cases, speed, lack of driving skills, or other factors may cause or contribute to a one vehicle accident. Regardless of the cause of the crash, if you were hurt in a collision, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. A recovery may be possible to provide you with payments you need to cover your medical and rehabilitation expenses, wages missed while you were off work, and your pain and suffering, among other losses. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your rights, and whether you have a valid claim, if you have been involved in a Chicago car accident.
Shortly before 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, police responded to the scene of a single vehicle car accident on Birdewell Drive in Burr Ridge. When they arrived, they found the driver of a Mercedes trapped inside the vehicle and a passenger laying on the ground nearby. At this time, police believe that a 24-year-old man was behind the wheel of a Mercedes when he left the road’s surface, struck a tree, and continued into a parking lot of a steak house. The vehicle collided with the restaurant and knocked some bricks free but did not do substantial structural damage, according to officials.
The force of the crash caused the vehicle to roll over and eject the passenger, a 23-year-old woman. When emergency crews arrived, they assessed both the driver and the passenger and transported each to area hospitals for treatment. Unfortunately, the passenger’s injuries were too severe and she died in the early morning hours on Thursday. The driver survived but is listed in critical condition with injuries that have not been specified.
Several people inside the restaurant and at least one passing motorists reportedly witnessed the incident and spoke with investigating officers regarding the crash. Authorities began their investigation on scene on Wednesday night but are now proceeding remotely as the scene has been cleared. Official have not released a determination as to why the driver left the road and struck the tree, beginning the incident, but they have stated that the road at issue is curvy in the area where the collision occurred.
Thousands of factors can figure into a single car accident, making it nearly impossible for an average motorist to understand everything that happened prior to an impact. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that victims and their families should not have to worry about the legal ramifications of a crash but rather should only have to focus on their personal roads towards a recovery.
We want to help you seek the relief you deserve if you have been injured in an accident. To make that possible, we offer a free case consultation regarding your accident and we provide it toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. We understand that accidents can happen at any time so we are always standing by – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. There is no obligation on your part for speaking with us and everything discussed will be kept confidential.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that victims’ rights matter. Let us help you today as you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Divvy Bike Rentals Expanding to Evanston and Oak Park, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published September 29, 2014.
Resource:
Woman killed, driver critical in Burr Ridge crash, by Rosemary Regina Sobol, Chicago Tribune, published October 2, 2014.