Accidents between vehicles and pedestrians are often devastating. In 2010 alone, there were 2,943 such accidents just in the city of Chicago, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. In over 90 percent of all pedestrian accidents, the pedestrian involved is either injured or killed, meaning that the physical toll exacted by these collisions cannot be overstated.
With the constant presence of pedestrians in Chicago, the city experiences a large number of collisions between these walkers and vehicles annually. Most of these collisions do not need to occur, though, and actually are the result of negligence or recklessness on the part of the driver, the pedestrian, or both. When someone involved in an accident fails to act in a safe and legal manner and causes a collision to occur, the victims of that crash may be entitled to seek relief for their injuries. Speaking with a lawyer in Chicago who represents pedestrians injured in accidents may help you understand the legal implications of your accident and what avenues of relief may be available to you.
An accident on Wednesday evening in Des Plaines triggered a police response to the area. When they arrived, they found a collision between a truck and a pedestrian in the area of Frontage Road and Touhy Avenue. During their investigation, authorities determined that a 44-year-old man was driving the truck westbound on Touhy Avenue with two passengers in the car. As the truck approached the area, it struck a 43-year-old male pedestrian, leaving him with critical injuries. Emergency medical technicians transported the pedestrian to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital for treatment but the man’s injuries were too severe and he was pronounced dead.
At this time, investigators believe that the driver of the truck was operating under the influence of alcohol, contrary to and in violation of local and state laws. The driver was subsequently arrested and has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence and causing an accident that resulted in death, a crime that could lead to incarceration if he is convicted. He is expected to appear in court in Skokie on Friday on the charges.
If you have been injured in an accident while you were a pedestrian or if your loved one has been killed in such a crash, you may be entitled to relief for your damages. The attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. are standing by now to take your call and help you understand your legal rights.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we have experience helping many victims of pedestrian accidents obtain the relief they deserve. We offer a free case consultation without any obligation to all those injured in a collision who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we make ourselves available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If an accident has caused you injuries, do not let a responsible driver or insurance company make you suffer. Call us today and let us help you get a recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Driver Caught, Charged After Fatal Crash on I-94, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published April 2, 2014.
Resource:
Pedestrian Killed in Des Plaines, by Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, published April 10, 2014.