Government regulators, local officials, and automobile manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to make driving safer. Whether it is through a redesign of a safety feature inside a vehicle, an alternate layout for a busy and congested intersection, or even changing some of the rules of the road, people want driving to be a safe and efficient means of transportation across the nation, including within and around Chicago. But despite all these efforts, car accidents continue to happen every day and they continue to claim the lives of thousands of Americans.
Often, these accidents are caused by the negligence of one or more drivers. More and more, drivers are distracted while they are behind the wheel and they fail to devote their full attention to the road, leading to an increased chance of a collision. Many drivers are distracted by their cell phones or tablet devices while others have reported distractions from the radio, a child inside the car, or even a conversation with an adult passenger. Regardless of what form the distraction takes, the results are clear: distracted drivers are a danger not only to themselves but to others on the road and they are responsible for a large number of Chicago-area car accidents every year.
Distraction is not the only way that drivers can cause an accident, though. Failing to follow the rules of the road, including running a red light, failing to stop at a stop sign, or even speeding may cause an accident. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are also more likely to be involved in a crash than are those who refrain from intoxicating substances.
After an accident occurs, officials, including police officers, will try to determine what happened immediately before the impact that led to the collision. That is the point where officials in Antioch find themselves after a serious collision occurred there yesterday. Police know that in the late morning hours, a van and a truck collided while traveling in opposite directions near I-173 and Eagle Ridge Drive but they do not yet know what caused the crash to occur.
Upon impact, the pickup truck involved in the accident rolled over, killing the male driver inside. At least two people were inside the van and both of those individuals were injured but were expected to survive after receiving treatment for their injuries, though their current conditions remain unknown.
Passersby who witnessed the aftermath of the collision attempted to help the driver of the truck but they were unable to save his life due to the severity of his injuries. He was 45-years-old.
The area where the crash occurred was closed while investigators reviewed the site but at this time, a cause of the collision has not been determined.
If you have been involved in a car accident and you have been hurt, you may be entitled to legal relief for your damages. The same is true if your family member lost his or her life in an accident that was caused by another driver. Speaking with an injury lawyer is the best place to start after an accident has left you injured or has claimed the life of your loved one.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we are experienced injury lawyers who have successfully represented those injured in car accidents in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. We are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to see if we can help you with your case as well. The first call is always free and there is no obligation on your part for speaking with us about your accident, so if you have been injured, do not wait. Call us today at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442 and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Expressway Crash Kills 1, May Have Involved Fleeing Semi Truck, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published February 1, 2014.
Resource:
1 dead, 2 injured in Antioch crash, by Liam Ford, Chicago Tribune, published February 9, 2014.