Two people were killed and a motorist is in custody following a recent hit-and-run crash in Chicago’s Ashburn neighborhood. According to Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Jose Estrada, the female driver of a westbound Nissan Quest Minivan struck a 34-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man who were in the process of changing a tire on a car that was parked on the north side of 87th Street. Estrada stated the driver continued without stopping after striking the two people. Witnesses reportedly helped local police track down the vehicle and the driver a few blocks away from the scene of the crash.
A representative from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office said both individuals who were hit by the minivan died as a result of the injuries they sustained in the crash. Although the exact cause of the fatal collision is currently under investigation by the Chicago Police, alcohol is allegedly believed to have played a role in the deadly incident. In addition, charges are expected to be filed against the hit-and-run driver.
Regrettably, life-threatening and fatal injuries such as those sustained in this case often result when a pedestrian is struck by a car, truck, or other vehicle. Motorists in Illinois are required to stop and render aid or exchange insurance information after any crash that results in physical harm or property damage. If a driver fails to stop and render aid, he or she may be criminally prosecuted. A driver may also be sued for any damages that resulted from his or her failure to assist an accident victim. The victim of a hit-and-run wreck may be entitled to receive damages for their medical costs, lost wages and benefits, and compensation for any physical injuries. Additionally, certain family members of someone who was killed by a negligent or impaired motorist may also be entitled to recover for wrongful death.
Even if the driver in a hit-and-run crash is not apprehended, the victim has other avenues for recovery. A person who was hurt in a hit-and-run crash may file an uninsured motorist claim against their own insurance company or the policy of someone who resides in the same household. In addition, the family of someone who died as a result of a hit-and-run collision may be eligible to receive compensation pursuant to the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Act. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a tragic hit-and-run collision, you should contact a skilled car accident attorney to discuss your rights and help you file your case.
If you were injured by a hit-and-run motorist, please contact the dedicated lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. Our hardworking Chicago Metro accident attorneys are available every day of the week to answer your questions and help you file your personal injury or wrongful death claim. Our committed lawyers have years of experience advocating on behalf of clients who were hurt by another driver throughout Chicago. To speak with a capable personal injury attorney today, do not hesitate to give Abels & Annes, P.C. a call at (312) 475-9596. You may also contact us through the law firm’s website.
More Blogs:
Research Claims Drivers in Illinois and Across the Continent are More Likely to be Hurt in a Crash While Taking High Doses of Opioid Painkillers, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, January 26, 2013
Measure to Allow Illegal Immigrants to Obtain Temporary Driver’s Licenses in Illinois Poised to Become Law, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, January 17, 2013
Additional Resources:
Driver in Custody from Fatal Hit-and-Run, nbcchicago.com