Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Drivers who are involved in an accident are required by Illinois law to stop at the scene of the crash and alert authorities if the accident caused any injuries or property damage. A driver is being sought by Chicago authorities after he struck a man in a crosswalk in the city’s Brighton Park neighborhood recently and failed to stop. According to a local news report, the auto-pedestrian crash occurred when the driver of a red SUV hit a 73-year-old man while he was crossing a crosswalk at the intersection of South California Avenue and West 44th Street. After hitting the pedestrian, the driver sped off without stopping to render aid or alert authorities. The report stated that other witnesses to this Chicago car accident called 911, and the pedestrian was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for several fractures and a head injury.
Pedestrian Accidents Are Common in Chicago
Auto-pedestrian accidents are common throughout Illinois, but they are especially prevalent in busy Chicago neighborhoods and the surrounding suburbs. Although drivers are required by law to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are crossing at a marked and active crosswalk, negligent drivers often fail to do so and hit pedestrians, sometimes causing serious injuries or death. Because of the high danger posed by auto-pedestrian crashes, it is recommended that pedestrians establish eye contact with drivers of vehicles that may cross their path, even when the pedestrian has the right of way.
A negligent driver who hits and injures a pedestrian can be held liable for the victim’s injuries and other damages through an Illinois personal injury claim. If the driver has liability insurance on their vehicle, the insurance company should offer compensation to the injured pedestrian, which may include additional damages for pain and suffering, as well as lost wages and compensation for any disability that resulted from the crash. Insurance companies have been known to challenge the claims of people injured by a policy holder’s negligence, and it can be difficult to obtain a fair settlement from an insurance company without the help of a skilled personal injury attorney.
A qualified personal injury attorney will utilize investigators and experts to ensure that their client has the strongest case possible, while fairly and accurately predicting and demanding compensation for the short-term and long-term damages that resulted from the crash. These may include medical bills, future medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Historically, accident victims who utilize experienced Illinois car accident attorneys consistently receive larger awards than victims who try to negotiate with the insurance company on their own.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Chicago hit-and-run accident as a pedestrian, contacting the right attorney as soon as possible after the crash will help you secure the compensation that you deserve. The Chicago accident attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C., have extensive experience representing clients in Illinois personal injury cases, and we can review your case for free with no obligation to you. Call 312-924-7575 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.