Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
An Illinois pedestrian accident has resulted in a 58-year-old woman losing a leg and a 21-year-old hit and run driver being held in police custody, according to the Chicago breaking news center. The collision took place on the south side of Chicago when a driver, who resides in the 6500 block of South Claremont, drove a 1993 Buick onto a sidewalk and hit the pedestrian who was waiting for a bus. The vehicle struck a bench and a light pole.
The incident took place at the intersection of 69th and State Street on January 26 just before 4 PM. The pedestrian suffered severe injuries and was in critical condition. She lost her right leg, her left leg was fractured and she lost vision in one of her eyes.
After causing the accident, the 21-year-old driver fled the scene. The news story does not report exactly how she she was caught, however police are giving praise to community members for distributing more than 500 pamphlets regarding the incident and canvassing the area.
The motorist has been charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, damaging public property, driving without a license, driving without insurance, failing to render aid to an injured person, failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident and negligent driving. On Saturday a Cook County Judge ordered the defendant’s bond be set at $100,000.
As far as a civil claim is concerned, no amount of money will be able to make this pedestrian victim whole again. That being said, the defendant in this matter is uninsured. Once a Chicago personal injury lawyer gets involved in the case, he or she will look into whether the victim has auto insurance and if an uninsured motorist claim can be pursued.
Click here to read more about Illinois hit-and-run claims.
Read the story as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times here.