Chicago and the surrounding suburbs boast a population of nearly three million. Some are too young to drive and others may not drive though they may be authorized to do so, yet even with many non-drivers, most people in the area travel by car on occasion. Whether it is part of a daily commute or a trip to school or simply a rare ride in a taxi cab, those in Chicago are likely to be a driver or a passenger in a vehicle at some point in time.
Even the safest operators can become the victims of a Chicago car crash if another driver in the error fails to pay attention to traffic or otherwise acts in a negligent manner, leading to a collision that may result in injuries. While you may not be able to control the actions of other drivers, the law is on your side if you end up hurt in a crash. The laws of Chicago and Illinois enable the victims of the mistakes of another the right to seek a recovery for their damages. In the case of an automobile collision, often that means a victim can obtain compensation to cover the medical expenses they incur, the wages they miss earning while they are unable to work, and proper payment for things like pain and suffering. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who has experience representing the victims of car accidents may help you understand the legal implications of your collision and whether you have a valid claim for your damages.
The worst accidents can claim the life or lives of those involved, turning a car crash into something much more serious than simply an accident. In those cases, the victim’s surviving family members may be entitled to bring a claim for the loss of their loved ones to help ease the financial burden left behind, even though no amount of compensation can ever fully compensate for a family member’s life.
Police in Chicago were called to the scene of a fatal crash on Thursday morning that claimed the lives of four individuals while leaving a fifth person seriously injured. The crash occurred in the Montclare neighborhood in an alley behind a home improvement store around 3:00 a.m. At this time, officials believe that a BMW was speeding and the driver lost control, leading the BMW to strike a concrete wall.
Three men and a woman were killed in the crash with a fifth person seriously injured. All victims were in their late teens or early 20’s though the driver has been the only one whose age has been verified at 22 years.
Police are trying to determine what caused the driver to lose control by speaking to witnesses and reviewing security footage from area businesses. At this time, they do not believe that the BMW was racing prior to the impact.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Chicago, make sure your legal rights are protected by hiring a lawyer to represent your interests. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we only represent the victims of accidents and never insurance companies. We are standing by now to offer all victims a free case consultation toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. There is no obligation on your part for speaking with us and we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have been hurt in an accident, call us now and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Orange Line Train Kills Pedestrian in Chicago, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published June 10, 2014.
Resource:
4 dead, 1 hurt when car slams into wall on NW Side, Chicago Tribune, published June 12, 2014.