Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
More than 4,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2012 alone, based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. On average, nearly 13 people were killed every day simply by walking in an area by, near, or adjacent to a street or other driving surface. While no state was spared the devastation caused by pedestrian accidents, Illinois, and in particular the greater Chicago area, experienced significant suffering due to the large number of pedestrians, the congested traffic, and numerous dangerous intersections in the state.
Pedestrians are at a significant disadvantage when a collision with a vehicle occurs and almost always sustain injuries. In the most serious Chicago pedestrian crashes, a victim may lose his or her life or may sustain permanent damages that will not heal fully. These victims often realize that at-fault drivers may not be dedicated to helping victims recover for the wrongs caused by these drivers, leaving victims in need of help but without the knowledge of where to turn for relief. Fortunately, Illinois state laws are designed to protect victims who are injured in collisions by allowing them to seek relief for their losses through the use of a civil claim for damages. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in the Chicago area may help you understand your options if you have been involved in an accident or if your loved one was injured or killed.
Just prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday morning, a collision between an elderly driver and an elderly pedestrian occurred in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, leaving the pedestrian seriously injured. Police in Chicago are conducting an investigation and believe that a an 86-year-old driver was traveling in the area of 18th Street and Ashland Avenue when he attempted a right hand turn at an intersection. A 78-year-old pedestrian in the area was crossing the street when the driver turned and struck the walker, causing the impact.
Emergency crews transported the pedestrian to an area hospital with undisclosed injuries. He is expected to survive but it is not clear whether any permanent damage is likely to result. Responding officers spoke with the driver while the man remained at the scene and cited him for failing to yield to a pedestrian while turning. Though the investigation continues, no additional charges are anticipated without the discovery of currently undisclosed facts.
Victims of pedestrian accidents in Chicago are entitled to certain rights and protections under the law, but the victims must pursue this relief within a time period specified by the legal rules governing their claims. To make sure all victims understand their options, the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. offer a free case consultation without any obligation to all those who contact us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we offer the consultation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we are dedicated to the fight for victims’ rights and we seek the best possible outcome in every case we handle. If an accident has affected your life, we want to help you as well. Call us today and let us fight for the relief you deserve if you have been the victim of a traffic accident or if your loved one has been hurt.
Prior Blog Entry:
Personal Injury Lawyer Gary Annes Lectures to Other Attorneys, Emphasizes Winning Techniques, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published November 19, 2014.
Resource:
Elderly man struck by car in Pilsen, by Ashlee Rezin, Chicago Sun-Times, published November 17, 2014.