Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
It is the responsibility of every driver in Chicago and across the state of Illinois to follow the rules and regulations that accompany driving on the state’s streets, expressways, and interstates. Yet despite this requirement, millions of drivers choose to act in a negligent or reckless manner annually, threatening not only their own safety but the safety of all other motorists in the area. Often, these actions lead to car accidents in Chicago and many of those collisions leave victims with serious or life-threatening injuries.
Victims may be doing nothing wrong and still find themselves at the mercy of these drivers who may not be paying attention to traffic, may be distracted by a cell phone, or may be intentionally speeding or driving erratically. While victims may not be able to prevent a crash from occurring, the laws in the state recognize that they should not be forced to bear the financial burden of their injuries when another causes that harm. Rather, Chicago victims and others in Illinois may have the right to seek financial compensation for their damages when a car accident affects their lives. Speaking with a lawyer who handles personal injury cases in the city may help you understand your options and your rights if you are looking for relief.
Early this morning, one person lost his life and at least six other people were involved in a car accident on Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive. Though early in their investigation, police have reported that a male was operating his vehicle southbound in lanes marked only for northbound traffic on Lake Shore Drive, one of the city’s most iconic and heavily used streets. The driver allegedly collided with two other vehicles near the 4100 block of South Lake Shore Drive in a violent incident, leading to injuries among several of those involved.
The crash took place at approximately 2:40 a.m. and led officials to close the area to through traffic while they investigated and removed debris. At this time, police have confirmed that the suspect wrong way driver was killed in the collision and that six other people were involved. Three of those victims required treatment at area hospitals with their conditions listed as serious-to-critical.
Officials have not yet released any preliminary information regarding the suspected at-fault driver’s actions immediately prior to entering Lake Shore Drive and it is not clear whether impairment may have been a factor.
No one has the right to harm others with their conduct, yet every day, that is exactly what happens to people in Chicago. Victims may escape with their health but far too often, injuries result and so do pain and suffering. But these victims may not receive the help and relief that they need because they are not aware of the steps that must be taken to preserve their rights.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe in victims. We believe in their rights and we fight for the clients we represent every day. If you have been involved in a car accident or if your loved one was injured or killed, we want to fight for you.
Call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and let us provide you with a free, no obligation case consultation. We will work around your schedule and we keep a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to help you with the answers you need, whenever you need them. If an accident has left you injured, do not hesitate; call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Pedestrian Killed in Metra Train Accident, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 19, 2014.
Resource:
Lake Shore Drive reopened after deadly wrong-way crash, by Quinn Ford, Chicago Tribune, published December 22, 2014.