Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Tragedy can befall anyone who is involved in a car accident and it may not matter whether a victim is a driver, a passenger, or even a pedestrian in the area. When a collision occurs, those involved are at the mercy of the physics of the crash and may suffer serious, even permanent harm regardless of what precautions were taken. Unfortunately, car crashes continue to be one of the largest causes of death across the country and neither Chicago nor the State of Illinois are spared from that devastating reality.
Today, officials in the State of New York have confirmed a catastrophic car accident that left at least one man dead. That man was Bob Simon, longtime employee of CBS, regular correspondent on 60 Minutes, and known for his war time coverage of more than 40 overseas conflicts.
At this time, police have reported that Simon, 73, was riding in the back of a Lincoln Town Car that was traveling southbound on the West Side Highway in New York City near West 30th Street. The vehicle, driven by a 44-year-old male, reportedly slammed into the rear of a Mercedes in the area that was being operated by a 23-year-old male; the impact caused the driver of the Town Car to lose control of the vehicle as it cut across the highway and struck a center divider. The totality of damage done during those two separate impacts caused much of the Town Car to be destroyed and pinned Simon inside the back seat which forced emergency responders to take drastic measures to remove him.
Crews cut away a portion of the Town Car, including the roof, to free Simon who had head and body injuries before he was transported to a local hospital. Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained were too severe and Simon was declared dead at the hospital not long after the crash.
Those who knew and worked with Simon have taken to expressing their sorrow with many noting that it was tragic for a man, known for his journalistic integrity and kind demeanor, to survive so many dangerous wars only to be killed in a car accident in the town he called home.
Simon was born in the New York City area and first began working for CBS in 1967. He began his tenure on 60 Minutes in 1996 and during his career, he amassed 27 Emmy Awards, a testament to the coverage and virtue he brought to his chosen profession.
Police have noted that their investigation into this incident is ongoing and they are still reviewing all relevant facts. The driver of the Town Car was harmed in the accident and is receiving treatment at this time; it is unclear whether he will face criminal or civil charges for his actions prior to the impact. It is not clear whether the driver of the Mercedes was hurt or whether he escaped injuries.
Car accidents can happen to anyone and can cause devastation to an entire community if a loved one is seriously injured or killed. When they happen in Chicago, victims should know that they are entitled to seek relief for their losses or for the death of their loved one. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand these rights and move forward if you have been affected by a collision.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we are a firm comprised of dedicated personal injury attorneys and we have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. We will offer you a free case consultation without obligation and if we represent you, we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf.
If a crash has affected your life, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Single Car Accident on I-80/94 Near Gary Kills 3, Injures 2, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published February 9, 2015.
Resource:
Bob Simon, ’60 Minutes’ reporter and veteran war correspondent, killed in horrific crash on West Side Highway, by Rocco Parascandola, Joseph Stepansky, Bill Hutchinson, Dennis Slattery, New York Daily News, published February 11, 2015.