Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Often, when a car accident or a pedestrian crash occurs in the Chicago area, police and other local officials attempt to understand the facts that led to the impact in an effort to determine whether any actions by those involved played a role. They may interview witnesses, speak with the victims themselves, or even recreate the accident scene in an attempt to gather all relevant information. While this may sound straight forward to some, in reality, it is often a complicated process that can lead to many twists and turns because the typical Chicago accident involves multiple mistakes and not simply one lapse in judgment.
While the police may be seeking answers, it is important to realize that they do so on behalf of the State of Illinois and not on behalf of any particular victim who was injured in the accident. Rather, if you are hurt in a collision, you must take affirmative steps to bring your case to light and to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Failing to do so may result in the permanent waiver of your right to recover or to seek any type of relief due to a collision.
With all the necessary legal procedures to follow, victims of these accidents may find the help and guidance they need by speaking with a personal injury lawyer in the Chicago area.
Officials have now confirmed that a pedestrian accident happened in Chicago on Saturday evening and that the collision resulted in serious injuries to an elderly man. Police allege that a 54-year-old man was operating a van in the area of the 4000 block of North Cicero Avenue on the northwest side when he collided with a 78-year-old male pedestrian in the area. Officials claim that the driver did not stop after the collision but rather was apprehended approximately one block away; at that time, he allegedly admitted to the accident but claimed he thought he hit the elderly man’s hand. In reality, police allege that the impact was significant and left the victim with head and facial injuries, among others, necessitating his transfer to an area hospital for treatment.
The arresting officer reportedly noticed signs of intoxication when speaking with the driver of the van and found a bottle of clear liquid believed to be alcohol. The man was arrested and is facing charges of driving under the influence with potential additional charges being considered. Reports from several media outlets including the Chicago Tribune indicate that the driver has been arrested for operating under the influence in two prior incidents but has never been convicted.
When a pedestrian accident happens and your life is affected, you may not know where to turn. The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. want to take the guesswork out of your claim by helping you understand your rights and your options when an accident happens.
We have a licensed 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 and we will take your call whenever it is convenient for you. We offer a free case consultation without obligation to all those victims and their family members when they call us and everything discussed will be kept confidential.
If we can help you seek the relief you deserve, call us now.
Prior Blog Entry:
Pedestrian Critical after Chicago Hit-and-Run, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published February 25, 2015.
Resource:
$75K bail for alleged DUI motorist accused of injuring elderly man, by Rosemary Regina Sobol, Chicago Tribune, published March 1, 2015.