Almost 30 percent of all households in Chicago had at least one child under the age of 18 years old living there at the time of the 2010 census meaning that the safety of children has a direct effect on a large number of families. In addition to those living with children are a vast network of extended family and friends who care about young people’s safety.
But the care and protection of children is not just an issue for those with children in their lives. Children are the basis of tomorrow’s Chicago and will fill the roles of educators, inventors, and physicians. Failing to protect children becomes a serious concern to everyone in society as a result.
Perhaps that is why is continues to be shocking whenever an adult causes an injury to a child and fails to take responsibility for those actions, choosing instead to flee the scene of a collision without contacting authorities or even medical personnel to help the victim. But unfortunately, just such an accident involving a child seems to have happened once again in Chicago.
Police have reported that a 13-year-old boy was walking in West Garfield Park on Monday night around 7:00 p.m. when a car approached him. Both the boy and the car were in the 300 block of South Pulaski Road when the driver of the car, traveling southbound, struck the boy. The driver did not stay at the scene of the accident but rather fled the area without calling police or checking to see if the boy was injured.
The boy did sustain injuries in the accident and he was transported by ambulance to Mount Sinai Hospital where doctors treated his injuries. His current condition is not known.
Police are still investigating the crash and are trying to determine who was driving the car that hit the boy. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Chicago Police Department.
If the driver is located, it is likely that he or she will face charges for the involvement in this collision. Charges are usually greater when a driver flees a crash than when a driver remains at the scene and speaks with police. Beyond any traffic or criminal charges faced by the driver, there will be a possibility that the teenager and his family may bring a civil claim for their damages, including the medical bills incurred by the minor.
Even if the driver is not apprehended or identified, though, victims of hit-and-run accidents still may be able to pursue a claim for relief. These can be brought against a family’s own automobile insurance and can provide the coverage necessary to ensure a child gets the treatment needed after an accident.
If you or your child have been involved in an accident and suffered injuries as a result, call the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a free consultation regarding you accident. We are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call at (855) 529-2442 and there is no obligation on your part associated with the initial phone call. If you prefer to meet with us in person but you are too injured to travel to our offices, we also offer free in-home or in-hospital consultations. Do not let a negligent driver cause continued suffering in your family. Call us today and let us help you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Grant Park Accident Leaves 5 Hurt, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published January 18, 2014.
Resource:
Boy, 13, injured in hit-and-run on West Side, by Denease Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, published January 21, 2014.