As the school year comes to a close in the Chicago area, thousands of teens are beginning to celebrate the start of summer and all it has to offer. Some of those teens are set to graduate from high school which means they are wrapping up their studies and preparing to move on in the weeks or months to come. A popular way to mark this transition in a number of schools is through prom which can enable students to have one last gathering with all their friends before each embarks down his or her own path.
Annually, prom-related car accidents happen in the United States and many of them cause injuries or even death to the teens and others involved. In some cases, an accident of that nature occurs in the greater Chicago area and can cause devastation to the families of the victims involved as well as distressing other students at a school, faculty, friends and neighbors.
Unfortunately a car accident happened in Calumet City over the weekend and local police have said that a teenager in one of the cars was leaving a prom-related party at the time and that the teen lost his life in the accident. Early Saturday morning, a male teenager was allegedly driving eastbound on State Street when he crossed the center line and collided with a pickup truck traveling west. The impact was severe and it killed an 18-year-old passenger in the teenager driver’s car as well as a 56-year-old man in the other vehicle.
Authorities arrived on the scene and began an initial investigation. At this time, police have confirmed that the teenage driver tested positive for marijuana in his system and that teen has been charged with driving under the influence as a result. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether any more charges will be issued or whether any additional action will be taken.
No matter the time of year in which an accident occurs, the victims who are hurt as the result of the actions of another may be entitled to seek financial relief for their losses which often include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In the tragic incidents where a victim loses his or her life, the right to seek and obtain help may pass to that victim’s surviving family members though no amount of compensation can ever be considered adequate in these cases.
Victims may understand their legal rights and options by speaking with a personal injury attorney in Chicago and discussing the case with that lawyer. At Abels & Annes, P.C., our firm is comprised exclusively of injury attorneys who believe in fighting for victim’s rights and if you have been injured, we want to fight for you as well.
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 and to provide you with a case consultation without cost and without obligation. We will discuss the particular facts in your case and help you understand what relief may be possible for you and for your family if you have been injured. We can be reached toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (602) 819-5191 and everything discussed during your initial consultation will always be kept confidential.
Prior Blog Entry:
Alcohol Suspected in Aurora Car Accident, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published May 18, 2015.
Resource:
Aaron Dunigan, 18, killed after prom in car crash, by Diane Pathieu, ABC7Chicago.com, published May 17, 2015.