Every year, there are approximately 280,000 car accidents in Illinois, nearly 30 percent of which result in injuries to those in one of the cars or others involved in the crash. Unfortunately, in addition to the injuries caused by these accidents, many individuals lose their lives as a result of a car accident. In fact, in 2011 alone, 918 people were killed in car crashes, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Some of these collisions are the result of bad weather or otherwise cannot be avoided. But a large number of car accidents are due to the negligence of one or more drivers involved in the incident. Whether it is speeding, driving in an unsafe manner, being distracted behind the wheel, or even being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, negligence while driving is costing those in Chicago millions of dollars and the lives of loved ones.
When negligence causes an accident that leaves a victim injured or killed, the laws allow the victim or the victim’s family to seek relief against the at-fault driver. Generally, this relief can be sought through a civil claim for financial damages. These claims are separate and distinct from any traffic or criminal charges that may be asserted against a negligence driver and often exist even when an at-fault driver does not receive a ticket in the crash. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in the greater Chicago area is the best way to understand the legal implications of an accident and to determine whether you may be entitled to seek relief.
Often, the cause of an accident is not immediately known and local authorities must investigate the circumstances to determine whether one or more parties was to blame for a crash. At this time, that appears to be the case with a car accident that happened in Barrington on Thursday morning between two vehicles traveling in opposite directions.
At this time, police believe that a 21-year-old woman was driving northbound on Ela Road when her vehicle crossed the center dividing line and entered a lane for southbound traffic. A second car was in the southbound lanes at the time and a collision between the two vehicles occurred. The 21-year-old driver died as a result of her injuries and was pronounced at the scene. At least one passenger in the second vehicle was injured and was transported to an area hospital for medical assistance where her condition remains unknown.
Police are trying to determine what factors lead to the collision between the two cars which happened shortly after 1:30 a.m. and are investigating the crash at this time.
If you have been involved in an accident and you have sustained injuries, you may be entitled to seek relief for the damages you incurred. In many cases, these claims seek payment for medical expenses and time missed from work as well as pain and suffering a victim has been forced to bear as a result of the accident. To learn about the legal implications of your accident, call the attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a free, no obligation telephone consultation.
We are standing by 24 hours a day to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and if we represent you in your accident, we will never charge a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf. If an accident has left you injured, make sure someone is on your side, fighting for your rights. Call us today and let us help you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Abels & Annes Reach $3.15 Million Settlement in Lawsuit Against the Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published January 30, 2014.
Resource:
Lake Zurich woman, 21, killed in Barrington crash, Chicago Tribune, published January 30, 214.