Urban areas like Chicago tend to experience a large amount of pedestrian traffic throughout the day as people walk to and from buildings, to public transportation, and even stroll around for exercise. Unfortunately in Chicago, the large number of pedestrians means that pedestrian accidents occur and often involve motor vehicles. These pedestrian crashes nearly always result in injuries to those involved and may even cause death, depending on the facts surrounding an individual collision.
Though nothing can erase these accidents once they have occurred, the victims of pedestrian crashes may be able to seek financial relief to restore them to their pre-accident states. Compensation may be available to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and even provide payment for pain and suffering in an accident if a pedestrian was hurt. The right to seek this relief belongs to a victim of a collision and is separate and distinct from any charges brought by the State of Illinois, meaning that a personal injury claim may be possible even if an at-fault driver did not receive a ticket in the crash. Speaking with a lawyer in Chicago who has experience representing pedestrian victims may help you understand your legal options if your have been hurt.
Police have identified a suspect they believe was responsible for a fatal pedestrian accident in September and charges have now been filed against the driver. Officials allege that a 26-year-old man was driving his sister’s vehicle to his home in Chicago in September when he turned into an alley on South Mason Avenue. The man reportedly struck a 37-year-old female pedestrian in the alley, running her over with his car, and then allegedly stopped his vehicle to check on the woman, who was unconscious. Officials allege that the driver then returned to his car and drove it some way before parking it and going to his home where he stayed until he went to work the next morning.
While at work, the suspect reportedly admitted that he struck a woman with his car and left her in an alley. The female victim in this case was found shortly after the crash and transported to an area hospital for emergency treatment but her injuries were too severe and she died as a result of the collision.
The suspect was arrested earlier this week and reportedly admitted to being involved in the crash. He currently faces one charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, a crime under the laws of Chicago and Illinois and the man is currently being held in lieu of bail. It is not clear whether officials are considering any additional charges in this case.
If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Chicago or if your loved one has been killed, you may have a claim that entitles you to financial relief. The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. are standing by 24 hours a day to take your call and help you understand your legal options after your crash.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we offer a free case consultation to all accident victims who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we provide it without any obligation on your part. We only represent injury victims and when providing a case consultation, we keep all information discussed confidential.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we never charge our clients a fee unless we make a recovery in their cases and we are standing by now to help you as well. If you have been hurt in an accident, do not let yourself continue to be victimized; call the legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
7 Hurt in Two Vehicle Crash Near Matteson, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published August 12, 2014.
Resource:
Man charged in fatal hit-and-run in West Side alley, by Steve Schmadeke, Chicago Tribune, published August 13, 2014.