Any accident that happens can be devastating, regardless of the outcome and the damages that occur. But when a victim loses his or her life in a car accident, those loved ones who are left behind will never recover. There is nothing than can bring back a victim or that can undo the suffering experienced by those that knew him or her.
The laws in Illinois entitled the family members of these victims to seek compensation for their damages even though no amount of money can ever be considered adequate. Relief can enable families to obtain the help they need to pay their expenses and to cover other damages left behind once the dust settles. In Chicago, it is possible to bring a wrongful death claim with the help of a personal injury lawyer to obtain the relief that your family deserves if your loved one was killed in an accident. These claims must be brought within a period of time specified by law and multiple claims may be possible so it is wise to consult with a lawyer after the accident takes place.
A collision occurred in Chicago on Sunday morning and claimed the lives of two people involved. Officials have reported that an SUV traveling in the 1600 block of West Webster Avenue struck the side of a second vehicle before the SUV continued traveling. Approximately two blocks later, the SUV crashed again, but this time collided with a parked car, bringing the vehicle to a stop. The driver of the SUV, a 40-year-old man, was killed in the accident and so was a 37-year-old female passenger who was believed to be in the front seat prior to the crash.
Two other people were injured in the accident and needed medical assistance at different area hospitals. Officials have not confirmed whether these two other victims were inside the SUV or whether they were in or near one of the other vehicles involved, though the review of the facts of the collision is still ongoing at this time. It is not clear what types of injuries were sustained or whether either of the surviving victims faced life-threatening injuries.
Following a typical Chicago area car accident, police and other local authorities conduct an investigation in an attempt to learn about what factors combined to lead to the crash. They review all relevant facts and determine whether any outside influences contributed to the accident. The outcome of that review often determines whether any motorist involved will receive a traffic citation or will be charged criminally due to the actions that led to the collision.
The outcome of an investigation by police does not affect the rights of injury victims, though, as those rights are prescribed by law and cannot be altered by an at-fault driver’s actions. Victims and their surviving family members have the right to seek relief for all damages that occur and multiple recoveries may be possible.
The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. believe in fighting for victims’ rights and we have been doing just that for decades. If you call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575, a licensed lawyer will take your call and will offer you a free case consultation without any obligation on your part. We are standing by 24 hours a day, and if we take your case, we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf.
If an accident has claimed the life of your loved one or left you injured, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
West Chicago Car Accident Killed 1, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 8, 2014.
Resource:
2 killed, 2 others seriously injured in North Branch crash, by Denease Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, published December 7, 2014.