Teenagers are more likely to cause car accidents than more mature drivers who have greater experience behind the wheel. The reasons for this are complex and varied but they include the fact that teens have less real world experience than others, they are more likely to drive while distracted, and they have less developed judgment skills when it comes to operating a car. In fact, car accidents continue to be the greatest cause of unintentional death among teens ages 15-19 in the country. Unfortunately, teens in Chicago and in Illinois follow this trend.
Teen car accidents can take many forms. The teenage driver or drivers involved may be to blame for the accident or they may be an innocent victim of another’s actions. Regardless of the facts surrounding a crash, these teenage accident victims may have a valid claim for their injuries and their families may also have claims for relief. A civil claim can enable those who have been hurt with the ability to recover for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages that exist due to the crash and due to a teen’s injuries. Speaking with a lawyer in Chicago who handles personal injury cases may be a good place to begin if your family has been affected by a car accident, bike accident, or pedestrian accident in the city.
On Thursday evening, police in Orland Park were notified of a crash near 104th Avenue and San Luis Lane prior to 8:00 p.m. Upon arrival, police confirmed that a teenage driver struck a 71-year-old pedestrian in the area, leaving the pedestrian with significant injuries.
Emergency crews evaluated the elderly man and transported him to Silver Cross Hospital for treatment, but unfortunately, the man’s injuries were too severe and he died a short time thereafter. The driver, a 16-year-old, was also injured in the crash as was a 16-year-old passenger and both victims in the car received treatment of injuries believed to be minor.
The suspected cause of the collision has not been revealed at this time but police have confirmed that they began an investigation at the scene and that their investigation is ongoing at this time. The results of any factual review of this case may determine whether any traffic or criminal charges are brought, but at this time, no charges have been levied.
Many parents in Chicago fear for the safety of their children when they being to drive, understanding that operating a vehicle is one of the most dangerous activities that an average citizen will engage in during a typical year. But parents cannot be with their children at all times and therefore must trust their teens to make sound decisions while also relying upon the conduct of other drivers to keep their teens safe.
If a car accident occurs and affects your teenage son or daughter, the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. want you to know that your family has rights and that may include the right to financial compensation. We offer a free case consultation with no obligation on your part when you call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
If a collision has changed your life or your teen’s right, make sure you are protected from any further damage. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Crash in Northbrook Kills Elderly Woman, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 26, 2014.
Resource:
Pedestrian, 71, dies after being struck by teen driver on Christmas, by Lauren Zumbach, Chicago Tribune, published December 26, 2014.