Lawyers who represent accident victims for the injuries they incur understand something: car accidents can happen at any time, to any driver. Even the best driver in Chicago may become the victim of a crash, potentially suffering injuries due to the negligence of another.
This time of year presents no exceptions. As winter begins to blanket the roads in snow and ice, many accidents occur that may otherwise be avoided. Often the weather is blamed for these crashes, but in most cases, the weather is a factor that combines with some behavior exhibited by one or more drivers to create an accident. It could be that a driver was traveling too fast for conditions or was following too closely to the car in front of him. It could be that the driver did not leave enough distance to stop his or her car for a stop sign or red light, traveling into an intersection against traffic and causing a crash. Or it could even be that a distracted driver fails to notice a change in road conditions and fails to adjust to the change, potentially creating a dangerous situation or even causing a collision.
Regardless of what factors led to an impact, if you have been injured in an accident in Chicago, you may be entitled to bring a claim for relief against a negligent, responsible driver. Speaking with an injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and whether you may be entitled to a financial settlement.
Police are not sure what led to a five car collision on Sunday in the area of Bellwood at this time but they are investigating the crash, which left 13 people injured, including four children. The injured victims were removed from their respective cars and transported to area hospitals for evaluation and treatment of their injuries but the current conditions of the victims remains unknown. Police have confirmed that the crash caused significant damage to all of the vehicles and all five cars were towed from the scene of the crash.
The collision occurred near Mannheim and Saint Charles around 4:00 p.m. on Sunday and police are looking into whether the snowy weather was a factor leading to the crash. At this time, though, they are not sure if multiple drivers committed errors or whether any driver acted in a criminal manner. Charges could be issued depending on the results of the investigation.
Whether or not another driver receives a citation in an accident, the victims of the crash may still have a claim for their damages. This is because the laws in Chicago allow victims to make claims separately from any charges levied by the State of Illinois. In the event that a civil claim for damages is possible, a victim may be able to recover for all damages incurred, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you have been involved in a car accident that left you injured, make sure your legal rights are protected. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and take advantage of a free case consultation. If you would like to speak with us in person but you are too injured to travel to our office, we will also offer you a free in-home or in-hospital consultation, all with no obligation on your part. We have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day to take your call at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442 so do not hesitate. Call us now and let us help you obtain a recovery you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Alzheimer’s Patient Freezes to Death Outside Care Facility, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 14, 2013.
Resource:
13 injured in 5-car pileup in Bellwood, WGN-TV/Chicago Tribune, published December 15, 2013.