If you spend time on the streets in and around Chicago, chances are that on occasion, you may come across a car accident or the cleanup efforts after one. With so many drivers taking the roads in the city and with overall traffic congestion, crashes are a fact of city living common to many residents, as well as tourists and commuters. But just because car accidents are common does not mean that they must occur. Rather, the majority of accidents can properly be blamed on one or more drivers who acted negligently or carelessly while behind the wheel.
Distracted driving has existed as long as the automobile has been a common staple of daily life but recent technological advances has made it much worse. Whether it is a cell phone, a tablet, or even a laptop computer, drivers have been using technology more and more often in Chicago while they drive even though use of these devices is often illegal. The distraction rate posed by an electronic device is high because every second that a driver’s eyes remains on the device is one second that the driver is not focused on the road ahead or on the changing traffic conditions.
Whether an accident is caused by distraction or is simply caused by some other factor, like driving or running a stop light, a negligent driver may face traffic or criminal charges as a result of a crash. Often, though, the liability for an accident does not stop there. The laws in Illinois allows a victim of a car crash to seek proper compensation against the responsible party and these claims can be brought regardless of any criminal or traffic charges. Speaking with an injury lawyer knowledgeable in these cases is the best way to learn about your legal rights after an accident.
It can be difficult to determine exactly what led to a collision in some cases and it may take the authorities some time to work out the facts. That seems to be the case in a Grant Park collision that occurred earlier this morning and left five people injured.
Police have confirmed that two vehicles collided in the vicinity of South Columbus Drive and East Roosevelt Road shortly after 2:00 a.m. The area, which experiences heavy traffic during much of the day and night, saw a heavy response by emergency crews including multiple ambulances. Five individuals were transported to Northwestern Hospital and John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County for treatment, four of whom were listed in serious to critical condition.
While it is not clear what caused the crash at this time, police will continue their investigation in an effort to determine whether one or more drivers was at fault for the collision.
When an accident leaves you or your family member injured, make sure you understand your legal rights and whether you are entitled to financial compensation for your damages. Call the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and take advantage of a free, no obligation case consultation. We are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call whenever you need answers so do not hesitate – call us today at (855) 529-2442 and let us help you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Impaired Driver Injures 7 in Chicago, Will Face Charges, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published January 16, 2014.
Resource:
5 hurt, 4 seriously in downtown crash, Chicago Tribune, published January 18, 2014.