Head-on collisions are responsible for a disproportionately large share of traffic fatalities in Chicago and elsewhere in the country. While head-on crashes are not as common as some other forms of accidents, they may be more likely to result in injuries or death due to the relatively powerful forces involved and, often, the high rate of speed of opposing vehicles. This happens because many head-on crashes occur when one driver crosses a center line or median and strikes opposing traffic or where a driver travels the wrong way down a one-way road. In less populated areas, head-on accidents may be caused by a driver attempting to pass on a two lane road when it is not safe to do so.
Like other forms of car accidents, head-on collisions have the potential to injure not only a responsible driver but also any passengers in that driver’s vehicle, drivers in another car, passengers in another car, and even bicyclists and pedestrians in the area. The laws in Chicago recognize that the innocent victims of these instances should not be forced to bear the financial toll enacted by the errors and mistakes of others and instead allows these people to seek compensation for their losses. Whether damages take the form of medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, these victims can bring a civil claim for their losses against those responsible and by doing so may recover payment to rectify the wrongs caused by a crash. If you have been hurt, you may understand your options better by speaking with a personal injury lawyer who has experience representing car accident victims.
Police in Lemont confirmed that a two car accident happened on Friday and that an elderly passenger lost her life as a result. The crash happened near the intersection of Archer Avenue and 107th Street prior to 3:00 p.m. and may have begun when a vehicle crossed the center line of the road. Police have stated that the first vehicle then collided with a second in a head-on impact and that the drivers of both cars were injured. Ambulances responded to the scene and evaluated all victims. In addition to the drivers, an elderly passenger in the second vehicle was hurt and was also taken to a hospital; that 94-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries shortly after the crash.
Both of the drivers survived the crash and are expected to recover though the nature of their injuries has not been disclosed.
When a loved one is killed in a car accident, there is nothing that can stem the suffering experienced by that victim’s family. However, seeking monetary relief can help a family obtain the payment needed to move forward financially and to cover any expenses that may arise.
The law firm of Abels & Annes, P.C. is located in downtown Chicago and its attorneys have been helping car accident victims and their families for years. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe in the rights of injury victims and that is why we only represent victims and we never represent insurance companies. If you have been hurt or if your loved one was killed, we want to help you as well.
We will be standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call and to provide you with a case consultation without charge or obligation if you have been hurt. Everything discussed will be kept confidential and at Abels & Annes, P.C., we never charge a fee unless we make a recovery for our clients. When tragedy strikes, call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and let us help you move forward after a collision.
Prior Blog Entry:
Semi-Truck Hits Car in Plainfield, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published April 10, 2015.
Resource:
Brookfield woman, 94, killed in Lemont crash, by Marwa Eltagouri, Chicago Tribune, published April 11, 2015.