In 2012, there were just under 3,000 pedestrian accidents in the City of Chicago alone. When added to the pedestrian collisions that occur in other parts of the state, the impact of these crashes cannot be understated. Pedestrians are likely to suffer serious injuries or even to lose their lives when a crash with a vehicle occurs because the pedestrian is particularly vulnerable when compared to a large, heavy car, truck, or van.
These accidents can require victims to seek medical treatment. They may need help at a hospital, through follow up surgery, or even through rehabilitation to recover from injuries and to return to their pre-injury state. But the expenses caused by medical treatment or by time missed from work can be burdensome to those who were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. To protect victims, the laws in Chicago and Illinois enable injury victims to seek financial relief for their losses through the use of a civil claim, an option that is separate and distinct from any charges that may be brought by local authorities. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your legal options if you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident or if your loved one was killed.
A pedestrian was left with serious injuries after a Wednesday night accident in West Chicago. Shortly before midnight, a pedestrian, who has not been identified, was walking near the area of Fair Oaks Road and Trieste Lane after getting out of a car. Another vehicle in the area, reportedly driven by a 57-year-old woman, approached the pedestrian and collided with her, leaving the walker with serious injuries. According to witnesses, the suspected driver of the vehicle involved fled the scene without checking on the pedestrian or informing authorities.
Police were alerted to the crash and responded to the scene. While they investigated, emergency medical crews evaluated the victim and transported the pedestrian to a nearby hospital in DuPage County where the extent of the injuries are not clear. Officials later located the woman believed to be behind the wheel at the time of the incident and arrested her on felony charges of failing to report an accident. It is not known whether any other charges will be brought in this incident.
Drivers do not always stay alert for pedestrians when they are behind the wheel, but pedestrian safety is a serious issue that has direct consequences for nearly everyone in Chicago. Whether you commute by bus, train, private car, or taxi, changes are that you must walk at some point every day, even if it is only a matter of feet. Unlike some other forms of accidents, pedestrian accidents can happen to nearly any person of any age: if you walk, you may be involved in a crash.
When tragedy happens and an accident leads to injuries, the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. want to help you and your family understand the legal implications of the collision. We are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 where we will provide you with a free, no obligation telephone consultation. We also offer free in-home and in-hospital consultations for those victims who wish to meet with us in person but are too injured to travel to our offices.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Chicago or if your loved one was injured or killed, do not let your damages continue to accumulate. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Stone from Gargoyle Falls from Church, Kills Woman, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published September 4, 2014.
Resource:
DuPage cops: Woman hit pedestrian, then drove off, by Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, published September 4, 2014.