Four children and an adult were sent to the hospital and were listed in critical condition because of a rollover car accident in Illinois on Interstate 94. The accident happened when another vehicle reportedly cut off an SUV on the interstate, according to the Chicago Tribune. It all took place just north of Armitage Avenue just after 8:00 p.m.Preliminary reports of the accident state that the female driver of the SUV swerved when she was cut off by the other vehicle. The swerving caused her SUV to flip over and to roll numerous times. The other vehicle didn’t stop for the accident and officers don’t have any information regarding the fleeing driver.
Our Chicago car accident attorneys understand how serious interstate accidents can be. Traveling at such high rates of speed can produce fatal injuries when an accident occurs. All of the SUV’s occupants were wearing seat belts. All four of the passengers were under the age of 17.
The Chicago Fire Department reports that the driver was transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Three of the children were transported to Children’s Memorial Hospital and a fourth child was transported to John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital.
Another accident over the weekend killed a 6-year-old girl as she walked to a nearby Halloween party. A 16-year-old family friend was injured as well as the two used a crosswalk to cross the street at the intersection of Loomis and 70th in the Englewood neighborhood, according to the Huff Post.
The 36-year-old driver was heading south on Loomis when the accident happened. According to accident reports, the woman got out of her vehicle after the accident and held the young girl until police and paramedics got to the scene. The 16-year-old pedestrian suffered from a broken arm.
The 6-year-old was later pronounced dead at the Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.
The driver has been cited for failing to yield to the young girls at the crosswalk, for driving without insurance and for driving too fast to the current conditions.
“Cars come flying down this street doing damn near 50, sometimes 60 miles per hour. There’s accidents all the time at that corner. They need a stop sign there, or at least a speed bump, or something,” said a resident of the Englewood neighborhood.
These accidents serve as an important reminder to keep our children safe as the year wraps up. With the holiday season approaching, children will have plenty of time of time away from school and plenty of time to get into accidents if we’re not careful. Parents are urged to keep an eye on young children as they enjoy some time away from school. Motorists are also urged to keep an eye out for these little pedestrians. Kids love to play outside. That’s nothing new. Unfortunately, these young ones may not be able to comprehend the dangers and the functions of passing traffic. For this reason, it’s our job as drivers to keep a watchful eye out for those on foot, especially when traveling through residential areas.
If you or your child has been involved in a traffic-related accident, the Chicago injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes offer you a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.
Additional Resources:
5 injured, including 4 children, on I-94 near Armitage, by Carlos Sadovi, Chicago Tribune
More Blog Entries:
Emanuel Proposes Cameras to Bust Speedy Drivers to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Chicago, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, October 25, 2011
AAA Studies Teen Driver Risks to help Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Illinois, Nation, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, October 20, 2011