Drivers are charged with certain responsibilities and obligations to the passengers they transport. In Chicago, drivers must act with due care and exercise good judgment to put the safety of others first. Failing to use caution and care may result in a collision, and if a passenger is killed in a crash, the driver may face serious consequences. In addition to any traffic or criminal charges assessed by the State of Illinois, the victim’s surviving family members may be entitled to bring a claim for wrongful death against the negligent driver.
A wrongful death claim can be brought so that victims can seek to recover the compensation they deserve. Though no amount of money can properly compensate a family for the loss of their loved ones, the payment may be able to help ease the financial strain of losing a family member who helped contribute to the family’s financial and emotional success. A lawyer can help you understand whether you may be entitled to bring a claim for your losses after an accident claims the life of your loved one.
Unfortunately, it appears that a driver may have been negligent in a Friday crash that led to the death of her young passenger. The incident happened in Oswego on Route 30, east of Fifth Street and occurred shortly before 7:00 p.m. Two cars were involved in a head-on crash when one car crossed the center line of Route 30 and entered the path of travel of the second car. The impact was reportedly significant and led to injuries to the driver and passenger of the first car and the driver of the second car. The first car’s driver, a 24-year-old female, was transported by ambulance to Rush-Copley Hospital where she was expected to survive. The 61-year-old male driver of the second car was treated by medical personnel and released some time later. But the 21-year-old male passenger of the first vehicle succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by officials responding to the crash.
At this time, officials belief that the driver of the first car crossed the center line, causing the collision, but they are not sure what led the driver to cross, if in fact that is what happened. Impairment is not believed to be a factor at this time. Police are conducting an investigation into the incident to determine if one or both of the drivers were at fault and what factors caused the collision and caused the young victim to lose his life.
Some accidents are just that – accidents. But in many cases, the crashes that occur in Chicago are due to the negligence or mistake of at least one driver. It is in these cases that the victim of such a crash may have a claim for injuries or that the victim’s family may have a claim for their losses.
The lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have represented the families of many accident victims who have tragically lost their lives in car accidents. If your loved one has been killed, call our legal team today at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442 and let us provide you with a free case consultation. There is no obligation on your part for taking advantage of the case consultation and we can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call whenever you need answers.
Prior Blog Entry:
Father Charged in Chicago Drunk Driving Crash that Killed Son, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 26, 2013.
Resource:
Aurora man killed in Oswego crash, by Carlos Sadovi, Chicago Tribune, published December 28, 2013.