Pedestrians should be safe when they follow all applicable rules and walk with safety in mind, but when drivers of cars act negligently, no pedestrian is guaranteed to be safe. In Chicago alone, thousands of pedestrians are injured every year in pedestrian accidents, many of which involve cars or other vehicles. Walkers are at a significant disadvantage when a crash occurs because there is nothing to protect the pedestrian from the impact of the collision, resulting in injuries or even death in some accidents.
While a victim cannot turn back the hands of time to prevent a collision from taking place, they may be entitled to financial compensation for any and all damages that result. In a typical accident, this can include medical and surgical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses, depending on the particular injuries that result and the facts surrounding a crash. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago may help you understand your options, including whether you have a valid claim for relief, if an accident has affected your life or the life of your loved one.
Earlier this week, a pedestrian in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood of Chicago was hit and killed after two cars collided shortly before 7:00 p.m. Police have reported that two drivers near Belmont Avenue and Austin Avenue collided for reasons that are not yet clear. While it is also unknown if the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions, it is known that the impact of the crash sent one of the cars out of control of the driver, leading that vehicle to collided with a pedestrian standing in the area.
Emergency crews responded to the scene of the collision and evaluated the pedestrian, a 62-year-old woman, who sustained critical injuries. She was taken to an area hospital but unfortunately, the woman’s injuries were too severe and she died as a result of the crash.
While is is not known whether anyone in either vehicle was injured, police have reported that they made an arrest in response to the Chicago car accident and that charges are pending against that driver.
Regardless of how you get around town, if you are like a typical Chicago resident, you have to walk from time to time. Whether walking from a parking spot, a bus stop, or a train station, you may walk along a sidewalk or even cross a road in the greater Chicago area. While you should be safe if you follow traffic rules, you are at the mercy of the driving of motorists in the area.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident or if your loved one was injured or killed, you may be entitled to relief under Illinois laws. The right to seek relief by a victim is separate from any charges that may be brought by local officials and may be available even if no traffic tickets were issues.
The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. believe that victims deserve to be heard and deserve to have their rights protected, and if you have been involved in an accident, we want to help you. We offer a free case consultation to those who contact us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.
If you have been injured, do not suffer in silence. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
3 Car Crash in Chicago Injures 2, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published November 3, 2014.
Resource:
Charges pending after pedestrian killed in crash on Northwest Side, by Denease Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, published November 4, 2014.