A Saturday motorcycle crash left a biker critically injured and forced officials to shut down a portion of Lake Shore Drive temporarily, according to local police.
The accident occurred shortly before 8:00 p.m. near the northbound ramp to the Stevenson Expressway. Emergency officials responded to the scene and found the 25-year-old male driver of the motorcycle seriously injured after the accident. No other vehicle known to be involved was at the scene at that time. Officials transported the victim to John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County for treatment. Though he was initially in critical condition, his current status, including the extent of his injuries, is unknown.
Being the victim of an accident can be a distressing event for anyone. Yet when a negligent driver flees the scene after causing a crash, often the resulting accident seems even worse. Illinois law makes it illegal for anyone to leave the scene of an accident without first speaking with police. This law makes negligent drivers responsible for their actions and it also enables some victims to receive help after a crash.
If a victim of a hit-and-run is unconscious and in need of medical help, a driver who flees the scene will not be able to call authorities or an ambulance to help the victim, increasing the chances of a permanent injury or even death. Often this happens after accidents at high speeds or accidents between a car and a pedestrian, motorcycle, or bicycle. As these crashes are likely to cause serious injuries, the chances only increase when a driver flees the scene and leaves victims without help. In fact, national statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that approximately 18 percent of pedestrian fatalities involve hit-and-run drivers. That means that in nearly one out of five accidents that result in the death of a pedestrian, the driver involved flees the scene and does not stay to speak with police or offer the victim any assistance.
Besides the increased threat of injury to any victims, leaving the scene of an accident also carries the possibility of criminal or traffic charges. In fact, leaving the scene of a crash is a crime and when a victim suffers serious injury or death, the charge faced by a driver can be a felony punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The victim of a hit-and-run or the victim’s surviving family members may pursue a civil claim against the driver as well for any injuries, including death, that the driver caused. In the event that the driver is never located after an accident, a claim can still be brought against the victim’s own insurance company to seek payment for damages, including pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.
If you have been the victim of an accident or if your loved one has been killed, call the Chicago hit-and-run injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a free, no obligation telephone consultation. At Abels & Annes, we only represent victims and their families and we never represent those who cause harm. We fight for victim’s rights and we are ready to fight for you. Call us 24 hours a day at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442 and let us help you today.
Prior Blog Entries:
Minivan Hits School, Injures Boy, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published August 8, 2013.
Cab Driver Injured by Passenger Who Threw Bleach in Driver’s Face, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published August 6, 2013.
Resources:
Motorcyclist injured, crash closed Lake Shore ramp to I-55, Chicago Tribune, published August 10, 2013.