According to U.S. census data, the population of Chicago and of Illinois are growing right now and all age groups have seen a recent increase. In 2010, Chicago boasted a population density of 11,841.8 people per square mile and more than 23 percent of the total population was aged 18 or younger. This helps illustrate why Chicago is seen as a young, highly populated city by those who live in other areas, including other states.
But the young population tells just a portion of the city’s story as many families, single adults, and couples also reside in Chicago. It may surprise some but in 2010, approximately 10.3 percent of the population was aged 65 and older in the city and 12.5 percent of Illinois’ population fit that grouping. Many of these residents own personal vehicles and drive cars on a regular basis and that means that Chicago’s streets are full of motorists who are older in age. Elderly drivers tend to be associated with several stigmas regarding their driving and, among them, that they no longer possess the skills necessary to operate a vehicle safely or to keep up with traffic in the busy urban area.
National studies reveal that it is not very simply to lump together the driving habits of seniors or to categorically list them as “good” or “bad” drivers. In fact, car accidents involving elderly drivers happen in Chicago and they can be the fault of the older driver or of another motorist – even one in the prime of his or her driving career. If you are injured in a collision with an elderly driver, you can learn about your legal options for relief by contacting a personal injury attorney.
A tragic accident has been confirmed by Chicago police who responded to the scene in Hyde Park on Sunday. Reports indicate that a vehicle driven by an elderly man was traveling westbound on 57th Drive near Hyde Park Avenue when the driver lost control, sending the vehicle off the road’s surface where it collided with a tree.
The driver and an elderly female passenger were both killed in the incident.
Authorities are still reviewing the facts of the crash and trying to determine what led to the impact and whether any components beyond the driver’s control played a role in this accident.
Nothing can erase the loss that occurs when a loved one or a family member is killed in a car accident. But those who are left behind may be entitled to obtain the financial compensation they deserve to help them move forward financially and to cover any expenses that may result from the crash, including funeral costs.
The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. have helped countless victims of car accidents obtain the payments they deserve and we have helped the families of victims bring claims for their damages as well. If an accident has affected your life or has left your loved one hurt, call us now toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and speak with one of our licensed lawyers.
We offer a free case consultation without any obligation to those victims who call us and we always have an attorney standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you have questions or if you need help, call us now and let us fight for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
One Killed in Motorcycle Crash in Skokie, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published June 8, 2015.
Resource:
2 killed in single-car accident in Hyde Park neighborhood, by Denease Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, published June 8, 2015.