Children may be at a particularly high risk for being injured in a car accident because they rely upon the actions of others. Young children may be unable to properly restrain themselves or even understand the purpose of seat belts, car seats, and boosters in keeping them safe in the event a collision occurs. That is why it is up to adults operating a vehicle to ensure that all children are properly restrained while riding in a car in Illinois. Failure to use safety devices, like car seats, with children in a vehicle may lead to charges being brought against an adult and punishments that may include fines, fess, loss of a drivers’ license, or worse.
Unfortunately, the actions of adults also determine whether or not there will be children injured in car accidents. The actions of drivers, whether the driver of a car containing children or another vehicle in the area, can lead to collisions if one or more drivers errs or acts in a negligent manner. Though these children may be at the mercy of adults and may be unable to prevent collisions, they may be entitled to seek and obtain financial relief if they are hurt in an accident. Additionally, the children’s parents or legal guardians may also be entitled to compensation if the child requires medical attention or sustains other damages. Speaking to a personal injury lawyer in Chicago who has experience representing children and their families may help you understand your options if your child has been hurt in an accident.
An early Sunday morning collision in Englewood left a one-year-old and two-year-old children in critical condition, according to local authorities. Police responded to the scene of the crash near the 400 block of West 74th Street around 6:00 a.m. and determined that one vehicle was involved in a collision with a pole that was near the road but off the driving surface. At this time, police believe that a 25-year-old woman was behind the wheel prior to the collision and that the driver fell asleep, leading to a loss of control of the car and a crash with the pole. The driver was reportedly uninjured in the collision as was a 29-year-old male passenger but two children in the car were critically injured. Emergency medical crews transported the children to a Chicago hospital for treatment where their current conditions remain unknown.
The driver has allegedly been charged in connection with the crash and faces counts of negligent driving and failing to properly restrain both children, among others. It is not clear when the woman is expected to appear in court to answer these charges and authorities have noted that their investigation into the incident is ongoing.
It is every parent’s worst dream to have a child hurt in a car accident. Once the shock settles, many parents do not know what to do, where to turn, or whether help is even possible for their child. At Abels & Annes, P.C., our lawyers want to help your family when it needs it most so that you can obtain the relief you deserve while focusing on what is important: the health and safety of your child.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we offer a free case consultation without any obligation to all injury victims who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. We keep a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week because we understand that you may need answers at any time of the day and not just during daylight hours. Everything discussed in the consultation will be kept confidential and at Abels & Annes, P.C., we put our clients’ interests first.
If your child has been hurt in a car accident in Chicago, make sure you understand whether relief is possible. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you with your legal options following a crash.
Prior Blog Entry:
Bicyclist Dies after Semi-Truck Accident, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published August 8, 2014.
Resource:
Woman cited after single-car crash leaves 2 children critically injured, Chicago Tribune, published August 10, 2014.