Insurance estimates indicate that a typical American driver will be involved in three to four car accidents over the course of their lifetimes. If you drive more than average or if you are often a passenger in a vehicle, the odds of being involved in additional collisions increases with the time spent inside a car, truck, or van.
The good news is that many of these accidents that happen are considered minor and, while they may cause damage to vehicles, they do not result in injuries to those involved. However, while many are minor, many others are serious and can leave victims permanently altered following a crash with injuries, damages, and emotional suffering that can last from days to a lifetime. In the worst collisions, a victim may lose his or her life and that victim’s family members may never recover from that loss.
The majority of car accidents that take place in the greater Chicago area are not actually accidents but rather are due to an error, mistake, or negligent conduct on the part of someone involved. When these instances lead to injuries, the laws of the state recognize that it is unfair to expect innocent victims to pay for their own damages and therefore the laws enable these victims to seek financial compensation following a crash. Relief may be available to cover things like medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages but it is up to a victim to affirmatively take the steps necessary to obtain this help if they want it. If a car crash has affected your life or injured your loved one, you may obtain the answers you need by speaking with a Chicago personal injury attorney who handles these types of claims.
Shortly before 6:00 a.m. Thursday, Illinois State Police were alerted to a single vehicle car accident on I-55 near Western Avenue, prompting an on-scene response. Officials assessed the car and determined that two people inside were injured in the crash and were in need of additional medical treatment so those victims were transported to area hospitals. While officials have confirmed these injuries, they have not stated the nature of the harm sustained other than to state that both victims are expected to survive.
Police are conducting an investigation into this incident to determine what caused the crash and whether the driver involved was at-fault for the collision. Officials believe that the driver lost control of the car for unknown reasons, leading the vehicle to collide with a cement median while traveling inbound, causing a crash that left at least two lanes of I-55 closed for an hour. During rush hour this morning, authorities were able to remove the vehicle and reopen all lanes of traffic for other commuters.
When a car accident happens and causes injuries, it can be difficult to know whether the incident triggers the option for legal relief that is permitted by local and state laws. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we understand how distressing it can be to be hurt and be confused about your options, so our legal team is here to help.
We offer a free case consultation without obligation to all those who contact us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call. Everything discussed will be kept confidential and we will speak to you about your specific accident and your legal options stemming from that crash regardless of when you call us so please do not wait; call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for your rights after an accident.
Prior Blog Entry:
Information Sought in West Pullman Pedestrian Crash, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published January 21, 2015.
Resource:
Two people hospitalized after crash on I-55, Chicago Tribune, published January 22, 2015.