Drivers in the State of Illinois are eligible to begin being licensed to operate a motor vehicle at the age of 16. But simply being of age is not enough to qualify a motorist for a license. Instead, a driver must pass tests and demonstrate that he or she is capable of exercising the skill and judgment needed to be safe while behind the wheel. Additionally, all drivers who operate in Illinois, regardless of when they were licensed, must agree to follow all applicable laws and rules of the road. This includes obeying posted speed limits, heeding traffic signals, and driving on the proper side of the road.
Failure to follow traffic laws can lead a driver to receive a traffic ticket, a criminal charge, or worse. But in addition to any punishments that may be levied by local authorities, the fallout can become more severe if an at-fault driver causes a collision that ends in injuries to one or more individuals involved. In these cases, victims can seek financial compensation for their suffering and a driver who caused the collision may be held personally liable for those damages. If you have questions following a car accident, speaking with a personal injury attorney may help you understand your options including whether you have a valid claim.
A collision on Saturday is now being blamed on a driver who may not have obeyed a red light, according to local police. The incident happened at Oakton Street and Prospect Avenue in Park Ridge shortly after 12:00 p.m. and may have started when a woman failed to stop for a red light, entering the intersection against traffic and causing a collision.
The car believed to have run the light turned onto its side and collided with a third car waiting near the intersection. That second impact then pushed the third car into a fourth and fifth vehicle and caused at least two people to sustain injuries.
The driver of the first car and one of the other drivers were assessed at the scene and transported to area hospitals for treatment where their current conditions are not clear. However, both victims are expected to survive.
Police have reported that the suspected at-fault driver claimed that her brakes failed and that is why she was in the intersection allegedly after the light turned red. Police are reviewing that possibility at this time as well as several other scenarios but not official conclusions have been made; however, they have confirmed that the first driver has been cited for operating without a license and for running a red light.
If a crash has left you injured or has harmed or killed your loved one, make sure you understand your legal rights and your options before it is too late. Call the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you understand whether you have a valid claim and, if so, who may be liable to you for your suffering.
We keep a licensed lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and to speak with you about your collision. There is no cost and no obligation for calling us and everything discussed will be kept confidential, so if you have questions or if you need relief, call us now and let us fight for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Wienermobile Involved in Car Accident on Icy Road, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published February 16, 2015.
Resource:
Red light violation blamed for five-vehicle crash at Park Ridge-Niles border, by Jennifer Johnson, Pioneer Press/Chicago Tribune, published February 16, 2015.