You may act like millions of others in Chicago and walk around the city at some point every year. Even if you do not think of yourself as doing a lot of walking, chances are that you must travel by foot after you park, as you walk to a bus station, or even between L trains. Regardless, nearly everyone is a pedestrian at some point and therefore, the laws that apply to pedestrian safety have a significant impact on the lives of all who call Chicago home.
People who walk are protected by several laws that regulate their traffic as well as the cars that drive on the roads. In many instances, pedestrians maintain the right-of-way and vehicles in the area must yield to these walkers in response; however, every year, pedestrian accidents happen in Chicago because drivers fail to recognize or heed the right-of-way rules. Additional collisions may occur if a driver does not see a pedestrian, is speeding, or is acting in a reckless manner.
After an accident, a pedestrian may be injured and may need to seek medical help for the damages that resulted. This can be costly and can put a victim in a predicament where he or she is bearing the financial burden of the actions of an at-fault driver. The laws in Illinois recognize that it is not a victim’s fault when an accident occurs and therefore enables victims to seek relief to cover their expenses. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago or in Illinois may help you understand if you have a valid claim for relief, and if so, who may be responsible if a collision has had a negative effect on your life.
At approximately 5:00 pm yesterday, a 30-year-old female was walking in the area of Ashland Avenue and Central Street in Evanston when she was injured in an accident. Reports indicate that the woman was crossing Ashland when a UPS vehicle in the area attempted a turn in the same area, colliding with the pedestrian and leaving the woman trapped underneath the truck.
Emergency responders were on the scene and were able to free the woman from under the truck where medical personnel assessed her situation. She was transported to Northshore University Hospital in Evanston for treatment of undisclosed injuries that may be life threatening but her current status is not clear at this time.
When a collision occurs, it can be difficult to sort out the legal implications and determine who, if anyone, is legally responsible for the crash. In many cases, multiple parties may be held liable and victims may have multiple claims to help them receive the relief they deserve.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident or if your loved one was killed, the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. want you to know that you can get help for your losses. We offer a free case consultation without any obligation on your part to those who call 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 help you.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we fight for the best possible outcome in every case we handle and we never charge a fee unless we make a recovery in a case. If you have been injured and you need help, call us now and let us fight for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Wrong Way Crash on Lake Shore Drive Proves Fatal, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 22, 2014.
Resource:
Evanston woman hit by UPS truck, seriously injured, by Chicago Tribune, published December 22, 2014.