Chicago auto accident lawyer helping injured pedestrian

Illinois pedestrian accident attorneys at our office are in the process of trying to resolve a case for a woman that was struck by a car crossing the street in a crosswalk. The claim arises out of an automobile vs. pedestrian collision which took place on September 18, 2011 at approximately 5:10 p.m. in Chicago.

The pedestrian was crossing Belmont Avenue at its intersection with Seminary. The defendant was driving westbound on Belmont, approaching Seminary. Traffic was at a stop and our client began to cross in a marked pedestrian crosswalk.

The motorist then attempted to pass a stopped vehicle even though her vision of the crosswalk was obstructed by the stopped traffic. The driver struck our client while she was within the crosswalk. The passenger side of her vehicle struck the pedestrian’s ribs and leg while the tire of the vehicle ran over her foot.

The Chicago Police Department responded to the scene of the collision. The responding officer determined the defendant was at fault for the collision and issued him a ticket for failing to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian.

We are alleging to the at-fault driver’s auto carrier, Geico Insurance, that she failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to stop and/or reduce his speed to avoid a collision, failed to yield the right-of-way, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area.

Immediately following the accident, the injured pedestrian sought medical treatment at Illinois Masonic Hospital‘s Emergency Department. Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, a history was taken, she was examined, and diagnostic tests were performed, including x-rays of her chest, knee, and foot. She complained of pain in her ribs, left foot, and left leg and knee. On exam, she had pain on palpation of her left chest. She was diagnosed with bruised ribs, a left foot contusion and a left knee contusion. She was prescribed pain medication, instructed to follow up with a physician, and discharged.

She sought follow up medical treatment from a doctor on September 26, 2011. At that time, she continued to complain of severe rib pain and lower back pain. A history was taken and a physical exam was performed. Her physician ordered her to undergo an ultrasound of her spleen and referred her to physical therapy for her lower back pain.

She again followed up at the doctor’s on October 7, 2011. She experienced severe, sharp rib pain that morning and continued to experience the pain with deep breathing. X-rays of her chest were ordered to rule out a possible rib fracture. The x-rays were normal.

The client has not yet returned for additional treatment, but continues to have ongoing discomfort due to the negligence of the defendant. It is likely she will need additional treatment in the near future.

With warm weather arriving early this year in Illinois, motorists need to be extra careful to avoid collisions with pedestrian and bicyclists, especially in crowded urban areas. If you have been hurt in a Chicago area pedestrian accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free, no obligation consultation. Call us at 312-475-9596 to speak with an attorney now.