Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Most drivers in Illinois follow the rules of the road, stopping at red lights and stop signs, driving safely, and yielding the right-of-way. But even when a large number of drivers act responsibly, safety is not guaranteed because the actions of a single motorist can threaten dozens of people on the road at the same time. When a driver acts negligently and causes an accident, it is often innocent victims who are left to suffer.
Car accidents occur in Chicago every day and most of them, fortunately, are minor. But thousands of Illinois residents suffer serious injuries annually in car crashes when a driver fails to pay attention or is otherwise distracted behind the wheel. Following a collision, the law requires all drivers to remain at the scene and to speak with police officers expect in rare situations like a medical emergency. Failure to stay at the scene can be classified as a hit-and-run accident and can lead to additional charges against a driver which may lead to fines, fees, penalties, loss of a driver’s license, or even incarceration.
Victims of car collisions in Chicago may be entitled to financial compensation for their damages if they were hurt or if a loved one was injured or killed. Following an accident, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you evaluate your case and inform you whether compensation is possible, and if so, what claims may be available to you or your family.
Shortly before midnight, an SUV on Lake Shore Drive was operating erratically and allegedly struck two vehicles before fleeing the scene, according to local police. The northbound SUV reportedly rear-ended a taxi cab before continuing forward and striking a Jeep from the rear. Both the driver of the cab and the driver of the Jeep lost control of their vehicles, sending both into concrete barriers where the cab flipped over become coming to a stop. Police state that the SUV fled the scene without stopping to check on the victims of the accident and that the driver has not been apprehended at this time.
Three victims were left in serious to critical condition after the collision and were taken to area hospitals for treatment of unspecified injuries. An additional three victims also obtained medical treatment for injuries believed to be less severe and all six victims are expected to survive.
Driving negligently or in an erratic manner is inherently dangerous and a threat to the safety of all Chicago motorists and is responsible for numerous accidents every year. If you are like the average Chicago driver, odds are that you have been involved in a crash, someone in your family has been an accident victim, or a friend or co-worker’s life has been changed due to an accident.
If injuries resulted, the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. want to know that you have rights and that you may be entitled to financial relief, even if an at-fault driver flees the scene. We offer free case consultations to those who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we provide them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
If a car accident in the Chicago area has affected your life, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Pedestrian Hit, Killed after Cars Crash in Chicago, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published November 5, 2014.
Resource:
Six hurt in hit-and-run crash on Lake Shore Drive, by Quinn Ford and Alexandra Chachevitch, Chicago Tribune, published November 6, 2014.