Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Hit-and-run accidents are problematic in Chicago. They lead to numerous injuries every year and millions of dollars worth of financial damages. From property damage done to vehicles and building to the medical bills incurred by victims, hit-and-run collisions take their toll across the state of Illinois.
Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime in Illinois and can lead to serious charges if an offending driver is apprehended. In addition to the possible loss or suspension of a driver’s license, a hit-and-run motorists may face court fines and fees, incarceration, or even other penalties as determined fit by a court of law. Yet the criminal aspect of these accidents may be far from the only damages that can be levied against an at-fault driver. The right to bring a claim for damages may belong to all victims of a car accident and these victims may be entitled to financial relief. Payment for medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering that results from a collision. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in the Chicago area may help you understand the legal implications of your crash and whether you have a right to seek a recovery.
In an unusual series of events, police responded to the scene of a hit-and-run accident in Rogers Park on Saturday, shortly after 3:30 p.m. Officials believe that a white SUV in the area of the 7000 block of North Clark Street collided with a taxi cab and then left the scene of the impact. The driver of the cab was still able to operate his vehicle and allegedly the cab driver followed the SUV to the area of Ridge Avenue and Lunt Avenue where both vehicles came to a stop.
Both the driver of the SUV and the driver of the cab exited their vehicles. According to officials, a female passenger in the SUV then moved behind the wheel and attempted to flee the scene, striking the cab driver and causing him serious injuries. Emergency medical personnel transported the cab driver to an area hospital for medical treatment where his condition was considered critical. The original driver of the SUV, described as a 39-year-old individual, was reportedly arrested in connection with the incident. Police are looking for the second driver of the SUV, the woman who reportedly caused the second impact, but they have not located her or the vehicle at this time.
Many victims of hit-and-run accidents are unaware of their legal rights and options if they have been injured in a collision. But the laws in Chicago and across the rest of Illinois enable these victims to seek the relief they need to help them return to the same position they were before the collision, whether it is obtaining needed medical treatment or obtaining funds to pay expenses while you are forced to be off work.
These claims are available in many cases regardless of whether an at-fault driver is ever identified or apprehended. Further, it is not necessary that an at-fault driver receive a citation or ticket in the accident for a personal injury claim to be available for a victim.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we focus our practice on the representation of those who have been harmed through the actions of others. We offer a free case consultation to all victims 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 take your call. If you prefer to meet with us in person but you are too injured to travel to our offices, we also offer free in-home and in-hospital consultations so that you can get the answers you deserve, whenever you need them.
If you have been hurt in a Chicago hit-and-run accident, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Car Crash Involving CTA Bus Leaves 1 Dead, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published August 1, 2014.
Resource:
Cabbie critical after two hit-and-run crashes in Rogers Park, by Peter Nickeas, Chicago Tribune, published August 3, 2014.