Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Car accidents can turn tragic in a matter of moments when a driver, a passenger, or another person involved is seriously injured or killed in the crash. When it comes to a traffic-related incident, it does not matter who you are or what you do for a living: car accidents will not discriminate and anyone can become a victim whenever they ride in a vehicle.
Unfortunately, officials in the Dominican Republic have confirmed that a car accident took place there yesterday. Little is known about the collision at this time but authorities have confirmed that Oscar Taveras, a baseball player in the system for the St. Louis Cardinals, was killed in the accident. He was 22 years old.
Photos of the alleged crash seen show a Chevrolet Camero in red, described by some as “Cardinals Red,” badly damaged and crushed in at points. In addition to the loss of Taveras, the crash is to blame for the death of Taveras’ 18-year-old girlfriend as well. The incident happened on a highway along the beach in Puerto Plata, just over 200 miles north of Santo Domingo. While the investigation is still ongoing, it appears that Taveras was behind the wheel and may have lost control of the vehicle for reasons that are not yet clear.
Taveras was a native of the Dominican Republic and was noticed for his baseball play from a very early age. His father played professional baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers and it became clear that Taveras was following in those footsteps. At 16 years old, Taveras was signed by the Cardinals organization, prompting his beginnings in American professional baseball. Just two years after being signed, he began playing in the States and experienced substantial success while batting. Taveras was poised to play in the major leagues in 2013 but his debut was postponed due to an injury, instead making the 2014 season with his debut. In his second at-bat, he hit a home run, endearing himself to faithful Cardinals fans across the nation.
Many in baseball have commented publicly since learning of Taveras death, noting his potential and the successes he had already achieved before his untimely passing. In 80 games he played this year, Taveras hit .239 with 22 RBIs and three home runs. Prior to his run in the majors, Taveras was considered the 3rd best prospect in all of baseball by MLB.com.
Taveras was known for his skill and prowess as a baseball player and as an athlete but he was no match for a car accident, an incident that claims thousands of lives across the nation every year and does serious damage to residents and visitors to Chicago annually.
With several hundred thousand car accidents in Illinois annually, the threat posed by collisions cannot be overstated. Victims may suffer from serious injuries or may lose their lives in these crashes, and often times may suffer due to the negligence or recklessness of another driver or motorist. While victims may be forced to deal with their injuries, they do not have to do so alone, as those who are hurt in Chicago car accidents may be entitled to financial compensation.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe in fighting for the rights of those who have been hurt, and if you were injured, we want to fight for you. We understand the devastating nature of a car accident and we want to remove the burden of these collisions from your shoulder. We offer a free case consultation to those who call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we provide the consultation without any obligation on your part.
If you have been injured or if your loved one has been hurt or killed, make sure you understand whether you have a valid claim for your losses. Call Abels & annes, P.C. today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Motorcyclist Cited for Running Red Light following Chicago Crash, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published October 24, 2014.
Resource:
Baseball Mourns the Death of Oscar Taveras, a Star in the Making, by Dan Good, Good Morning American/ABC News, published October 27, 2014.