Articles Posted in Pedestrian Accident

In an average year, more than 4,500 pedestrians are killed in accidents across the nation. Unfortunately, some of those fatalities happen in the greater Chicago area and cause devastation not only to the victims but also to their families and the friends. Many experts believe the term “accident” is a misnomer for these incidents because most are caused by negligence or reckless conduct by someone involved – whether that someone is a driver of a car, a vehicle’s owner, a pedestrian, or even a city or municipality. It is rare that a pedestrian crash happens without any fault on the part of anyone involved.

If one person acts irresponsibly and hurts another, the victim of that crash may be left questioning why they are suffering when they did nothing wrong. Though there is nothing that can erase a collision once one has occurred, the laws in Chicago serve to protect these victims by guaranteeing them protections including the right to seek relief in a court of law. A personal injury lawyer can help you realize whether you have a valid claim if you have been injured in an accident or if your loved one was hurt or killed in a crash.

A pedestrian was hit by a fleeing driver in Chicago on Sunday and the incident left him in critical condition, according to authorities on the scene. The crash happened near the 4000 block of West Division Street just before midnight and began with a pedestrian crossing the street near an intersection. As the man was walking, a vehicle approached the area and collided with him, leaving the pedestrian in critical condition and in need of medical help. Emergency crews transported the victim to an area hospital where his current condition is not clear.

The alleged at-fault driver in this incident failed to stop after the crash and instead fled the scene, according to officials. At this time, the identity of the driver is unknown and the individual has not been apprehended though the driver is being sought for questioning at this time.
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In many areas of the country and in many parts of Chicago, pedestrians are authorized to walk along or near a road, meaning that it is the duty of each and every driver to respect this right and to be alert for pedestrians. However in many cases, motorists fail to look for those who may be walking or otherwise may fail to yield the right-of-way, often resulting in a pedestrian accident that nearly always causes injuries.

When the law is on the side of a pedestrian, what happens when the rights of that walker are violated? In many cases, police or other law enforcement officials may begin an investigation into the incident and may take action on behalf of the State of Illinois. But nothing done by the police is designed to directly benefit a pedestrian who is injured – an important fact that many walkers overlook. Rather, if a victim of a pedestrian collisions wants to seek relief for his or her losses, that pedestrian must institute a civil claim for damages against anyone who is responsible for the crash. This claim can be the first step to obtaining payment to cover expenses like lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. When in doubt, speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your options and can enable you to see your path to relief.

Police in California have confirmed that singer David Crosby, best known for his part in the group Crosby, Stills & Nash, occasionally Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, was involved in an incident yesterday that left a jogger injured. Authorities have confirmed that Crosby was operating a Tesla motor vehicle on a road in Santa Ynez Valley when Crosby claims that the sunlight made it difficult to see his surroundings. According to reports, this is what Crosby claimed after he struck a jogger who was on the right shoulder of the road and was running with his son. At the time of the impact, Crosby allegedly was traveling at the speed limit of 55 miles per hour and caused significant damage to the 46-year-old man he struck.

Emergency crews responded and air lifted the jogger to an area hospital where reports indicate the man sustained multiple fractures, abrasions, and cuts as a result of the crash which some claim started with contact from Crosby’s external rear view mirror. None of the man’s injuries were expected to be life threatening though they were believed to need extensive treatment.

Police are still reviewing the actions of both Crosby and the jogger in this matter to determine whether either or both individuals acted in a negligent manner prior to the impact, but at this time, no charges are expected to be filed.
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St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year and it means that many who want to celebrate the holiday will do so this weekend. The City of Chicago will be in full swing today as the streets overflow with celebrations and as popular activities like the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade take place. If you plan to participate in any Chicago-area activities, be prepared for large crowds, long lines, and crowded public transportation.

While St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday enjoyed by many and while this year’s anticipated mild weather is expected to encourage large crowds, people are cautioned to keep safety in mind as a large pedestrian gathering may turn tragic if an accident occurs. If you will be in Chicago today or if you plan to celebrate in another area of Illinois, keep the following in mind to make sure you are as safe as possible:

Never cross a street against a traffic control device: If you are in Chicago and you are walking around downtown, it may be tempting to cross a street even when the lights do not allow pedestrian traffic to proceed. However, doing so can turn very dangerous in a mere moment if vehicular traffic is present in the area. Even if others are jaywalking or are walking against a red light, make sure you do not follow the crowd. Wait until you have the right-of-way and only cross a road at a designated pedestrian crossing.

Do not assume that cars will stop for you: On a typical Saturday in Chicago, pedestrians may expect and may experience vehicles yielding to them as they walk around the city. However, on a holiday like St. Patrick’s Day, drivers may be less familiar with where they are driving and local road closures may make driving more difficult. Combined with the heavy pedestrian presence, these factors may mean that drivers will be less likely to yield to pedestrians. Never assume that you will receive a yield and instead take your safety info your own hands by acting responsibility and assuming that drivers will not put your safety first.

Be alert for drunk drivers: St. Patrick’s Day is associated with increased alcohol consumption among many who celebrate the holiday, including those who celebrate in Chicago. Local police are aware of this and have already announced plans to increase enforcement of drunk driving patrols across the city in an effort to catch impaired motorists before an accident happens. But not every drunk driver will be caught in the act and those that remain on the streets will pose a danger to everyone. Be alert for drunk drivers if you are walking or if you are riding in a car and never choose to drink and drive.

Obey instructions and directions given by police officers: On St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago functions a little differently than normal and police intervention may be needed. From road closures to the areas marked for the parade route, a typical Chicago resident or visitor may be unfamiliar with all these changes. If police officers have designated areas as closed to the public or if you are given instructions from a uniformed official, obey all directions and proceed to your intended destination in a civil and orderly manner.
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Often, when a car accident or a pedestrian crash occurs in the Chicago area, police and other local officials attempt to understand the facts that led to the impact in an effort to determine whether any actions by those involved played a role. They may interview witnesses, speak with the victims themselves, or even recreate the accident scene in an attempt to gather all relevant information. While this may sound straight forward to some, in reality, it is often a complicated process that can lead to many twists and turns because the typical Chicago accident involves multiple mistakes and not simply one lapse in judgment.

While the police may be seeking answers, it is important to realize that they do so on behalf of the State of Illinois and not on behalf of any particular victim who was injured in the accident. Rather, if you are hurt in a collision, you must take affirmative steps to bring your case to light and to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Failing to do so may result in the permanent waiver of your right to recover or to seek any type of relief due to a collision.

With all the necessary legal procedures to follow, victims of these accidents may find the help and guidance they need by speaking with a personal injury lawyer in the Chicago area.

Officials have now confirmed that a pedestrian accident happened in Chicago on Saturday evening and that the collision resulted in serious injuries to an elderly man. Police allege that a 54-year-old man was operating a van in the area of the 4000 block of North Cicero Avenue on the northwest side when he collided with a 78-year-old male pedestrian in the area. Officials claim that the driver did not stop after the collision but rather was apprehended approximately one block away; at that time, he allegedly admitted to the accident but claimed he thought he hit the elderly man’s hand. In reality, police allege that the impact was significant and left the victim with head and facial injuries, among others, necessitating his transfer to an area hospital for treatment.

The arresting officer reportedly noticed signs of intoxication when speaking with the driver of the van and found a bottle of clear liquid believed to be alcohol. The man was arrested and is facing charges of driving under the influence with potential additional charges being considered. Reports from several media outlets including the Chicago Tribune indicate that the driver has been arrested for operating under the influence in two prior incidents but has never been convicted.
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In 2012 alone, 4,743 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents across the United States. In addition to those that were killed, thousands others sustained serious injuries and many were left to deal with permanent effects after a pedestrian accident occurred. While these crashes happen in every state in the county, they are more likely to occur in areas where high pedestrian and dense vehicular traffic overlap. In Illinois, these crashes occur all too often in the Chicago area and the surrounding suburbs.

When an accident happens in Chicago and a pedestrian is left with injuries, the law in Illinois can enable that victim or that victim’s family to seek and obtain financial compensation for the damages that result. In a typical case, that can include medical bills that have already been incurred, bills that will be incurred in the future, wages missed from work, and pain and suffering. If you have questions about a collision that affected your life, speaking with a personal injury attorney may enable you to get an understanding about your legal options and whether you have a valid claim for your damages.

Car accidents do not discriminate and affect celebrities just like they do average citizens. Actor Gary Busey learned this yesterday as police in Malibu, California have confirmed that he was behind the wheel of a car that was involved in a pedestrian accident. According to authorities, Busey’s vehicle was parked in a parking lot of a popular grocery store Friday afternoon when Busey entered the car and attempted to reverse. Allegedly, Busey did not look behind him before moving his car and he collided with an elderly pedestrian who was in the area; the pedestrian had her back to Busey’s vehicle when it was moving and reportedly did not see the vehicle until it struck her.

The impact knocked the woman to the ground and left her with minor injuries. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene with police and the woman was evaluated for damages but officials have stated that she will make a recovery. It is not yet clear whether Busey will face any charges associated with the collision or whether any other action will be taken by authorities.

Busey is known as a Hollywood staple and is remembered for roles in movies like Lethal Weapon, Under Siege, and The Buddy Holly Story. He has had a long career on television as well and has been featured on both scripted programs and reality television. Busey was previously involved in a well-publicized motorcycle accident in 1988 that left him with brain damage and has had a public battle with cancer.
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It is a daily activity for millions who live in Chicago – walking outdoors. Whether you walk from your parked vehicle to an apartment, to a bus stop, or to the train, chances are that you walk some distance outside on most days. Chicago is known for a large pedestrian presence and that is part of the reason that some city officials place such a focus on the safety of these walkers.

Despite the fact that nearly everyone walks, pedestrian accidents continue to occur in Chicago and continue to injure hundreds to thousands every year. Until all pedestrian collisions are eliminated, those who walk in Chicago will continue to be at risk for injuries and for lasting damage due to the actions of drivers on the streets, and tragically this is true even when a pedestrian does nothing wrong. While the law cannot erase a crash once it has occurred, it can enable a victim to obtain financial compensation to cover the losses suffered by that victim including any medical bills that may be incurred. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can provide you with the information you need if you have been the victim of an accident or if your loved one was hurt while a pedestrian.

Police in Posen were alerted to the scene of a crash between an SUV and a pedestrian early Thursday morning and they responded to the area. Upon arrival, it was clear that the pedestrian was critically hurt in the crash and he was pronounced dead at some point during the morning.

The incident happened near the 12600 block of South California Avenue and involved just the two parties but officials have not released information as to why the two collided or whether either individual erred prior to the impact. Further, it is not yet known whether the driver of the SUV will be cited for his or her actions in the collision though police have stated that their review of the facts of the facts of the case is ongoing at this time.
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When a pedestrian and a vehicle collide, the pedestrian almost always suffers from personal injuries that can range from minor to severe. In the worst instances, victims may lose their lives due to these collisions including those pedestrian accidents that occur in Chicago.

At the time of a crash, a pedestrian victim may be struck, throw, or tossed due to impact and often lands on the ground or on another fixed object. In some cases, a pedestrian may end up underneath a vehicle. Regardless of what dynamics affect the sequence of events, pedestrian collisions are very dangerous to those involved and regularly leave a lasting impact on those who are hurt.

Relief may be possible to those victims of pedestrian collisions who are injured in the greater Chicago area should they choose to seek it. In many cases, multiple claims may be possible and may enable you to make a full financial recovery for your suffering so you may want to speak with a personal injury attorney if a crash has affected you or left your loved one injured.

Unfortunately, police in southern Los Angeles County, California have confirmed that a man lost his life last evening in a collision with a truck. Now, several witnesses have placed music producer and mogul Marion “Suge” Knight behind the wheel of that vehicle and there is speculation that Knight’s actions caused the victim his life.

According to witnesses, Suge Knight was on a movie shoot in Compton when a fight broke out between Knight and two other men. Knight reportedly got into his truck and left the scene, heading to a burger joint. Police state that a second fight occurred at the burger joint and that Knight got into his truck, put his vehicle in reverse, and ran over a man twice before he fled the scene. Suge Knight did not notify authorities of the incident or check on the status of his victim before he left, based on witness accounts.

Medical personnel attempted to help the victim of this incident but the man’s injuries were too severe and he died as a result of the collision. Reports indicate that the victim and Suge Knight were friends and that the two spent time together during the day before the fatal incident occurred. In addition to this victim, two other men reportedly were injured when Knight’s car reversed but their injuries are considered minor at this time and both are expected to survive.

Late last night, police held a press conference and announced that they were searching for Knight for questioning related to a murder. Some time later, Knight’s vehicle was found abandoned and at some point in the overnight hours, Suge Knight was located and arrested on murder charges. He is being held on $2 million bail. Some reports indicate that Knight turned himself into authorities and that he may have been fleeing from an assault when the collision occurred.
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Most of those who live in Chicago walk at some point in a typical day. The layout of the city and the design of the city’s roads means that pedestrians often take to the sidewalks and walk to their destinations along city blocks and through alleyways. Often, walkers will need to utilize crosswalks or other designated pedestrian crossing areas to get from one side of the road to another, and when necessity arises, these pedestrians may take these access points for granted. Under the laws of Chicago and the State of Illinois, pedestrians should be safe when they follow all traffic rules and cross when allowed at crosswalks; in practice, though, pedestrian accidents happen every day in the state and many involve a collision between a motorist who is not paying attention and a walker who does nothing wrong.

Victims of these collisions may be left wondering who is responsible for their losses and whether relief can be obtained. In many cases, Chicago pedestrian accidents enable those who are injured to seek and obtain payment for any expenses and any other losses incurred which often includes medical expenses, wages missed from work, and pain and suffering. These claims depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding a specific accident so if you have been hurt, speaking with a personal injury attorney may help you understand the implications of your crash and what relief is possible.

A pedestrian accident in West Pullman last week left a crossing guard injured and threatened the safety of several young students in the area. Now, police are looking for information on the driver involved as they have not yet identified the driver or owner of the vehicle through their investigation.

The collision occurred at the intersection of 127th Street and Union Avenue. The victim, a 27-year-old female crossing guard, was in the intersection and holding a stop sign to allow children to cross when a black SUV approached and struck the crossing guard, leaving her seriously injured. None of the children were physically hurt.

Eyewitness testimony supports the belief that the driver involved left the scene westbound on 127th before turning north on Emerald Avenue. The driver did not stop and check on the victim or report the incident and has not been identified at this time.

Anyone with information on this collision or who may know the identity of the driver involved is urged to contact the local police in West Pullman and to share their knowledge on this crash.
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Less than three weeks of 2015 have come to pass and already, numerous collisions between cars and pedestrians have occurred in the greater Chicago area. Several of these have involved hit-and-run drivers and unfortunately, most have caused serious injuries to the pedestrians while some have turned fatal.

Pedestrian accidents are of concern to all those who call Chicago home because at one point or another, nearly everyone walks. Whether you merely walk outside to get a cup of coffee in the morning, walk to your parking place, or walk to public transportation, odds are that you will cross paths with vehicular traffic when you do, putting you at risk for a crash.

It can be difficult to know where to turn for help when a crash occurs or what type of relief may be available to those who are injured. The laws in Illinois and in Chicago enable victims to obtain financial compensation when they are injured due to the actions of another, including those who are hurt in pedestrian accidents and those injured while walking in the city. Compensation can help victims pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and intangible losses like pain and suffering but victims must take affirmative steps to seek that relief or they will be barred from obtaining it. For that reason, speaking to a personal injury lawyer in Chicago can help you understand your options and whether you have a valid claim if you have been injured or if your loved one was hurt or killed. Further, an attorney can help you with the procedural information you need to know to proceed with your action in a timely manner and to seek relief against all those who may be responsible so that you can fully recover from your accident.

Just after 10:00 p.m. on Saturday evening, a crash happened in the Hermosa neighborhood on Chicago’s Northwest Side. The incident happened in the 4300 block of West North Avenue and involved a 2002 Buick and two pedestrians and it claimed the life of both pedestrians involved.

According to officials, the Buick collided with the two men, ages 36 and approximately 50, as they crossed the street but the Buick, driven by a 24-year-old male, never stopped at the scene. Instead, the driver fled and collided with parked cars three blocks away, leading police officers to identify and apprehend the driver. While police have not confirmed the cause of the accident, they have stated that the driver has been arrested and that charges against him are pending at this time.

Emergency crews were at the scene and attempted to provide medical care to the victims. Reports indicate that one man was unresponsive while the second was confirmed to survive the crash initially; though the second victim was taken to an area hospital shortly after the accident, the man’s injuries were too severe and he died a short time later.
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To many that call Chicago home, the roads and streets around the city become more difficult to drive every year. With increasing population, increased passenger vehicles, and the ever-present threat of inclement weather, many in Chicago are choosing to use alternative means of transportation as they travel the area. Whether it is a public bus, “L” train, or bicycling, most of these residents will have one thing in common – at some point, they will walk as part of their trip.

Almost everyone is a pedestrian at some point or another in a typical day and therefore threats to pedestrian safety should be important to all. But they are often ignored or downplayed in daily life because some believe that an accident is unlikely to happen to them or that the pedestrians who are hurt may be to blame for their collisions. Instead, many of the pedestrian accidents that happen annually in Chicago are the fault of a negligent or reckless driver who fails to yield the right-of-way or who otherwise fails to recognize the rights of those that walk, and nearly all of these accidents lead to injuries on the part of a pedestrian.

It can seem unfair if you are victimized due to the actions of another and you are the one who is let to suffer, and in fact, it likely is unfair. But this does not mean that you must suffer in silence. Instead, if you were hurt in a Chicago pedestrian crash, the laws of Illinois may enable you to seek financial compensation for your injuries and your losses against an at-fault driver or others who may be liable to you. As the facts surrounding a crash determine what relief may be available, you may wish to speak with a personal injury attorney to learn about your options and your rights if a crash has left you injured.

A Friday morning accident between a vehicle and a middle-aged pedestrian claimed the pedestrian’s life, according to local authorities. Just before 6:30 a.m., the crash happened in the 3600 block of West Addison Street, not far from the Addison station on the city’s Blue Line. Police have not yet confirmed many details surrounding the accident other than the fact that it involved a private vehicle and a 58-year-old woman and that the woman lost her life as a result.

Officials responded to the scene where they began an initial investigation but they have reported that it will be some time before their work is finalized and it may take time before additional details come to light. The results of the investigation may also determine whether any citations will be issued or whether any charges will be brought in this incident that proved fatal this morning.
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