Uninsured Motorist Claim

Chicago Man Charged With Driving While Uninsured Following Fatal Alsip Accident

March 13, 2013 | By Dave Abels

A Chicago man was charged with failure to reduce speed and driving an uninsured vehicle in connection with a January crash that killed his passenger in suburban Alsip. The 32-year-old man was allegedly driving a Ford Taurus south on Cicero Avenue near 128th Street when he struck the trailer of a semi from behind. According to police, the Taurus became trapped beneath the trailer and local fire personnel were forced to extricate the driver and his 37-year-old passenger from the wreckage. Following the accident, both occupants of the Taurus were reportedly taken to Oak Lawn’s Advocate Christ Medical Center in critical condition. The female passenger purportedly died as a result of the injuries she sustained in the early morning collision almost one week later. The driver of the semi was allegedly uninjured in the traffic wreck.

At this time, no court date has been set for the man charged in the accident because he reportedly remains hospitalized. Police stated alcohol did not play a role in the fatal collision. Unfortunate and deadly car accidents like this one occur often throughout the Chicago Metro. According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, 957 people were killed in an Illinois traffic accident in 2012. Sadly, the total number of traffic fatalities in our state this year may be even higher.

Although Illinois requires all drivers to carry a minimum level of motor vehicle liability insurance, many motorists are either uninsured or do not carry a sufficient level of insurance to cover the cost of the damages they may cause in a traffic accident. When a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist is injured in a car crash that was caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, the victim may be entitled to file a claim for damages against his or her own automobile insurance policy or the policy of a member of the same household. In order to collect from your Illinois uninsured or underinsured motorist policy, several written notices must be filed in addition to any damages claim. Because some insurance issues may need to be litigated, you are advised to contact a skilled personal injury lawyer after any traffic wreck that was caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

Due to the fact that the driver was uninsured in this matter, once an injury law firm gets involved they will have to carefully look at police reports and determine if there was any contributory fault on the part of the truck driver. For example, whether there was any type of equipment violation that could have contributed to the accident.
Continue reading

Two Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver While Changing a Tire in Chicago’s Ashburn Neighborhood

February 9, 2013 | By Dave Abels

Two people were killed and a motorist is in custody following a recent hit-and-run crash in Chicago’s Ashburn neighborhood. According to Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Jose Estrada, the female driver of a westbound Nissan Quest Minivan struck a 34-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man who were in the process of changing a tire on a car that was parked on the north side of 87th Street. Estrada stated the driver continued without stopping after striking the two people. Witnesses reportedly helped local police track down the vehicle and the driver a few blocks away from the scene of the crash.

A representative from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office said both individuals who were hit by the minivan died as a result of the injuries they sustained in the crash. Although the exact cause of the fatal collision is currently under investigation by the Chicago Police, alcohol is allegedly believed to have played a role in the deadly incident. In addition, charges are expected to be filed against the hit-and-run driver.

Regrettably, life-threatening and fatal injuries such as those sustained in this case often result when a pedestrian is struck by a car, truck, or other vehicle. Motorists in Illinois are required to stop and render aid or exchange insurance information after any crash that results in physical harm or property damage. If a driver fails to stop and render aid, he or she may be criminally prosecuted. A driver may also be sued for any damages that resulted from his or her failure to assist an accident victim. The victim of a hit-and-run wreck may be entitled to receive damages for their medical costs, lost wages and benefits, and compensation for any physical injuries. Additionally, certain family members of someone who was killed by a negligent or impaired motorist may also be entitled to recover for wrongful death.

Even if the driver in a hit-and-run crash is not apprehended, the victim has other avenues for recovery. A person who was hurt in a hit-and-run crash may file an uninsured motorist claim against their own insurance company or the policy of someone who resides in the same household. In addition, the family of someone who died as a result of a hit-and-run collision may be eligible to receive compensation pursuant to the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Act. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a tragic hit-and-run collision, you should contact a skilled car accident attorney to discuss your rights and help you file your case.
Continue reading

Teen Driver, Two Chicago Police Officers Hurt in South Side Vehicle Accident

November 13, 2012 | By Dave Abels

An 18-year-old driver was recently cited for running a red light, negligent driving, driving without insurance, and damage to city property in connection with an early morning crash with a police vehicle in the Fuller Park neighborhood of Chicago. According to an accident witness, the female driver failed to stop her four-door Kia automobile at a red traffic light while headed east on 47th Street near the Dan Ryan Expressway. The Kia then reportedly collided with the driver’s side of a northbound Chicago police cruiser.

Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Robert Perez stated two city police officers assigned to the traffic division were injured in the crash. Both officers allegedly suffered from whiplash and other minor injuries. One law enforcement officer was transported to Mercy Hospital for observation and the other was purportedly treated at the scene of the crash before being released. The driver of the Kia also reportedly suffered whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries. Emergency responders transported her to Saint Bernard Hospital for treatment. According to Perez, although drugs and alcohol are not suspected factors in the crash, two of the passengers in the Kia were hostile to investigators and taken into custody as a result.

Although Illinois requires all motorists to carry a minimum level of vehicle liability insurance, too many drivers are either uninsured or do not carry a sufficient level of insurance to cover the cost of the damages they cause in an accident. When a motorist, pedestrian, or bicyclist is injured in an auto accident that was caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, the hurt person may be eligible to file a claim for damages against his or her own automobile insurance policy. Normally, an uninsured or underinsured motorist policy limit will be the same as your liability or bodily injury policy limit. In order to collect under your uninsured or underinsured motorist policy in Illinois, a number of written notices must be filed in addition to your damages claim. Because some automobile insurance issues may need to be litigated, you should contact a skilled personal injury lawyer after any crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Continue reading

Pedestrian killed in Chicago hit-and-run accident

March 18, 2011 | By Dave Abels

An Illinois pedestrian accident has claimed the life of a man in his 30s on Thursday night, according to the Chicago breaking news center. The pedestrian victim was killed while standing on the side of Interstate 55 Near Damon Ave.

Police have located the hit-and-run vehicle but have not stated whether they are questioning anyone in connection with the accident. The Illinois State Police are handling the crash investigation.

The pedestrian accident occurred just after 10 PM as the victim was standing on the right shoulder near his vehicle in the northbound lanes. He was transported by ambulance to Mount Sinai Hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

Chicago injury lawyer settles uninsured motorist claim for $50,000 policy limits

March 6, 2011 | By Dave Abels

Illinois auto accident attorneys at Abels & Annes have reached a $50,000 insurance policy limits settlement on an uninsured motorist claim. The case stems from an accident that occurred on June 18, 2010 around 5 PM.

Our client was hurt when his vehicle was T-boned by a vehicle being driven by an uninsured motorist at the intersection of S. Jeffery Blvd. and 68th St. in Chicago, Illinois. Our client was traveling northbound on Jeffrey approaching 86th Street when the uninsured defendant drove his vehicle eastbound, going the wrong way on 86th Street (a one-way westbound street). Further, our client had no stop sign in the right-of-way, while traffic on 86th Street (traveling in the proper direction) had a stop sign.

As the plaintiff went through the intersection the front side of the defendant’s vehicle struck the driver’s side of our client’s car. The force of the impact caused the plaintiff’s vehicle to roll over.

Chicago hit and run pedestrian accident – woman loses leg – driver caught by police

January 30, 2011 | By Dave Abels

An Illinois pedestrian accident has resulted in a 58-year-old woman losing a leg and a 21-year-old hit and run driver being held in police custody, according to the Chicago breaking news center. The collision took place on the south side of Chicago when a driver, who resides in the 6500 block of South Claremont, drove a 1993 Buick onto a sidewalk and hit the pedestrian who was waiting for a bus. The vehicle struck a bench and a light pole.

The incident took place at the intersection of 69th and State Street on January 26 just before 4 PM. The pedestrian suffered severe injuries and was in critical condition. She lost her right leg, her left leg was fractured and she lost vision in one of her eyes.

After causing the accident, the 21-year-old driver fled the scene. The news story does not report exactly how she she was caught, however police are giving praise to community members for distributing more than 500 pamphlets regarding the incident and canvassing the area.

Alleged DUI driver arrested in connection with fatal Chicago hit-and-run accident

November 8, 2010 | By Dave Abels

A Chicago man has been arrested due to his alleged involvement in a deadly Illinois pedestrian accident that took place on a South side on Saturday. NBC news is reporting that Chicago police officers believe he was drinking at the time of the hit-and-run accident.

The defendant, age 36, resides in the 6900 block of S. Laflin St. and he has been charged with aggravated DUI. The collision resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman.

The at fault driver was also cited for improper lane usage, hitting a pedestrian in the road, and driving without a valid insurance. It is further alleged that his blood-alcohol level was above the 0.08 limit, but test results have not been released.

14 injured in Chicago rollover auto accident

November 1, 2010 | By Dave Abels

A total of 14 people have been hurt, of which 12 were children, in a Chicago car crash on Sunday afternoon, the Chicago Tribune is reporting. The collision involved two vehicles on the Eisenhower Expressway in the area of Keeler Avenue in the westbound lanes.

Chicago Fire Department officials are stating that the kids were taken to area emergency rooms, some in critical condition. Two adults were also hospitalized in serious to critical condition. At least 10 ambulances rushed to the scene of the accident. Those hurt in the collision were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Stroger Hospital, West Suburban Medical Center, Loyola University Medical Center, and St. Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center.

The at fault driver was reportedly a 33-year-old woman and she has been charged with child endangerment. When her vehicle rolled over some of the children inside were not properly seatbelted. The driver was also cited for driving without insurance and failure to reduce speed to avoid a collision.

Illinois hit-and-run pedestrian accident – Aurora police ask public for help

October 29, 2010 | By Dave Abels

A Chicago suburban pedestrian accident has left to teenagers seriously injured, according to Tribune Local Aurora. The Aurora Police Department is now seeking help to find the hit-and-run driver that was involved in the October 22 crash.

The teenage boys that were injured in the accident are ages 15 and 16. They were hit by a Dodge Ram pickup truck in the 700 block of Fifth Avenue while they were crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. The collision reportedly knocked 16-year-old pedestrian about 15 feet in the air and the 15-year-old was dragged by the vehicle for approximately 100 feet.

Accident witnesses stated that the driver stop for second, and then fled the scene westbound on Fifth Avenue.

Chicago area car crash claims life of Peoria resident

October 12, 2010 | By Dave Abels

An Illinois auto accident has resulted in the death of a man from Peoria Illinois, according to the Chicago Tribune. The crash occurred this past weekend in Will County on Interstate 55.

The victim from Peoria, age 44, died shortly after his Ford Mustang was involved in a separate accident with a Toyota. Just before 7 AM the driver rear-ended a Toyota Camry. After the accident his car was stopped in the left lane of the Interstate.

Unfortunately, the Peoria resident remained in his car while the occupants in the vehicle ahead of him got out to inspect damage. At that time, another Toyota Camry driven by 28-year-old St. Charles resident rear-ended the Mustang with great force, causing it to move forward and strike the occupants of the first Camry.