Illinois officials, including the Cook County Medical Examiner, are continuing to investigate a tragic incident that occurred recently. At least one person died in the car accident. Four others were injured and taken to a local hospital where they were listed in stable condition.
According to early information, there were six people in a car as it traveled down an Illinois roadway in the Chicago area. Though the car was reportedly going at a high rate of speed, officials are unsure exactly why the driver smashed into a tree by the side of the road. The impact resulted in injury to all in the vehicle, and the driver lost his life.
Now the estate of the driver of the car may find that it faces personal injury claims for the injury to the other accident victims. This could stem from allegations that the now-deceased driver negligently caused the crash and injuries that resulted. Claim under Illinois personal injury laws could include demands for reimbursement of lost wages and the cost of medical care for those who were injured, as well as pain and suffering related to the injuries suffered.
It is common for those who have been injured in a car accident through no fault of their own to make a claim under our personal injury laws. These laws are intended to assist those who have suffered injury to recover, at least financially, from a crash. Each injured party wishing to pursue a claim will need to document that the driver’s negligence caused or contributed to the injuries. If that is established by competent proof, our courts will consider demands for reimbursement of monetary damages sustained.
Source: Skokie, IL Patch, “One Dead, Four Hospitalized After Howard Street Car Crash,” Jennifer Fisher, March 28, 2013