This blog recently discussed that hit-and-run accidents are on the rise. A fatal hit-and run accident in Chicago recently killed one man and injured four others. The 21-year old female driver of the vehicle that struck the victims was arrested following the accident. The woman was charged with one count of leaving the scene of a fatal car accident and four counts of leaving the scene of a car accident that resulted in serious injury.
According to authorities, the fatal hit-and-run accident occurred when a taxi broke down and the occupants of the vehicle began to walk up the off ramp. The 21-year old driver exiting the freeway hit the victims as they were walking up the off ramp. A 27-year old victim was killed in the accident and four others, ranging in age from 25 to 30, were taken to local hospitals with injuries that were described as non-life threatening. Police located the vehicle that was involved near the scene of the accident and a subsequent investigation identified the driver who was later arrested.
A hit-and-run accident can leave victims of car accidents wondering what to do as they face mounting medical expenses and an inability to work as a result of their injuries. Victims may be able to recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages through an uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance policy claim. When a hit-and-run driver is later identified and located, victims may have a personal injury claim for damages against the driver responsible for the accident. Criminal charges against the driver may be used as evidence of negligence and liability in some circumstances.
Victims of car accidents have important legal protections to help them when they have been injured by a careless or negligent driver. It is essential for them to be familiar with the ways in which the legal system helps them when they have unexpectedly suffered harm at the hands of another.
