Recent Chicago Traffic Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims

 Posted on December 30, 2024 in Car Accidents

Several fatal motor vehicle crashes happened in Chicagoland during the week of Christmas, serving as a stark reminder that dangerous behaviors can kill. These collisions also caused multiple injuries. Wrongful death and survival actions may provide funds for the families of fatal victims. Although money cannot replace what a loved one meant to you, holding the at-fault party responsible can bring a sense of justice and closure. Those injured in car collisions can also seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim.

Whichever claim you intend to pursue, working with an experienced Chicago, IL lawyer dramatically increases your chance of success.

Christmas Week Accidents in Chicagoland

You might think accidents only happen to other people, but multiple families tragically learned first-hand how a crash can impact their lives:

• Sunday, Dec. 22: An SUV crashed into an L support pillar, killing one woman and injuring a man and three children. The cause of this accident is unknown at this time.

• Monday, Dec. 23: An Illinois State trooper was struck by a passing vehicle when he was outside his patrol car on the roadside picking up debris. He is survived by a wife and two children. The driver who hit the trooper was charged with violating Scott’s Law, which mandates that cars move over when approaching any vehicles on the roadside with emergency lights flashing.

• Tuesday, Dec. 24: Two semis hit each other in a head-on collision, killing one driver and seriously injuring a juvenile passenger. The impact caused at least one of the trucks to roll over, and a resulting fire severely damaged one of the trailers.

• Tuesday, Dec. 24: A Jeep crashed into a home, killing a male passenger. The driver and another passenger were seriously injured. Although the house was damaged, no one was inside during the crash. The Jeep’s driver has been charged with DUI and reckless homicide.

Cars and trucks are modes of transportation, but they can also become deadly weapons at the hands of negligent drivers.

Understanding Negligence in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

Some accidents are unavoidable, but most are preventable. In fact, 94 percent of accidents result from various negligent driver errors, including:

• Drunk driving

• Speeding

• Driver distraction or inattention

• Reckless and aggressive driving

• Failing to follow traffic laws

When a driver’s negligence causes a collision, and that collision harms or kills someone else, that driver can be held financially accountable. Injured victims can pursue their own claims, and eligible survivors may be eligible to bring survival and wrongful death actions for people who were killed. These claims may reimburse accident-related expenses and compensate for other losses.

Filing a claim does not mean you automatically receive enough money to cover all your losses. Insurance company tactics designed to reduce or deny your payout may catch you off guard, leaving you wondering what to do. Choosing a qualified lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Call a Skilled Chicago, IL Car Accident Attorney

At Kadzai Law Group, LLC, we hope you and yours remain safe on your travels. However, if a crash impacts your life, we are ready to assist with your accident claim. Contact us online or call 312-229-0050 to request your free case evaluation with a compassionate Hyde Park, IL wrongful death lawyer.