Illinois residents often walk the streets assuming they will safely reach their destination. Most drivers and pedestrians also assume that the other is taking extra care to avoid potential accidents. However, sometimes misjudgment is made resulting in an accident. Unfortunately, most pedestrian accidents lead to fatal injuries.
Earlier this week a pedestrian accident took the life of a 73 year old woman as she was hit by a truck trying to cross the street. The accident took place around 1 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon on the 1100 block of West Polk Street in Illinois’ Medical District. Following the accident, the victim was moved to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital for medical treatment but at 2:22 p.m. was pronounced dead by medical examiners.
The woman, four blocks from her own home, was walking west across Ashland when she was struck by a Crane Carrier truck headed north on Ashland. Reports state that the driver had attempted to avoid the woman but could not safely stop the truck before the accident occurred. It is currently unclear as to what exactly caused this tragic accident.
In the event of a fatal accident family members are often faced with financial burdens including medical and funeral expenses all in the wake of losing a loved one. If the accident was caused by reckless driving or driver negligence victims and their loved ones may choose to pursue legal action. Appointing legal representation is the first step towards filing a wrongful death or personal injury claim and receiving proper compensation.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Woman hit by truck, killed on West Side,” Jan 22, 2013