The loss of young lives in car accidents — a tragedy

The recent loss of life of an Illinois high school senior in an accident has left many shocked and saddened. When young people die in car accidents, it seems more tragic. There is little doubt that those close to the victim may question the sense of it all while wondering where to turn.

In cases where driver negligence causes the serious injury or death of others, Illinois law allows for victims — including the surviving families of deceased victims — to file a civil claim. Should the family decide to file a claim against alleged guilty parties, a consultation with a personal injury lawyer may provide some answers. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means no initial fee will be required.   

The tragic accident happened on a recent Saturday evening shortly after 09:00 p.m. According to the police report, the vehicle driven by a 21-year-old, carrying three occupants, hit a tree after it veered off the road. The driver and one of his passengers, a 16-year-old girl, suffered minor injuries and were transported to a hospital in the area. The deceased, aged 18, was the second passenger in the vehicle. She was transported to a different hospital than the other injured victims, where she was declared dead.

The accident is currently under investigation, and it is not clear what led to the vehicle leaving the road. Once the investigation has been completed, many questions may be answered. Should the outcome of the investigation point to negligence or recklessness as the root cause of the accident, a wrongful death claim may follow. Successfully litigated claims after car accidents may result in the award of damages for monetary losses sustained.

Source: chicago.cbslocal.com, “18-Year-Old Woman Killed In Barrington Hills Crash“, March 6, 2017