Car accidents: tragic when teenager victims are killed

The loved ones left behind after fatal vehicle wrecks are often left searching for answers and seeking ways to find solace. While many families would like to seek advice from an Illinois personal injury lawyer after fatal car accidents, worries about possible costs may deter them from consulting an attorney. Fortunately, many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means no initial payment for the client.

The parents of a 17-year-old girl killed in an accident on a recent Friday afternoon in April may be in precisely this position. The head-on accident between a pickup truck and a large box truck was reported at about 2 p.m. The pickup truck was driven by a 20-year-old woman, traveling with two passengers, while a man in his 30s was driving the box truck.

All four people involved in the accident were injured. The pickup truck driver was taken to the Good Samaritan Hospital by air ambulance, while her front seat passenger was taken to St Joseph Hospital. Both the box truck driver and the deceased were taken to St Alexius with serious injuries. About two hours later, at 3:59, the 17-year-old was declared dead by doctors at the hospital.

According to the reports, the pickup truck crossed from the southbound lane into the northbound lanes. The accident is still under investigation. It is unclear if any charges will be filed.

Illinois law allows for courts to award damages in cases were car accidents caused by the negligence of a driver led to the death or serious injuries of others. Thus, regardless of the outcome of the investigation, the family of the deceased 17-year-old female may choose to file a wrongful death claim against the pickup truck driver. A personal injury claim may also be also be filed by the box truck driver, as well as the second passenger, should the injuries of the second passenger be of a serious nature.

Source: chicagotribune.com, “Northwest Side girl dies in Bartlett crash“, Grace Wong, April 8, 2017