Hit-and-run injures pedestrian child in Illinois
On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Pedestrian Accidents on Friday, June 28, 2013.
Illinois pedestrians know they must always take more precautions when walking across or near a roadway. Drivers of vehicles may not see a person on foot and an accident can occur, or a reckless driver could create a tragic situation by being negligent to their surroundings, using excessive speed or even committing a hit-and-run. A person struck by a vehicle can be severely injured, and when the pedestrian is a child and the driver involved does not stop, the situation becomes even worse.
An 8-year-old child was injured after a vehicle struck her as she was walking across a street with an adult and a group of other children. A witness states that the girl rolled across the hood of the vehicle after she was struck, stopped when she reached the windshield then fell to the pavement where she hit her head. It was also reported that the driver of the vehicle failed to stop at the scene of the accident. The child received several injuries including head trauma.
Police were able to locate the alleged driver of the vehicle soon after the incident occurred. He was taken into custody and is facing multiple charges including failure to remain at the scene of an accident. The incident will continue to be investigated to see what factors were involved that caused the accident.
Being involved in a hit-and-run is a frightening situation, and when that situation involves not only a pedestrian but a child, the event becomes even more harrowing. It is fortunate that authorities were able to locate the alleged driver involved in the accident so quickly. However, it is very unfortunate that the child sustained multiple injuries. She will undoubtedly go through much pain and suffering, and her family may wish to seek a personal injury claim against the driver for compensation of her medical bills and other damages permitted under Illinois law.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Man held on $75K after hit-and-run that injured girl, 8,” Geoff Ziezulewicz and Carlos Sadovi, June 16, 2013
