Pedestrian accidents: Illinois man killed while checking mail

On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Pedestrian Accidents on Wednesday, November 27, 2013.

Checking the mail can sometimes be considered a rather mundane activity. However, if checking a mailbox requires crossing a street, the act can be more dangerous that some people may give it credit. If the driver of a vehicle fails to see a person crossing the street going to or from their mailbox, pedestrian accidents can occur. Such an accident can have detrimental results, and a mundane activity can prove fatal.

An Illinois man lost his life after a similar accident took place. The man was reportedly crossing the street going back to his house after checking his mail when he was hit by a vehicle. The pedestrian was declared dead on site, and the driver of the vehicle was transported from the scene to be treated for minor injuries.

At this time there have been no citations or charges filed in relation to the fatal accident. Authorities are continuing to investigate the event in order to determine what factors may have played a role in the accident. It has not yet been concluded whether alcohol, texting or drugs had any part in the incident.

If any extenuating factors are found to have played a role in pedestrian accidents, the drivers involved could face serious charges. While the driver in this incident and family of the deceased wait for the results of the investigation, the family may wish to pursue their legal options. Losing a loved one can have a significantly negative impact on a family’s situation, and filing a wrongful death claim against the driver deemed at fault may be an action they wish to explore to determine whether they could possibly be entitled to compensation for their loss and other damages permissible under Illinois law.

Source: dailyherald.com, Hampshire Township man killed while crossing road near his home, Lee Filas, Nov. 19, 2013