Homicide charges filed in wake of deadly Chicago car accident
A Chicago man pleaded not guilty this week to charges in connection with a fatal Chicago car accident that killed two teenagers, including a girl out celebrating her 18th birthday.
The Sun-Times reported that the 20-year-old man was indicted last month on charges of aggravated DUI and reckless homicide. He has also been charged with DUI, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and having no insurance. He is in jail on a $2 million bond.
Tragically, some of the worst drivers on the road carry little or no car insurance. It is even more critical to seek the advice of an experienced Chicago injury lawyer in cases where an at-fault driver claims little or no insurance. An experienced law firm may be able to assist you in obtaining a judgment against the assets of an at-fault driver or in winning a settlement from your own insurance company.
In this case, police say the defendant was speeding down Sheridan Road in Wilmette at about 2:30 a.m. when he lost control and struck a fire hydrant and a tree. Three of the five people inside the car were killed, including two girls, ages 17 and 18, who were seated in the back. One of the girl's had just celebrated her 18th birthday. Two other passengers, ages 16 and 18, were hospitalized.
Teen are at high-risk for car accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 3,500 teens ages 15 to 19 were killed in car accidents in 2008 and more than 350,000 were treated in emergency rooms. While those ages 15 to 24 account for only 14 percent of the U.S. population, they account for about 30 percent of the total cost of all motor vehicle accidents.
Teen risk factors include:
Teens are less likely than adults to recognize hazardous situations.
Teens are more likely to tailgate and engage in other risky driving behavior.
One-third of male drivers involved in fatal crashes were speeding and one-quarter had been drinking.
Male students are less likely than female students to wear seat belts.
In 2008, half of teen deaths occurred between 3 p.m. and midnight and more than half occurred on the weekend.
If you are involved in an Illinois car accident, contact the Chicago injury attorneys at the VanPopering Law Offices for a free appointment to discuss your case. 1-800-767-4878.
