A recent fatal crash killed one ten year old boy and required an airlift to transport his twin brother to a local hospital, according to the Chicago Tribune. The accident occurred while the boys' father was making a left turn at a busy intersection. Police are currently investigating this tragic car accident.
Accidents Often Occur at Intersections
Officers continue to investigate the accident, but state there are no reports of distracted driving and tests indicate alcohol was not a contributing factor. Witnesses report the father and his sons were t-boned by a flatbed pickup truck while making the turn from a busy highway onto a smaller road. Further reports state the driver of the truck was speeding and ran a red light prior to the accident.
Approximately 40 percent of crashes throughout the United States occurred at intersections during 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These accidents were often the result of inattentiveness, obstructed views and miscalculating oncoming traffic's speed.
Legal Remedies
Many legal remedies may apply to accidents such as these. Under Illinois' Wrongful Death Act, a personal representative of the deceased can recover damages for grief, sorrow and mental suffering connected to the death. Additional damages are available if the deceased was earning income and supporting others. These damages are generally held for the benefit of the surviving spouse or next of kin. However, it is important to note that contributory or comparative negligence can be a defense.
Determining the right course of action during a tragic time like this is difficult. It is important to discuss your legal rights and remedies with an experienced car accident attorney if you or a loved one were involved in a car accident.
