Driving without a valid driver’s license is an accident waiting to happen.
In a recent case, a collision seriously injured five people who were waiting for a bus in San Francisco. They had taken shelter in a recessed area of an apartment building to get out of the hot morning sun, when all of a sudden a gray Ford Explorer lost control. It appeared as if the steering and brakes were non-functioning or that the driver just didn’t know how to handle a fast-moving vehicle. Remember that eyewitness reports are typically unreliable and your Chicago injury lawyer factors this into any interview results.
The van took a precipitous leap up onto the sidewalk and slammed into the recessed area of the building where the morning commuters were waiting for the bus. A total of five were injured in this accident, with the hospital listing two in critical condition and three in serious condition. At least four of the five casualties suffered multiple fractures. Some of these injuries may mean the victims will not be able to work again.
It turns out the 24-year-old female driver didn’t have a valid driver’s license. She was cited and sent home while the police continued their investigation. It’s fairly clear from the circumstances here that there were two things going on – the woman didn’t have a valid license and the SUV was out of control. Why it went out of control will be one of the issues in the personal injury cases the victims choose to file.
The key element in a personal injury lawsuit case is the presence of negligence, and it would be fair to say that it was present in this situation. The woman should not have been driving without a license. How she was driving is another issue. Was she speeding and lost control? Was she texting, talking on a cell phone or otherwise driving while distracted? This will come out during the course of the investigation. If the vehicle was defective – meaning her steering wheel or the brakes were mechanically flawed – the automaker may also become a part of any lawsuit filed.
Cases like this are indicative of the fact that no two car wrecks are alike. Many have tricky issues involved. This is just one of the reasons to talk to a seasoned Chicago injury lawyer about your case, because with serious injuries like the ones here, you will not want to try and represent yourself when dealing with the insurance company or the courts.
There is too great a chance you would lose money, miss important details, say the wrong things to the insurance company or sign off on a claim too soon. While you may think the insurance company is making a fair offer, they are not your friends and are aiming to settle for as little as they can. If your injuries are life altering and you will need care for the long-term, if you settle without the assistance of a Chicago injury lawyer, you may not have enough funds to pay for your care.
Additionally, not knowing how the justice system works, how to prove negligence and how to present a case in the best light puts you at a distinct disadvantage. Leave the insurance company to lawyers. It’s what they do the best, and in the process they ensure you get an equitable and just settlement or verdict.
Michael Osborne is a Chicago injury lawyer. The Law Office of Michael Osborne helps accident, wrongful death, and personal injury victims. To contact a Chicago personal injury attorney or learn more, visit Michaelosbornelaw.com or call (312) 315-1765.
