Driver charged with leaving the scene after striking boy

On behalf of Strom & Associates, Ltd. posted in Pedestrian Accidents on Tuesday, June 17, 2014.

A man who was accused of being involved in a pedestrian accident in a Chicago suburb on June 5 was charged after turning himself into police. According to the report, the incident took place near the Channing Street and Laurel Street intersection in Elgin around 6:15 p.m.

The alleged driver was charged with multiple offenses related to the crash, those being the failure to report an accident, leaving the scene and failure to give right of way to a pedestrian. The first two charges are felonies and the last is a misdemeanor. His next court appearance was scheduled to be on June 18.

Police stated that a silver SUV struck a boy on a bicycle. The boy was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for minor injuries. The driver then left the scene of the accident and called his parents. The 24-year-old man brought himself into the police station approximately 30 minutes after the accident took place.

The boy's brother witnessed the crash and told police that he saw his brother be hit. The impact caused the boy to be flung out of the way, but the bike became entangled with the SUV. The man stated that he did initially stop to check on the boy following the collision but that a crowd was gathering around the crash scene. He became scared and left as a result.
Pedestrian accidents are likely to leave those who are involved with serious injuries. Someone who is struck by a vehicle may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit if it can be determined that the driver was operating the vehicle in a negligent or careless manner. By filing this lawsuit, the injured pedestrian may be able to recover the cost of medical bills and compensation for pain and suffering.

Source: Chicago Daily Herald, "Elgin man charged with hit-and-run turns self in", Doug T. Graham, June 08, 2014