Malman Law
Legal News

Monday, October 31, 2011

History of Driving Offenses

Man With History of Driving Offenses Charged in Hit and Run

“A 38-year-old Joliet-area man charged with fatally injuring a 37-year-old Joliet woman in a hit-and-run crash has a history of unlicensed driving and was serving an 18-month suspended sentence on a 2010 drug conviction, Will County court records show,” reports the Chicago Tribune.

The man, Charles D. McAfee, is charged with being responsible for a collision causing injury or death and failure to report a collision involving death.

The woman, Leticia Magana was struck at about 12:30 am on October 2 as she was walking. Police said she was flung to the west side of the street from the impact of being hit.

Chicago Hit and Run Accidents

Unfortunately, Chicago car accident attorneys know that hit and run accidents are a common occurrence. And while it is illegal to flee the scene of an accident, hit and runs happen for many different reasons. The most common reasons a driver would commit a hit and run include:

• Prior criminal record
• Panic
• Driving under the influence
• Fear of consequences

However, if a driver commits a Chicago hit and run, they are likely in much more serious trouble than they would have been even if they were driving under the influence or other contributing factors.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers are sorry to have to report that pedestrians are not always safe from motor vehicles, even if on sidewalks, crosswalks or parking lots. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Speeding
• Failure to watch out for pedestrians
• Backover accidents
• Distracted driving
• Texting or talking on the phone while driving
• Failure to obey traffic signs
• Failure to yield
• Aggressive driving, such as when drivers race each other to grab the empty spot
• Inadequately designed walkways
• Wheel stops
• Poor lighting
• Potholes
• Uneven surfaces
• Improperly marked handicap zone
• Blind spots

Chicago car accident attorneys are able to help you if you or a loved one have been effected by a Chicago car crash or Chicago wrongful death caused by a hit and run accident. While no amount of damages awarded can take away the pain and suffering of losing a loved one to Chicago wrongful death, they can help you deal with the financial burdens and aftermath left behind after a Chicago.