Chris Gonzales-Alabastro Injured In Chicago Car Accident By 14th Street and State Street

Pedestrian Accident - April 7, 2022

Urology Resident Chris Gonzales-Alabastro Critically Injured In South Loop, Chicago Car Accident At The Intersection of 14th Street and State Street —> GoFundMe Created To Help Victim

Chris Gonzales-Alabastro Injured In Chicago Car Accident By 14th Street and State Street

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (March 6, 2022) – A urology resident identified as Chris Gonzales-Alabastro was seriously injured in a Chicago car accident near the intersection of 14th Street and State Street.

Cook County police officials are saying that the accident took place on March 18. Chris Gonzales-Alabastro was crossing the intersection with his partner when they were both hit by the 19-year-old driver of an SUV.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help both of the victims. Chris Gonzales-Alabastro was transported to Northwestern Hospital with major injuries.

His partner’s injuries were described by police as minor. Chris Gonzales-Alabastro was finishing his third year of urology residency at Northwestern Medical Center when the accident took place.

You can help support the victim through GoFundMe. According to the online fundraiser, “Our beloved urology resident, Chris Alabastro, was struck by a speeding car on March 18 while he crossed a street in a marked crosswalk. He was thrown 40 feet, sustained severe, life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition at this time. He has a long recovery ahead, including additional surgeries and months of rehabilitation.”

Liability In Chicago Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 137,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments in 2017. Pedestrians aged 65 and older accounted for nearly 20% of all pedestrian deaths. There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a pedestrian accident.

  • Speeding
  • Drunk driving
  • Driver distraction
  • Inclement weather

All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. This includes maintaining a safe speed on the roadway. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/), no person shall drive their vehicle at a speed which is greater than would be reasonable or safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. In certain circumstances liability for a collision could extend beyond any driver.

If the driver that hit a pedestrian was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the negligent actions of their employees. A city or municipality could also be liable for a pedestrian accident if it was caused by a dangerous condition with a roadway. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any pedestrian accident.

  • Surveillance footage should be sought.
  • Medical records should be preserved.
  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
  • A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.

Any person that is injured in a pedestrian accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. It is extremely important that evidence is properly preserved after any accident. A pedestrian accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating A Chicago Pedestrian Accident

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to Chris Gonzales-Alabastro as he continues to recover. This was a senseless accident that should not have taken place. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured due to the negligent actions of a driver? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping accident victims get the information and support that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.