Giselle Chavez Killed In Chicago Hit-And-Run Tow Truck Accident
Truck Accident - September 18, 2024
Giselle Chavez, 21, Died, 19-Year-Old Critically Injured In Chicago’s South Loop Hit-And-Run Tow Truck Accident on West Roosevelt Road
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (September 18, 2024) – A woman identified as Giselle Chavez has died, and her sister was critically injured in a Chicago hit-and-run tow truck accident.
Cook County officials are saying that the incident took place around 2:14 a.m. on West Roosevelt Road. A tow truck driver was traveling down West Roosevelt Road when they hit Giselle Chavez and her sister.
Authorities believe that the tow truck driver may have been harassing the victims prior to the collision. It may have been a deliberate attack, as opposed to an accident.
The driver of the tow truck may have also been unlicensed. They fled the scene after the collision.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims. Sadly, Giselle Chavez died due to her injuries. Her sister was taken to the hospital with major injuries.
Chicago police are still searching for the driver of the tow truck.
Liability For Chicago Tow Truck Accidents
Far too many pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year across Illinois. According to Patch, “Pedestrian deaths in increased slightly in the first half of 2023 when compared with the same period a year prior, according to preliminary data released Tuesday by the Governors Highway Safety Association.” There are a number of measures that cities can take in order to prevent pedestrian collisions.
- Cities should heavily enforce traffic violations likely to lead to pedestrian collisions.
- Cities should install traffic calming measures in areas with a history of speeding.
- Cities should ensure that all traffic intersections are well lit.
All drivers have a legal obligation to take reasonable measures in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, every driver must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. They must also use their horns when necessary and exercise the proper precautions to avoid colliding with any child or obviously confused person. If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any collision.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be collected.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are preventable and involve some amount of driver error. This is particularly true with respect to hit-and-run collisions. It is important that victims of hit-and-run collisions understand that they do have rights. The family of any person who died in a hit-and-run collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Chicago Hit-And-Run Collisions
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Giselle Chavez. It is our sincere hope that her sister will be able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police.
Do you need more information about a Chicago hit-and-run collision? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
