Jiekun Xu Killed In Chicago Hit-And-Run Car Accident
Pedestrian Accident - May 21, 2024
Jiekun Xu Died In Archer Heights, Chicago Collision With Hit-And-Run Driver on Pulaski Road
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (May 21, 2024) – A 68-year-old woman identified as Jiekun Xu has tragically died in a Chicago hit-and-run collision with a pickup truck along Pulaski Road.
Chicago Police Department officials are saying that the crash took place around 4:52 p.m. on the Southwest Side. Jiekun Xu was crossing the street when she was hit by a pickup truck believed to be a Ford F150 or a Dodge RAM 1500.
The driver of the pickup truck fled the scene and is currently being sought by police. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.
Jiekun Xu was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in order to receive care. But doctors and medical staff were not able to save her. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The victim recently applied for citizenship after living in the United States for five years. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Chicago Hit-And-Run Car Accidents
Chicago streets can be very dangerous for pedestrians. According to the Chicago Department of Transportation, “70% of Chicago traffic deaths involved drivers traveling at high speeds. Over half of pedestrians killed in the city are hit by an SUV or larger vehicle.” There are a number of ways that the infrastructure in Chicago may contribute to pedestrian collisions.
- Poorly marked crosswalks along Chicago’s roads can make it difficult for pedestrians to cross safely.
- Insufficient crossing time at traffic signals may also contribute to pedestrian collisions.
- Chicago’s roads are filled with multiple lanes and fast-moving traffic. There are very few pedestrian bridges or tunnels designed to reduce the interaction between cars and vehicles.
- Roadways across Chicago tend to lack appropriate traffic-calming measures, which can encourage drivers to slow down. Traffic-calming measures include speed bumps and raised crosswalks.
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care 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 reduce their speed to avoid collisions, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
The city of Chicago could also potentially be liable if a pedestrian is killed in a collision. Generally speaking, cities and municipal entities have a legal obligation to keep roadways in a reasonably safe condition. If a roadway is in a dangerous condition and this contributes to an accident, the city or municipal entity responsible for the roadway could be held at fault. There are a number of common ways that a roadway could be in a dangerous condition and contribute to car accidents.
- Roadways may have poor water drainage systems.
- Roadways may have improper gradation along curves.
- Roadways may have large potholes.
- Roadways may have vegetation or trees that block traffic signals.
Pedestrian accidents can be extremely complex events. The factors that contribute to a pedestrian collision could take place days, weeks, or months beforehand. In many situations, there could be more than one liable party. At the end of the day, evidence will help determine what went wrong and who could be at fault. This is why it is so important that all evidence related to a crash is properly preserved.
Investigating Chicago Pedestrian Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jiekun Xu. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. The driver responsible for this crash should do the right thing and turn themselves in. It is never too late to do the right thing. City officials should also consider additional measures to make this stretch of road safer. Pedestrians deserve safe roads and spaces.
Do you need more information about a Chicago hit-and-run pedestrian accident? Our team of roadway 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 Chicago officials are doing everything in their power to help make our roads safe. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any crash, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
