A pedestrian was struck and killed by an SUV that proceeded to crash into a house in northwest suburban Wheeling, IL.
Driver Flees on Foot After Hitting Pedestrian
On May 20, 2020, shortly before 7:40 a.m., an SUV ran over Carlos Maciel-Pulido of Chicago, then it drove into a house in the 700 block of Equestrian Drive in Wheeling, IL. The SUV was found partially lodged in the front entryway of the house when police arrived at the scene. Witnesses told police that the male driver fled on foot after hitting the home. One resident was reportedly inside the house during the collision, though she was not injured.
Mr. Maciel-Pulido was found pinned under the SUV. He died from injuries he sustained in the crash. The SUV was towed from the scene that night and is now in the custody of the Wheeling Police Department. The driver, however, has not yet been apprehended.
Pedestrians Highly Vulnerable to Car Accidents
Each year, thousands of pedestrians are seriously injured and sometimes killed in American car accidents. In 2016 alone, 5,987 pedestrians were killed in collisions in the United States, an average of one crash-related pedestrian fatality every 90 minutes. While pedestrians only accounted for 16 percent of total traffic deaths that year, the likelihood of a pedestrian being killed or severely hurt in a car accident can be far greater than is the case with non-pedestrians. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than the occupants of passenger vehicles to get killed in a car accident.
The impact of thousands of pounds of metal against an exposed human body can result in devastating injuries even at low speeds, and higher speeds can increase both the odds of a pedestrian getting hit by a vehicle and the seriousness of any injuries that could result.
Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Making a Difference
If you are a pedestrian who has been hit by a motor vehicle, your injuries can be life-changing. The medical expenses can soon rise to astronomical levels, all at a time when you might not be able to work. One negligent driver’s actions can put you and your family on the brink of financial ruin.
Fortunately, if you are the innocent victim of another person’s negligence, you might be eligible to obtain financial compensation. To help maximize your settlement or judgment, seek out the Chicago car accident attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers LLC.
With over $2 billion recovered for our clients and offices throughout the state, GWC is one of the premier Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation law firms in Illinois. We have the experience, the determination, and the proven record of success needed to get you the justice you deserve.
If you have been wrongfully injured in a car accident, contact GWC today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Chicago car accident lawyers. You may call our office at (312) 464-1234 or click here to chat with a representative at any time.
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