Tragedy in South Austin: Two Killed, One Critically Injured in Devastating Crash

A tragic accident took two lives over the weekend, just after 2 a.m. on April 20th in South Austin, Chicago. The crash occurred at the intersection of West Augusta Boulevard and North Central Avenue.

The deceased victims include a 36-year-old man, who was declared dead at Mount Sinai Hospital, and a 22-year-old man who was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital. A 35-year-old woman traveling as a passenger with the 36-year-old man was reported as being in critical condition at Stroger Hospital.

Another motorist, a 45-year-old man, was also involved but refused medical attention at the scene.

Details on the crash

Police reportedly saw a dark colored sedan traveling southbound on Central Avenue. Shortly after they viewed that vehicle, another sedan heading eastbound on Augusta ran through a red light and struck the other car. One of the sedans then collided with the front of a beige minivan.

The impact caused debris to spread across the scene, and the two sedans ended up in front of separate residential properties. One of the victims was ejected in the crash, ending up on the ground in front of a residence.

According to witnesses at the scene, the car that ran the red light was a black Honda, which was speeding when it collided with a Chevy. The loud noise brought local residents outside, where some attempted to assist the victims. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

Red light running is a major cause of serious crashes

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2022, 1,149 people died in crashes caused by drivers running through red lights in the US. Some of the victims were pedestrians and cyclists, who are particularly vulnerable to this type of crash. In addition to those killed, over 107,000 people suffered injuries in these collisions.

Over one-quarter of traffic accident fatalities occur at intersections, including those with traffic signals and those without.

What to do after a serious crash

After a serious collision, the first priority needs to be checking for injuries and seeking medical treatment. If possible, call 911 to get emergency responders to the scene. For those who aren’t severely injured, taking photos of the scene and the involved vehicles can be useful for future claims.

The police should arrive to collect information, including witness statements from those nearby. Obtaining a copy of the police report can be beneficial for your attorney, as it provides information on the crash and the witnesses who may be able to help explain what happened.

If you or a loved one experienced injuries, remember that seeking medical care is extremely important to your claim as well as your health. If you neglect to attend follow-up visits or don’t adhere to the doctor’s advice, the defense attorneys may use that to try to argue your injuries were less serious than you claim.

You should also remember to call an attorney right away. Your lawyer can help advise you on the steps to take to preserve and strengthen your legal case, and can also start speaking to insurance companies on your behalf. The costs of a serious car crash are often significant. Recovering compensation from the at-fault party can reduce some of the burden on you and your family.

What legal rights do you have if a loved one died in a crash?

Two families are now in mourning after this terrible collision. The loss of life from a car accident is a sudden and shocking occurrence. Sadly, families may struggle with practical concerns on top of their grief. Losing a provider can create financial hardships, and funeral and burial costs may add up to thousands of dollars at an already difficult time.

If the death is the result of someone else’s negligence, the family may be able to recover damages for their loss. The damages in a wrongful death case can cover funeral and burial costs, lost income, and compensation for the loss of love and support from the deceased family member.

There are strict rules regarding which relations can file this type of claim, and how long you have to file it. The best course of action is to consult with a lawyer immediately to explore your options.

Contact Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers today

This deadly crash was a tragedy for all involved, their loved ones, and their community. It also serves as a crucial reminder of the risks associated with operating a vehicle. Drivers need to be especially cautious on the road, remain vigilant, and exercise good judgment.

When a driver is negligent, they can cause irreparable harm. If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of a car crash or if you lost a loved one in a collision, you need to speak to an attorney. Call Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers or fill out our contact form today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced car crash lawyers. We offer free consultations to prospective clients.