Residents of Chicago's North Lakefront community of Uptown remain shocked by a recent fatal hit-and-run pedestrian accident that tragically took the life of a 69-year-old woman while she was crossing Broadway one recent evening, according to Streetsblog Chicago.
"Please turn yourself in," said Pany Thomas, the victim's daughter, in an interview with ABC7 News Chicago. "Please do it for me. I can forgive you. Let me know what you were thinking. Explain yourself to me, please."
What Happened in Chicago's North Lakefront Neighborhood?
Soyfa Athamanah of Chicago was fatally struck by a car while crossing North Broadway in the 5100 Block section near Winona Avenue at around 10:35 p.m. on July 25, 2023, according to ABC7 News and Streetsblog Chicago.
According to Streetsblog Chicago, a witness came forward stating they saw a black sedan hit Athamanah and then continue driving north on Broadway. Athamanah's son, Tony Khounphachan, shared a heartwarming tribute to his mother, who immigrated from Laos to Chicago. He described her as a strong and dedicated "single mom who did both jobs, raised me to be a man, loved to cook, always had a smile on her face" during an interview with ABC7 News Chicago.
How Common Are Chicago Pedestrian Accidents?
Streetsblog Chicago reports that 17 pedestrians, including Athamanah, have died in traffic crashes this year alone. If this trend persists, the city could witness an estimated 34 pedestrian fatalities by the end of 2023.
Notably, Cook County, which encompasses Chicago, has also experienced a concerning rise in pedestrian deaths in recent years. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of pedestrian fatalities in Cook County surged by 62 percent between 2017 (with 77 deaths) and 2021 (with 125 deaths).
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
In Chicago and other major cities throughout the U.S., pedestrian accidents are frequently caused by reckless or negligent behavior of drivers, such as:
- Aggressive drivers who don't share the road or slow down at crosswalks: Imagine a pedestrian attempting to cross the street at a designated crosswalk. An aggressive driver, impatient and unwilling to yield the right-of-way, speeds through the crosswalk without stopping. The pedestrian, caught off guard by the driver's recklessness, is hit and sustains serious injuries.
- Distracted drivers not paying attention, especially texting drivers: A distracted driver is engrossed in sending a text message while driving through a busy urban area. As they take their eyes off the road, they fail to notice a pedestrian stepping onto the crosswalk. The driver's delayed reaction leads to a collision with the pedestrian, causing significant harm.
- Drunk drivers who run red lights or don't stop at stop signs, resulting in a pedestrian accident: In a late-night scenario, an intoxicated driver disregards a red light at an intersection. Unaware of the pedestrian trying to cross the street, the driver plows through the intersection and strikes the pedestrian, who suffers severe injuries due to the driver's impaired judgment and inability to stop in time.
- Speeding drivers who don't slow down and hit a pedestrian: A speeding driver is traveling well above the posted speed limit on a residential street. As the driver approaches a pedestrian crossing the road, they fail to decelerate in time to avoid a collision. The impact of the collision causes the pedestrian to be thrown several feet, leading to severe injuries or even death.
We Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable
If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident in Chicago or its suburbs, Keating Law Offices, P.C. is here to fight for your rights. Pedestrians are vulnerable users of our sidewalks and streets. When hit by a car or truck due to a negligent driver's behavior, they can suffer severe injuries or even tragic losses.
Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys know how to navigate the complexities of these cases and pursue justice on your behalf. We understand the impact of accidents on pedestrians and their families, and we are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.
Whether it's medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we are committed to building strong cases and holding negligent drivers accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the process to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
