Left turns on busy Chicago streets offer many risks for a catastrophic collision. On March 29, 2023, according to news reports, a multi-vehicle crash on Chicago’s southwest side was started when a Nissan Frontier pick-up truck attempted to make a left turn in the 3600 block of west Columbus Avenue in the Ashburn neighborhood.
The accident
According to police, the driver of the pick-up truck attempted to make a left turn on to 36th Street when it was struck by a Mazda sedan headed in the opposite direction. The two men in the Mazda were taken to a nearby hospital where one of them was pronounced dead on arrival and the other man was listed in critical condition. The driver of the Nissan was also hospitalized with serious injuries.
A third vehicle joined the pile-up when an SUV occupied by two women rear-ended the Nissan in the intersection. The two women suffered minor injuries that were treated after they were hospitalized at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Both were listed in fair condition. A fourth vehicle, traveling southbound, also struck the vehicles in the intersection. The driver was hospitalized in good condition.
No citations pending
Police detectives are continuing to investigate the accident. No citations are pending according to police. Media reports do not mention whether any of the drivers were suspected of being intoxicated.
The extent of injuries suffered by the victims in this accident appears to be extensive and serious. Which driver may have caused the accident is impossible to determine from media reports. A determination of fault may have to wait until the accident investigation team has finished its work.
A person who has been injured in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence may be able to recover compensation for their damages through a personal injury lawsuit.