Two Students Hit by Vehicle as They Crossed Street

 Posted on April 04, 2013 in Personal Injury

Conor Crippen, 18, and Anna Waz, 19, two freshmen from Loyola University were hit by a car as they were attempting to cross the street near the Fullerton Avenue Red Line station around 11 p.m. Saturday, March 16, when they were struck by a Nissan Pathfinder.

Both victims were rushed to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Waz, who is majoring in nursing, was released two days later. Crippen is in the intensive care unit and has been put into a medically induced coma. The biochemistry major has been placed in the coma in order to reduce the swelling in his brain.

His sister told the Loyola Phoenix that after being struck by the Nissan, her brother landed directly on his face and then rolled onto his head. She said that the way he landed actually protected part of his brain and described the damage to his brain as shallow as opposed to serious. She said that although doctors don’t yet know which parts of Crippen’s brain were hurt, once the swelling goes down and he wakes up, he will be facing a six-month-long full recovery period.

Both of the victims were walking in the back of a group as they all crossed the street before the two were plowed into by the Nissan. Chicago police say the driver of the vehicle refused to take a breathalyzer test. They are still investigating and charges may be pending.

Even if there are criminal charges filed against the driver, both of these victims may still wish to pursue civil damages against him for pain and loss, as well as the cost of rehabilitation. If you or someone in your family has been injured because of someone’s reckless driving, contact an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney to find out what damages you may be entitled to.