Several Illinois families are reeling this week after a terrible crash that killed three people and injured a fourth. Coming to terms with the sudden loss of a loved one is difficult, especially when that loss may have been preventable. As police continue to investigate this fatal auto accident, those affected will wait to learn whether this crash could have been avoided. Until then, they are likely focused on making the final arrangements for their loved ones, and beginning to adjust to the day-today details of their loss.
Upon initial review, police believe that the crash took place on a recent Sunday afternoon in Randolph County, Illinois. A pickup truck was stopped on Illinois 154 waiting to turn onto Ridge Road when a vehicle approached on 154. The driver of that vehicle, an 88-year-old man, swerved to avoid colliding with the pickup. That action led to a head-on collision with a third vehicle, driven by an 82-year-old woman.
Both drivers died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. In addition, an 84-year-old passenger in the vehicle that swerved also lost her life. A passenger travelling in the third vehicle survived the wreck, but required emergency medical treatment at an area hospital.
Should Illinois police determine that the driver who attempted to avoid hitting the pickup truck is responsible for this crash, the families of the victims will have the chance to seek legal recourse. Even when a negligent party dies in an auto accident, the families of others killed have the option of pursuing a wrongful death suit against the responsible driver’s estate. In this case, negligence has not yet been determined. The families affected by this terrible course of events will likely continue to follow the investigation as it moves forward.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “2 from St. Louis area among 3 killed in Southern Illinois crash“, , May 27, 2014