Alleged drunk driver causes fatal Illinois car accident
On Behalf of The Law Offices of Goldfine & Bowles, P.C.
December 1, 2014
Collisions on the road can be dangerous. There is always a chance of injury when any type of vehicle crash occurs. However, when multiple vehicles are involved in a crash the chances of injury or even death can be significantly higher. This may have been the case in a recent car accident in Illinois.
The crash occurred one morning in late November when a 28-year-old man driving a pickup truck was traveling eastbound. At the same time, a passenger car was traveling westbound along the same stretch of roadway. It is believed that the truck driver crossed the centerline and struck the car.
In total, five vehicles became involved in the accident which happened near the end of rush hour. The 46-year-old driver of the car died as a result of the collision, and a passenger in his car was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The extent of the injuries and condition of the passenger is still unknown. The authorities have charged the driver of the pickup truck with driving under the influence, reckless homicide and improper use of lanes. The driver of the truck will now have to face these criminal charges in a court of law.
Regardless of the outcome of the criminal case, the victims of the car accident and the family members of the deceased may still choose to file lawsuits in Illinois. The evidence presented in the criminal trial may even be able to be utilized during the course of a civil case. If it is determined that the truck driver’s negligence contributed to the death and injuries resulting from the accident, the victims or the family of the victim may be awarded compensation.
Source: Patch.com, “Wisconsin Man Faces DUI, Reckless Homicide Charges Following Fatal Crash“, Amie Schaenzer, Nov. 26, 2014