As in every other state, car accidents are common in Illinois. Most accidents are minor and cause minimal damage and injuries. Single-car accidents are generally not reported unless someone is seriously injured or dies. If a peron is killed due to another’s negligence, then the family of the person killed may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
In Mackinaw, a recent car crash occurred that killed a pedestrian. According to the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Department, the body of a 56-year-old man was found lying on the ground around 11 p.m. on November 25. Approximately one hour later, a 23-year-old local resident reported to the sheriff’s department that he had struck someone at the location where the pedestrian’s body was found.
The man was arrested and charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and leaving the scene of a fatal crash. The accident remains under investigation by the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police.
When a person is killed by a negligent driver, one goal for the family is to obtain some sense of justice. The results of the accident investigation can help determine whether the driver will be held responsible. The family will then want to know if negligence was a factor. Even if the driver is charged with crimes, the family can still file a civil lawsuit and seek damages from the allegedly responsible party.
Anyone who loses a loved one in a fatal accident can consider a wrongful death lawsuit if someone else’s carelessness took the life of a loved one. Legal advice can help them file such a claim.
Source: Pantagraph.com, “Peoria man charged in fatal accident in Mackinaw,” Roger Miller, Nov. 25, 2014
