According to Illinois State Police, a tragic car accident in Benton took the life of a 6-year-old girl from Du Quoin. A local news report says the crash happened when the 32-year-old driver of the vehicle transporting the child and other passengers failed to stop at a stop sign. The vehicle collided with an SUV, and victims in both vehicles were seriously injured in the car accident.
Another young child in the first vehicle was seriously injured, as was a 30-year-old passenger. In the SUV, two people, including the driver, suffered major injuries, while two others in the same vehicle were said to have sustained less serious injuries. All parties involved in the accident were apparently wearing seatbelts. They were all taken to hospitals in Illinois and St. Louis for treatment.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the car accident. No criminal charges have been filed, but the driver of the car carrying the now deceased child was cited for failing to stop at a stop sign. Once the investigation is finished, the parties involved can assess the information as it pertains to them and their loved ones.
Even as they attempt to deal with the pain and grief of this awful incident, it is advisable that all of the surviving parties document what they can about the crash. Such documentation should include the costs incurred from medical treatment and other damages. As difficult as it may be to compile, this information will assist the victims in determining whether to make a personal injury claim for damages resulting from the accident.
Source: Benton Evening News, “Illinois State Police investigate fatal crash,” Mona Sandefur, March 14, 2012