Illinois State Police respond to many incidents throughout the state each night. On April 21 they reported being called to a single-car accident late in the evening. The accident resulted in the death of one man and critical injuries to at least one other.
Unfortunately, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene on foot, and police were still looking for him at the time of a local news report. He left behind a deceased 26-year-old and one other passenger who was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.
According to police, the car was speeding when the accident occurred. For some reason, the vehicle struck a roadside wall, crossed lanes of traffic, climbed an embankment and collided with a traffic control box before coming to a stop beside a bridge. The exact reason for the driver to lose control of the vehicle was unknown.
As police try to locate the missing driver, they will likely assign fault for the crash to him. This person may be charged with the crime of leaving the scene of the accident, but he may also be held liable for civil damages, including the wrongful death of the 26-year-old and the critical injuries suffered by the other passenger.
While this accident happened in Chicago, people in Southern Illinois are well aware that negligent or reckless behavior on the road leads to personal injury. Belleville residents who have been injured in a car accident will want to become fully aware of their options for compensation.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Cops search for driver who fled scene after 1 killed, 1 injured in Dan Ryan crash,” Peter Nickeas, April 22, 2012