For many people in this country, the ability to drive and provide their own transportation allows them to live an independent life. Unfortunately, a person’s age, or some illnesses, could impact an ability to drive without jeopardizing their personal safety and the well-being of others nearby. For example, a recent car accident in Illinois, allegedly caused by an elderly woman, has taken one life and injured several others.
The accident occurred in mid-April. Police claim that an 83-year-old woman was traveling south on a highway in Illinois. Reports indicate that she crossed the median, striking a northbound vehicle head-on. The driver in that car was transported to the hospital for potentially life-threatening injuries. A teenage passenger in the car suffered lesser injuries.
After the initial impact, the woman’s car struck another car. Both occupants in that vehicle required hospital treatment but are expected to survive. A fourth vehicle overturned after the driver attempted to avoid the accident. The two occupants in that car also suffered non-life threatening injuries. Unfortunately, the elderly woman died at the scene.
Police are continuing their investigation into the incident. Unfortunately, this fatal car accident also caused several injuries. The injured, especially the man suffering from life-threatening injuries, may face intensive medical treatment and possible rehabilitation, resulting in extensive medical bills. However, if the injured can prove to an Illinois civil court that the accident was caused by driver negligence, the court could grant them monetary damages to cover the costs associated with the accident.
Source: Journal Star, “One death reported after 4-vehicle crash on I-39 near Wenona”, Matt Buedel, April 13, 2014