Speed, distraction, impairment and many other factors can play a role in a car accident. It is up to the authorities to determine which, if any, of these conditions may have contributed to an accident and whether charges are appropriate for the situation. If a driver is believed to have been impaired at the time of a fatal accident, that driver could face criminal charges, and family members of the victim may wish to file a civil case for monetary and/or emotional losses.
A fatal accident recently took place in Illinois that involved one vehicle. It was reported that there were two occupants in the vehicle, a 42-year-old driver and a 37-year-old passenger. The driver of the vehicle had apparently been traveling at speeds of approximately 90 mph before losing control. The vehicle went through a guard rail, struck a tree, hit a concrete wall and flipped over the wall into a lagoon.
The passenger in the vehicle suffered fatal injuries and was declared dead after being transported to the hospital. The driver was also injured in the accident, and it is believed that he was under the influence at the time of the crash. Reports stated that his blood alcohol content was over twice the legal limit, and he is currently charged with aggravated DUI.
It is unfortunate every time a life is lost in a tragic accident due to the actions of an impaired driver. The family members of a victim will likely be forced to make many difficult decisions as they work through the loss of a loved one. Fatal accidents can often lead to monetary and emotional losses for the surviving family, and, as a result, the family members may wish to file a wrongful death claim in order to seek compensation for their losses and other damages resulting from an Illinois accident.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times, “Chicago DJ held on $1 million bail for deadly crash near Lincoln Park Zoo”, Rummana Hussain, Jan. 21, 2015