The level of difficulty associated with an investigation may increase if the incident is a hit-and-run accident. If a driver leaves the scene of an incident, authorities are already missing vital information. If such an accident has led to the death of an individual, gathering all information is important to the investigation and for family member of the decedent, especially if they would like to file a wrongful death claim.
Illinois authorities are currently investigating a fatal event that is being considered a hit-and-run accident. It was reported that emergency personnel were informed about a body that had apparently been found on the side of a roadway. The information was received at approximately 7:45 a.m., and the victim was declared dead over an hour after that call.
Reports stated that the victim was a 25-year-old male. It is not clear whether police have any leads on who else may have been involved in the accident, but they are asking that individuals who may have information about the event come forward. Evidence at the scene should also be examined, and an investigation into the fatal incident is ongoing.
When the driver involved in the accident is located, it is likely that he or she will face criminal charges. These potential charges could also be of use to the victim’s family if they wish to file a wrongful death claim. A conviction of criminal charges could possibly be used as evidence in a civil case and, in turn, potentially increase the chances of success for such a case in Illinois.
Source: stltoday.com, “Granite City police investigating hit-and-run fatality“, April 19, 2015