Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
A 28-year-old Glenview man has been formally charged for his part in a fatal collision last Sunday that left a Motron Grove man dead and a woman injured. The defendant driver is currently in jail in lieu of a $600,000 bond and is facing charges of reckless homicide, driving under the influence, and improper lane usage.
The collision that gave rise to the charges occurred on September 22 on Milwaukee Avenue, near the intersection with Zenith Drive and Castilian Court in Glenview, shortly before 3:00 p.m. Police believe that the defendant was under the influence of an unspecified intoxicant as he was driving his vehicle in the area, leading him to cross into a lane for opposing traffic and striking a second vehicle in a head-on collision.
The driver of the second vehicle was killed upon impact and a passenger in his vehicle was injured but is expected to survive. Officials transported the female passenger to an area hospital where she has been evaluated and treated for her crash-related injuries, the extent and nature of which are not currently known.
If the charges alleged thus far are proven true, the defendant in this case may face a serious sentence in prison in addition to other potential penalties, including the loss of his driver’s license, a felony record, community service, and fines. But many people do not realize that the extent of a negligent driver’s liability does not end with criminal prosecution but rather may also include a civil claim by any victims who were injured as a result of an accident. In cases where a victim is killed, the victim’s surviving family members may have the right to bring a claim for their damages and for the loss of their loved one.
Driving impaired by an intoxicating compound is illegal in Illinois and is a serious threat to public safety. Intoxicating compounds often include alcohol and/or drugs but in actuality can be anything that influences a driver’s ability to control or operate a vehicle. This means that driving under any substance that impairs your ability to function may be a violation of Illinois laws and may place a driver at risk for criminal penalties. Yet despite these strict interpretations, may motorists continue to drive when they shouldn’t.
If you have been injured or your loved one has been killed in a car accident, you should know that you have legal rights and that you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. This may include any medical bills you are forced to incur or any income you were unable to earn due to your injuries. After an accident, it is a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney to learn about your legal options and to make sure that your rights are being protected.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we are Chicago car accident lawyers with a successful track record bringing claims on behalf of our injured clients. We only represent accident victims because we believe that they deserve to have a representative on their side, fighting for their rights and for their best interests. If you have been in an accident, call us today at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442 and take advantage of our free, no obligation telephone consultation. We have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call and we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf. Call us today and let us help you towards a path of recovery.
Prior Blog Entries:
Impaired Teen Driver Flees Scene of Fatal Pedestrian Crash, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published September 30, 2013.
Suspected Drunk Driver Kills Passenger in Oak Brook, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, published September 26, 2013.
Resources:
Glenview man charged with reckless homicide in fatal crash, by Alexandra Chachkevitch, Chicago Tribune, published October 2, 2013.