When someone in the Chicago area is allegedly intoxicated, one of the most dangerous actions that person can take is to attempt to drive. When that driver has passengers inside his vehicle, that danger is extended to people who are now at risk for another’s actions.
Sadly, just this situation appears to have played out in Chicago recently. An 18-year-old man died when the driver of the car he was in collided with a police cruiser in the Austin community of Chicago recently. The man was ejected from the vehicle as a result of the crash; he was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
In addition to the driver, another passenger in the car was critically hurt. They were both taken to the hospital. Two police officers were in the police cruiser when it was hit by the vehicle. Their injuries were less severe but they were also taken to a hospital for evaluation.
The 24-year-old driver of the vehicle now faces several charges including reckless homicide and DUI. While the criminal charges could result in a long prison sentence if the man is ultimately charged, he may face other legal action as a result of the accident. The family of the man who was killed might wish to pursue damages for wrongful death as a result of the loss of their loved one.
Additionally, the survivors of the crash may want to try to recoup damages as a result of their experiences. The advice of an experienced personal injury attorney could be invaluable at a time like this.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times, “Joliet man charged after fatal crash involving squad car,” April 15, 2013