A 2013 crash allegedly caused by drunk driving has led to a wrongful death lawsuit, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The crash, which occurred in Oak Brook, involved only one vehicle and led to the death of a male passenger. The deceased man’s wife has since filed the lawsuit against the driver, claiming he was intoxicated and speeding at the time of the crash. The driver is currently awaiting trial on charges of aggravated DUI involving death.
The crash occurred near midnight on Sept. 21, 2013 on Spring Road in Oak Brook. According to the Chicago Tribune, the 49-year-old driver lost control of his vehicle and veered off of the road. The car eventually crashed in a forested area before a neighbor notified 911. Police said that both men were wearing their seatbelts, but the 48-year-old passenger was declared dead at the scene.
The driver was initially taken to hospital. After he was released he was taken into police custody and charged with aggravated DUI involving death and had his bond set at $750,000. His court case is still pending.
The deceased man’s wife recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver. In addition to charging that the driver was impaired at the time of the crash, she also alleges that he was speeding. She also accuses the driver of failing to stop the vehicle promptly enough to prevent it from crashing.
In addition, she says that the loss of her husband has not only robbed her of companionship, but has also led to the loss of “guidance, attention, [and] advice” for their two young children. Her lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount in damages.
Car accidents are far too common both in Illinois and throughout the country. While most car accidents only lead to minor injuries, in the very worst cases drivers, passengers, or pedestrians may be seriously injured or even killed. The pain of such accidents not only effects the victims directly involved, but their families and loved ones as well. That pain can be compounded by anger when such victims learn that the accident was caused by another driver’s reckless or negligent behavior.
Anybody involved in a serious car crash or who has lost a loved one in such an accident should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Although no amount of compensation can possible replace the hole left by such a devastating event, it can help alleviate some of the financial pressure, such as medical bills and loss of employment, that often result after severe and fatal car accidents.
