Compensation may be sought after fiery crash kills 2, injures 3

Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs can have devastating consequences, even if family members and friends regard a driver as a responsible person. A 41-year-old Illinois father of two who has no prior criminal record admitted to snorting cocaine before crashing into a car, causing two fatalities and injuries to three children. Claims for compensation may follow this tragic accident.

An accident report indicates that the drugged man crashed into a car that was occupied by a 31-year-old father and his four children. With him were his 12-year-old daughter and her three siblings — ages 6, 4 and 2. After the impact of the collision, the wreck reportedly erupted into flames, trapping the family inside.

Good Samaritans managed to rescue the three younger children from the burning wreck, but the father and the oldest child did not survive the accident. The children were rushed to a hospital where the 6-year-old child is reported to be on life support, while the younger siblings were said to be recovering from second-degree burns. Authorities allege the other driver disregarded a red light before the crash, and toxicology tests for cocaine were reportedly positive.

The surviving family members of the father and daughter who lost their lives in this tragic accident will be entitled to pursue compensation through an Illinois civil court. Wrongful death and personal injury claims may be filed, and once negligence on the part of the other driver is established, the court will adjudicate all the documented claims for damages and losses that were brought about by the fiery crash. Following this process, monetary judgments may be entered.

Source: CBS Chicago, “Man Charged After Fiery, Fatal Crash“, Roseanne Tellez, Aug. 16, 2016