Elderly Illinois man dies in alleged drunk driving accident

Losing an elderly loved one in a car accident that could have been avoided is often more traumatic than losing such a person to ill health or old age. While the family is grieving such a loss, they will also be facing the high costs related to a funeral and burial. An Illinois driver who allegedly caused a recent drunk driving accident that led to the death of one man in Chicago is facing DUI charges.

Police reported that the driver of a northeast-bound vehicle allegedly veered into the southwest-bound lanes of traffic. As he was heading directly into the approaching traffic, a collision was unavoidable, and he reportedly smashed head-on into the vehicle of a 77-year-old motorist. The elderly man was transported to a hospital where he survived for five days before succumbing to his injuries.

After an autopsy, the medical examiner reported that the cause of death was multiple injuries caused by a car accident, along with a heart disease that was listed as a less important factor. The media report made no mention of injuries to the driver of the first car; however, it is reported that he is now facing aggravated DUI charges. The man is being held in custody while he is awaiting his next court appearance.

Illinois residents who have lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident may feel anger and want the guilty person to face judgment. They have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim in a civil court, and if such a claim is successfully presented, the family may be awarded a monetary judgment in recovery of medical and end-of-life damages. In addition, the court may consider awarding additional compensation as allowed under state laws.

Source: CBS Chicago, “Man Charged With DUI After Fatal Burbank Crash“, , July 8, 2014