Illinois car accident claims life of 1 driver and injures another

One driver was killed, and another one seriously injured in a crash in McHenry County. The sheriff’s office reported that the car accident occurred on Illinois South Route 31 shortly after 6 p.m. on a recent Monday. The accident investigation is ongoing, but some details have been made available.

A report issued by the sheriff’s office shows that a 25-year-old Bartlett resident was southbound on Route 31 when he decided to pass a slower vehicle that was traveling in the same direction. For unknown reasons, the driver failed to maintain control of his vehicle, and he crossed into the lane of northbound traffic. His car smashed into a northbound SUV that was operated by a 51-year-old McHenry woman.

The driver who crossed the center line was rushed to a hospital, but he was reportedly declared dead upon arrival. The SUV driver was also hospitalized for treatment of serious injuries. Both drivers were reportedly strapped in by their seat belts, and the airbags in both vehicles had deployed on impact. Officials are awaiting toxicology test results.

The injured victim of this Illinois car accident will likely have to face high bills related to hospitalization and medical care. Fortunately, she will be entitled to pursue financial relief by filing a personal injury claim against the estate of the deceased driver who crossed into her traffic lane. The civil court will require appropriate evidence of negligence before it will enter a monetary judgment. The court will consider all the documented financial, emotional and other losses she sustained.

Source: Chicago Tribune, “Bartlett man killed in two-vehicle crash in McHenry County“, Jan. 12, 2016