Tragic head-on car accident on Route 72 claims life of 5-year-old

Illinois Route 72 was closed for hours following a tragic accident that occurred on a recent Friday afternoon. A child, who was sitting in a car seat at the time, was killed in the car accident. An accident investigation was still underway at the time of the media report.

A preliminary report from the sheriff’s office states that the child was a passenger in her father’s SUV when they were heading west on Route 72 at about 3:15 p.m. A 17-year-old eastbound driver allegedly failed to maintain control of his vehicle as he attempted to navigate a curve. The car crossed into the opposite lane. It appears that the driver of the SUV was unable to avoid the head-on crash that followed.

Reportedly,  a third vehicle then rear-ended the SUV. This driver’s minor injuries were treated at the accident scene, but the 5-year-old child and both of the other drivers were transported to the hospital. Sadly, the child succumbed to her injuries later. The severity of the injuries to her father and the other driver was not reported.

The driver deemed  responsible for the fatal car accident was issued a citation for operating his vehicle in the wrong lane. It remains to be seen if additional charges will be forthcoming as the official investigation proceeds. Those who have lost a loved one in a car accident that appears to have been the result of another party’s negligence may pursue financial relief for related expenses and other damages by filing a wrongful death claim in an Illinois civil court. If liability is properly established based upon proof of negligence, the court may award compensation for documented financial losses, including medical fees and end-of-life expenses.

Source: Chicago Tribune, “5-year-old girl killed in head-on crash near Gilberts“, Dave Gathman, Feb. 20, 2015