Wrong-way driver in alleged drunk driving accident on I-55

Driving on an Illinois highway while under the influence of alcohol not only threatens the life of the driver but also the lives of other motorists. The danger escalates when the drunk driver is traveling in the wrong direction. A recent alleged drunk driving accident that was reportedly caused by a wrong-way driver on the Stevenson Expressway involved three vehicles.

State police were called to an accident on I-55 in the early morning hours of a recent Friday. It was reported that a 24-year-old female driver was southbound on the northern lanes of the expressway when she smashed into two other vehicles. The police suspected the wrong-way driver of being impaired, and she is now facing DUI-related charges.

A witness who reported the accident described how he ran to the aid of the driver of one of the cars that the alleged drunk driver crashed into. With the help of other bystanders, they kicked out the vehicle’s rear window to allow the 60-year-old driver to crawl out of the smashed car. This injured victim, along with the 21-year-old female driver of the other car and the wrong-way driver were all transported to a hospital where their injuries were described as non-life threatening. None of the vehicles carried any passengers.

Illinois residents who have suffered personal injuries in a drunk driving accident — or any other accident — that was caused by the negligence of another party may want to pursue a personal injury claim in a civil court. Claims that are successfully presented may bring about a monetary award to cover medical and other damages incurred in the alleged DUI accident. This may assist accident victims financially when they have to face the bills for expenses that resulted from the accident.

Source: ABC7 Chigaco, “Wrong-way driver Yarelie Melgarejo charged with DUI in 3-vehicle crash on I-55 near Route 53“, , June 27, 2014