While most drivers in Illinois are aware of the importance of constant vigilance, it may be easy to become complacent. Favorable weather conditions and a smooth flow of traffic can lead a driver into a false sense of security. Unfortunately, the situation can change in an instant, requiring a split-second reaction. If drivers are not prepared for these changes, serious motor vehicle accidents can occur.
For example, police believe that a change in traffic may have played a factor in a recent accident on an Illinois road that led to a fatality. According to reports, the 23-year-old driver of a southbound pickup truck pulling a boat trailer failed to respond to slowing traffic. As a result, he allegedly struck the rear of another southbound vehicle.
The pickup then entered northbound lanes, striking a classic car head on. A tanker truck then struck the pickup. Unfortunately, the 57-year-old male driver of the classic car died at the scene of the accident. While the road was closed for several hours, no other injuries were reported. It is unclear if criminal charges are expected as a result of the accident.
According to claims made by police, this accident seems to be an example of the dangers of complacency while driving — if drivers are not prepared to react to sudden changes, they could cause motor vehicle accidents that will have lasting consequences. In this situation, a family is now left mourning the unexpected death of their loved one. Many families going through such an experience also struggle as a result of lost wages and funeral expenses. In some situations where a loss was caused by negligence, surviving family members opt to file a wrongful death lawsuit against responsible parties. A successfully presented claim could result in a monetary award, helping plaintiffs manage the financial obligations of their loss.
Source: stltoday.com, “Arizona driver dies in four-vehicle crash in Madison County“, Denise Hollinshed, June 15, 2017
