Parents often have many fears regarding the safety of their children. Many in Illinois, for example, may worry that family members will be victims of motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, one man is now coping with the news that his three children and pregnant wife were recently killed in a crash that could have likely been prevented.
The incident happened one morning on a day in late July. Reports indicate that the family, including a 29-year-old woman, 21-month-old toddler and 4 and 6-year-old boys, were on the way to church at approximately 8:30 a.m. Police say that their vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by a pickup truck whose driver failed to obey a stop sign.
The mother and toddler died the day of the accident while the 4-year-old passed away the next day. The 6-year-old was pronounced dead a couple of days later. The driver of the pickup was reportedly hospitalized and is set to undergo reconstructive surgery on his arm. He has since been cited by police for disobeying a sign, but additional charges could be filed once the investigation is complete, including an analysis of his cellphone. Reports indicate that he is cooperating with the investigation.
Unfortunately, this Illinois father is now coping with the unthinkable — the loss of his entire family allegedly as a result of something as relatively simple as a driver who failed to obey a stop sign. For many who lose loved ones in motor vehicle accidents, the financial ramifications is another stressor during an already difficult time. While the community is working to support the man with a fundraiser, he also has the option of filing a wrongful lawsuit against the driver. If it can be proved that the driver’s negligence caused the accident, the grieving father could receive a financial award to help manage the financial burdens created by the accident.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “‘A wonderful, loving family’: Boy dies from Beecher crash that killed pregnant mother, 2 brothers“, Zak Koeske and Alicia Fabbre, July 27, 2017
