Police: Alleged drunk driver caused serious Illinois crash

 Posted on October 20,2014 in Car Accidents

In our last post, we discussed some facts about car accidents in the U.S. and just how costly they can be. Statistics can be a good way to appreciate, on a higher level, just how prevalent crashes are in the U.S.

But when we read about individual car accidents in Illinois, it can truly remind us of the personal toll that every crash has on the people involved. For example, the lives of seven people were put in danger when one man allegedly got behind the wheel of his car while intoxicated.

The 22-year-old man was arrested after he caused an accident and then tried to flee from the scene. According to reports, police determined that the man lost control of his vehicle and swerved into oncoming traffic. A car in that lane, being driven by a 66-year-old woman, tried to get out of the way of the oncoming car, but the man swerved again and crashed into woman's vehicle.

The woman was driving five other people, and they all needed to be taken to the hospital after the crash for emergency care, including three children who are 5, 3 and 1. 

In the blink of an eye, the lives of six people were put in jeopardy. One man made the decision to drive after allegedly drinking and even though he didn't have a license, according to police reports, and six innocent victims paid the price.

Accidents like this one happen far too often. And even though it may be all but impossible to prevent every accident, victims can take action to hold negligent and dangerous drivers accountable. The people injured in car accidents are not just numbers or statistics; they are people who will be left to cope with the pain and suffering of a crash. Even though an accident may have been out of their hands, victims can take control and file a lawsuit to recover damages and hold the appropriate party responsible.

Source: Commercial-News, "Seven injured in Sunday traffic accident," Brian L. Huchel, Oct. 17, 2014