Drivers in Illinois who fail to adhere to traffic lights or signs can cause serious accidents on the road. Sometimes, these accidents cause fatal injuries. Such an accident occurred recently in Monmouth.
Accident details
Around 3:12 p.m. on Monday, July 11, a vehicle driven by a 55-year-old man was traveling west along U.S. 34. As he approached the intersection of 6th Street, he failed to stop at a traffic light and collided with another vehicle driven by an 80-year-old man. The elderly man was attempting a left turn onto 6th Street, and the other vehicle slammed into the passenger side of his car.
The 80-year-old was carrying a 91-year-old man as a passenger, and the man was killed on impact. The 80-year-old was airlifted to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, and the man who allegedly caused the crash was also taken to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening. He also received a citation for disregarding the traffic light.
Seeking compensation for injuries and losses
Since the 55-year-old man apparently disregarded a traffic light and caused the crash, the surviving family of the decedent as well as the injured 80-year-old can pursue wrongful death and personal injury claims, as applicable, against the at-fault driver. Each party will want to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Illinois to get an understanding of their rights and options. A lawyer can help the plaintiffs establish negligence on the part of the other driver and advocate strongly on their behalf to help them obtain the maximum amount of compensation possible.