It has been tragic couple of weeks in Southern Illinois for young drivers. Three young woman have lost their lives on Illinois highways in December.
Mount Vernon, IL
Tragically, a 22 year-old woman of Dix, Illinois was killed in a crash on Highway 15 West of Mount Vernon according to WSIL-TV. The young woman coached the cheerleading team at Woodlawn Grade School.
She was a passenger in a westbound Ford Escape hit by an eastbound Toyota Sienna that crossed the center line near Drivers Lane around 2 p.m. on December 14, 2014. Several other people in the two vehicles were injured.
One passenger was flown to by helicopter to a St. Louis hospital. A Herrin woman, also a passenger in the Toyota minivan was flown to a St. Louis hospital and a young boy from that same vehicle was taken to a nearby hospital. In addition, the driver of the minivan was also injured.
According to Jefferson County Sheriff Travis Allen, investigators were still investigating the crash and the cause was not clear, but he did not believe alcohol had played a role and said it may have been a mechanical issue. As well, the pavement was dry on the day of the crash.
Belleville, IL
Earlier in the week, Friday, December 12, 2014, another young woman lost her life. A 27 year-old Belleville, Illinois woman died after her 2005 Pontiac veered off Illinois 15 and struck a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene and investigators are continuing to investigate the crash.
Peoria, Illinois
A 17 year-old girl of Sparland, Illinois died following a crash on Saturday night, December 20, 2104. The accident occurred shortly after 8:00 p.m. and the 17 year old was pronounced dead at the scene and six other teenagers were taken to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. According to Peoria police, the group of seven teenagers headed down a hill near Galena Road when their SUV, a Chevy Suburban flipped over. Police investigated the crash and an autopsy was scheduled.
Mechanical Issues in a Car Crash?
The Jefferson County Sheriff indicated the wreck involving the 22 year old Dix, Illinois woman may have been caused by a mechanical issue. In that regard, there are many mechanical problems that can contribute or cause a motor vehicle accident including any type of malfunctioning part of the vehicle including tires. Officials, experts and family will want to save the vehicles in a safe storage for evidence if in fact, there was a mechanical problem with either of the vehicles. Generally, when we think of a car being “totaled out”, we don’t care what happens to it and we really don’t care if it is destroyed or not. However, if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a vehicle crash with a mechanical failure that may or may not have caused or contributed to the cause of the crash, YOU DEFEINITELY WANT TO SAVE THE VEHICLE.
What is a product liability case?
In Illinois, a product liability action is defined as “a civil action brought on any theory against a manufacturer or product seller for harm caused by a product”. A defective products claim could be based on anything from faulty tires that caused a car accident to any other type of malfunctioning car part. The critical component is to save the car (or the product)
What kind of legal representation do I need after a car crash?
If you are in a motor vehicle crash and were hurt or have loved ones hurt, you may not be sure just how the insurance is going to work for property damage but even more importantly, how will the insurance work for your bodily injury? An expert personal injury attorney can advise you on options you may have. Typically, if you have been in a serious motor vehicle accident, your medical bills may be staggering. Even if you have health insurance, the deductible and co-pays can be very costly if you are seriously injured. If you did not cause the crash, then you may need to consult an attorney about representing your best interest. When there are two vehicles in a crash and multiple people are injured, the liability and insurance can get complicated. Contacting and trying to negotiate with an insurance company when you are injured or having a family member do it on your behalf is really rough right after a crash. The only thing that you can or should be thinking about is how to put your life back together and how to actually get better. Talking to insurance companies and adjusters is stressful.
At The Cagle Law Firm, we communicate with insurance companies daily. The entire reason you get an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney or product liability attorney is so you can hand off the negotiations to a professional. We work to earn your trust by taking care of your legal needs and keeping you informed of events. You have to remember, it is Your case, so where it goes is your choice. Our attorneys work to get you the best fair options. Our attorneys advise you on your options, make recommendations but ultimately, the case is yours.
We are available seven days a week for free consultations. Call locally (314) 276-1681 or toll free (800) 685-3302
