Another fatal auto crash has saddened many in the Champaign community.
A deadly crash allegedly unfolded just before 2 a.m. on Sunday, January 19th, near the intersection of West University Avenue and North Coler Avenue in Urbana.
Officers said the five victims were stopped at a red light in the eastbound lanes when the driver in a Mitsubishi Outlander SUV allegedly rear-ended them at a dangerously high rate of speed. Emergency responders from the Urbana Fire Department were called to the scene to extricate the passengers and administer life-saving measures. One of the victims, a junior at Ohio University, was visiting friends at the University of Illinois for the weekend.
The crash ended the lives of a 21-year-old woman from Deerfield and a 20-year-old woman from Glenview. The three other passengers in the Honda Civic were injured at the scene.
The SUV driver fled the scene on foot after causing the fatal collision. The driver was arrested in Texas a few days later in connection with the Champaign County deadly hit-and-run, allegedly providing authorities with a fake name after he was tracked down. The U.S. Marshals Service located him in Milford, TX, about an hour south of Dallas, riding an El Expreso bus destined for Matamoros, Mexico.
The charges against the SUV driver include two counts of reckless homicide, two counts of leaving the scene of a fatal crash, and one count of aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death.
Common Injuries Caused By Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision generally involves two cars but, in some cases, can cause a chain reaction of multiple vehicles and victims. While most rear-end crashes occur at low speeds, high-speed rear-end collisions can just as likely happen on highways, interstates, and other high-speed roads.
Rear-end crashes often involve property damage in addition to injuries. The level of property damage and severity of injuries depends on several factors, including speed. Injuries from rear-end collisions greatly vary depending on its severity, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Fractures
- Fatalities
Even if your rear-end crash feels like a minor collision, it’s a good idea to reach out to a personal injury lawyer near you.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
This heartbreaking incident serves as a somber reminder of the severe consequences rear-end auto crashes can cause. Car crashes happen on roads all across the country every day. Most rear-end collisions occur due to driver error and are preventable.
Rear-end collisions here are often caused by the following:
- Speeding: The faster the car is traveling upon impact, the more serious the collision is likely to be. Speeding can endanger the lives of others on the road and affect a driver’s ability to react promptly and maintain control of their vehicle.
- Tailgating or reckless driving: Tailgating is a form of reckless driving, but reckless driving can include anything from distracted driving to road rage. Tailgating occurs when one vehicle is following another too closely. By not keeping a safe distance, you’re limiting the amount of time you have to react to the car ahead breaking, often resulting in a rear-end collision.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Driving under the influence is illegal anywhere in the U.S. Alcohol can interfere with your judgment and reaction time, with even a drink or two making a difference in your ability to be a competent driver. Drug-impaired driving is equally as dangerous. It can slow drivers’ reaction times, cause aggressive and reckless behavior, and impair memory and thinking skills, depending on the drug. Any of these behaviors, whether caused by drugs or alcohol, can put you in danger of causing a rear-end collision and committing a criminal offense.
- Stopping suddenly: Sudden stopping in traffic reduces your reaction time and can potentially cause a rear-end collision. Maintaining a safe distance between you and the car in front of you is best to minimize your risk of crashing.
- Drowsy or fatigued driving: Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. Being sleepy or tired behind the wheel can slow your reaction time and impair your ability to focus on the road.
- Improper lane changes: Improper lane changes can include changing lanes without using a signal to alert traffic of your move or changing lanes before you have enough space to merge. This can lead to the driver in front (who improperly changed lanes) causing the vehicle in their blind spot to hit them from behind.
- Broken or malfunctioning brake or taillights: Brake light failures take away your vehicle’s ability to alert fellow drivers that you are stopping. It’s essential to stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance and promptly replace brake lights if they go out.
- Heavy stop-and-go traffic: Traffic often involves vehicles traveling closely together at varying speeds. When traffic feels more like a parking lot, it’s natural to stop close to the car in front of you, but that reduces your reaction time for stopping.
- Poor weather conditions/low visibility: Low visibility can result in not seeing the vehicle in front of you until it’s too late. In these conditions, always travel with caution to reduce your risk of collision.
This Champaign County collision is just one of many incidents that underscores the importance of responsible driving, adhering to traffic laws, and maintaining vigilance on the road. For the families who have lost a loved one in a preventable tragedy, it causes lifelong pain and suffering. Our injury lawyers understand the critical importance of the need for justice for the victims and their families.
Why Choose Spiros Law After Your Collision?
At Spiros Law, we’re here to help you navigate the complicated legal process of your personal injury claim. Throughout Illinois, our experienced personal injury attorneys help victims understand their rights and options. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents can take on car crash victims and their families.
A skilled lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the victim. If necessary, they can also represent the injured parties in court to ensure the victim and their families receive fair compensation, including medical bills (immediate and long-term) and pain and suffering.
Our attorneys have a proven track record of success in auto collision cases. Our legal team offers skilled negotiation and litigation strategies with compassionate and client-focused representation. Your first consultation is free with Spiros Law, P.C. If you believe you have a personal injury claim in Illinois, call or visit one of our offices in Kankakee, Champaign, or Danville, to get your free consultation and see how a Spiros Law attorney may be able to help.
Where you can find us:
Champaign Office
317 E University Ave
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 328-2828
Danville Office
2807 N Vermilion St #3
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 443-4343
Kankakee Office
1230 W Court St
Kankakee, IL 60901
(815) 929-9292
