Easter Weekend Crash Deaths Were the Highest in Over a Year

 Posted on April 25, 2025 in Wrongful Death

Three separate Chicago car crashes in a 24-hour period on Easter weekend, 2025, claimed four lives and injured two more. March 12th-13th, 2024, was the last time this occurred in the city. In two of those accidents, drivers apparently lost control of their vehicles. The third, however, was reportedly caused by a driver running a red light and crashing into two other vehicles. Only one person involved in these crashes did not report an injury.

When a traffic death occurs, eligible survivors may be able to secure compensation through wrongful death and survival actions. However, you need evidence proving that another party’s negligence is what caused the car accident and the resulting fatality. Our skilled Chicago personal injury attorney can investigate the collision, establish liability, and work to maximize your compensation.

What Kinds of Driver Negligence Can Cause Fatal Car Accidents?

In personal injury and wrongful death cases, negligence is careless behavior that can hurt others. Motorists are expected to drive safely to reduce the likelihood of causing accidents. When their negligence causes injury or death, it can serve as grounds to file claims for compensation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, negligent driver errors account for around 94 percent of all motor vehicle accidents. Some of the named critical driver mistakes include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Inadequate surveillance
• Misjudging other drivers’ anticipated actions, distance, and speed
• Illegal maneuvers
• Overcompensation
• Falling asleep at the wheel

These are only a few examples of negligent behaviors that endanger the safety of others on the road. For instance, as one of the Easter weekend accidents highlighted, running a red light can have disastrous consequences.

What Are Wrongful Death and Survival Actions in Illinois?

In Illinois, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file survival and wrongful death actions if someone else’s negligence is the primary cause of death. The beneficiaries are typically those immediate family members who depended on financial support from the fatal victim, such as children and a surviving spouse. These claims can be filed in conjunction with each other, as they address different losses.

Suppose Jack was critically injured in a car accident, living for two weeks afterward in significant pain and distress. His car was totaled, and the medical bills are staggeringly high. After his death, his wife Jill is left with those bills, and she must continue to raise the couple’s two young children alone.

If Jack had lived, he probably could have collected compensation for his losses through a personal injury claim. The right to file that claim passed to his estate, surviving his death.

Jill and the children also suffer various losses because of Jack’s passing. Along with various financial losses, they may also suffer from the loss of companionship and guidance.

Our attorney knows how to place value on the multiple losses you are facing. He will work hard to secure the highest available amount of compensation.

Speak to Our Experienced Cook County, IL Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

Losing a loved one in a tragic accident is never easy. Let our determined Rolling Meadows, IL car accident attorney help you collect the compensation you deserve. Contact Adler Law Offices, LTD online or by calling 312-236-2700 to request your complimentary case review.