University of Illinois Student, News Media Employee Dies in Car Accident

A 21-year-old journalism student at the University of Illinois died in a car crash late Friday night when he collided with another vehicle traveling on Route 47, according to a Daily Illini news report. The victim, Brett Lerner, was a staff member in both print and on-air capacities for the Daily Illini. If you or someone you know was injured in a car crash, contact a knowledgeable Illinois auto accident attorney today to protect your legal rights under the law.

Auto Accident Statistics

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that close to 1,000 people die in car accidents every year. Over the past five years, more than 80,000 people have been injured as a result of road-related accidents. In fact, approximately 10,000 have suffered serious and even life-threatening injuries. Those numbers are alarming — they average nine auto accident-related injuries every day.

Causes of Auto Accidents

Several factors contribute to these car accidents, especially in a populous state like Illinois. It is common for the cause of the auto accident to identify which party is at fault – and, consequently, liable for damages. A non-exhaustive list of the most common causes of auto accidents includes:

• Speeding;
• Reckless driving;
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs;
• Road hazards;
• Vehicle defects;
• Distracted driving.

In order to successfully win a personal injury case related to a car accident, the person filing the suit (known as the plaintiff) must prove the other party’s negligence. It is not uncommon for violations of vehicle codes and statutory law cited in the lawsuit. In most Illinois auto accident cases, however, the plaintiff must establish the defendant committed an act that:

• Failed to exercise the care of a reasonably prudent person;
• Was the actual and legal cause of both the accident;
• caused the injuries suffered.

Generally, a police investigation at the scene of the auto accident will provide an abundance of evidence that will be useful in the lawsuit when seeking compensatory damages. Information gathered by a skilled personal injury attorney can include photographs of the accident, witness testimonies, crash reports, the layout of the accident scene, and perhaps even footage from street cameras.

Auto Accident Attorney in Rockford

No matter what caused your collision, it is important to hire an experienced and aggressive Rockford auto accident attorney to defend your rights under the law. If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident and suffered injuries due to another party’s negligence or recklessness, it is important to contact an attorney immediately to determine the best way to move forward with your case. The legal professionals at Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd. have years of experience providing legal representation to clients across Illinois. To speak with an attorney at our firm, contact (815) 315-9845.