One person has been killed in Shelby County, Illinois following a wrong-way car accident, according to the Illinois State Police.
Crash After Vehicle “Overcorrected”
On the early morning of July 15, 2019, at approximately 4:53 a.m., a 50-year-old Indiana man was traveling westbound in his Chevrolet truck on Illinois 16 at County Road 1995 East. Based on preliminary findings, the Illinois State Police determined that the truck ran off the right side of the road. The driver then reportedly “overcorrected,” causing the Chevrolet to slide across the median and into the eastbound lanes, directly in the path of a Shelbyville man heading eastbound in a GMC. The Shelbyville man then struck the passenger side of the Chevrolet.
According to authorities, the GMC’s driver died at the scene of the wrong-way car accident, while the Chevrolet’s driver was taken to an area hospital. The Illinois State Police issued him multiple citations, including improper lane usage, failure to reduce his speed to avoid an accident, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, driving with a suspended license, improper use of registration, having no valid registration, and failure to wear a properly adjusted seatbelt.
Wrong-Way Car Accident Fatalities Higher Than Average
Wrong-way car accidents, in which one vehicle is driving against the direction of traffic, are relatively rare. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, such accidents account for approximately three percent of collisions. While a wrong-way car accident may not be as common, however, it can be especially deadly compared to other types of fatal crashes.
An estimated 355 people are killed each year in accidents caused by drivers headed in the wrong direction on the highway. There are an average of 1.34 fatalities per deadly wrong-way car accident, compared to 1.10 deaths for all other types of fatal crashes – a nearly 22 percent increase in the rate of death.
Let an Illinois Car Accident Attorney Help You
Even in incidents that do not result in a fatality, a driver or a passenger can still suffer serious, financially devastating injuries in any car accident. To help make sure that you are properly compensated for your losses, consider seeking out the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney, such as the Illinois car accident attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers.
With over $2 billion recovered for our clients and more than four decades in the business, GWC has the experience, the determination, the resources, and the reputation of success you need to help get you and your family the justice you deserve.
If you have been injured because of somebody else’s negligence, in a wrong-way car accident or in some other way, please contact GWC today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys. Call our office at (312) 464-1234 or click here to chat with a representative at any time.
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