LaSalle County, IL (August 28, 2024) – A Sunday morning collision on the Interstate 39 bridge near La Salle resulted in the death of a Streator man, according to officers’ reports released on Monday.

The man has been identified as John S. Smith, 36, of Streator, the La Salle County Coroner’s Office said in a Monday news release. A forensic investigative autopsy was conducted on Monday, the coroner said, with preliminary results indicating that he died from fatal injuries from the initial motor vehicle crash.

However, the total number of injured victims is unknown, and the events leading up to the accident remain under inquiry. While officers requested witnesses to come forward, the incident is under further investigation by the La Salle County Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police, and no additional details were provided in the meantime.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family members of John S. Smith. Our thoughts are extended to any injured victims and their loved ones in hopes of their full recovery.

Deadly Auto Accidents in Illinois

A wrongful death is legally used to denote a casualty resulting from another party’s negligence and occurring in an accident. That said, proving that another party was indeed negligent and caused the accident is a complicated matter that requires the expertise of a Chicago car accident lawyer.

After the death of a loved one or family member, eligible individuals may pursue civil litigation with the assistance of legal counsel to recover damages. Litigation damages may consist of funeral expenses, pain and suffering experienced before the decedent’s passing, bereavement-related losses of companionship, and additional damages. Moreover, penalties may be imposed by the courts in cases involving severe negligence, such as driving while drunk or otherwise intoxicated.

Through each step of your claim, with the assistance of a La Salle-area wrongful death lawyer from Ankin Law, you can hold the negligent party liable for your profound pain and loss. Your attorney will handle every aspect of your case, including negotiating with the insurance company, so you and your family can focus on grieving and moving forward as best you can.

When a loved one’s death is caused by the carelessness or deliberate actions of another individual, it is an unfathomable tragedy. Whether your objective is to obtain justice or seek counsel, our skilled team will provide you with the essential information to understand and effectively maneuver wrongful death laws in Illinois. Do not attempt to handle the aftermath of a fatal accident on your own; you deserve the best possible representation you can get at this devastating time in your life. Please don’t hesitate to contact Ankin Law’s wrongful death attorneys in Chicago for a free consultation at 312-600-0000 immediately.

Note: We use outside sources such as news reports, police reports, social media platforms, and first-hand or eyewitness accounts about accidents that happen throughout the state of Illinois. We have not verified any of the facts surrounding this particular accident. Please contact Ankin Law, LLC, if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will correct it immediately or remove a post if requested.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a solicitation for business. It’s vital to understand that these posts do not offer legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on individual circumstances. For personalized legal guidance, please reach out directly to Ankin Law, LLC. The featured image used in this post was not taken at this accident scene.