Charges filed in Illinois motorcyclist’s death

Nov 30 2018      On Behalf of  David M. Duree & Associates, P.C.      Personal Injury

An Edwardsville, Illinois, man has been charged in the death of a motorcyclist.

The 35-year-old woman was driving her motorcycle on July 12 at about 8:30 in the evening when she was hit by a 2004 Buick Rainier. She was wearing a helmet but passed away a few hours later from her injuries.

The driver of the Buick, 50, was not injured. He was charged in November with reckless homicide, the illegal use of an electronic device, aggravated driving while having a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more that resulted in a death and, finally, aggravated DUI that resulted in a death, according to law enforcement.

Sheriff’s deputies said the man was using his cell phone when the accident occurred.

The victim was the widowed parent of a 12-year-boy. His father was killed in an accident when the boy was 5.

The Buick driver underwent toxicological testing at the time of the accident. When the results came back and the investigation by the Metro East Crash Assistance Team was complete, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office decided to file charges.

The man turned himself in and was held in the Madison County Jail with bail set at $100,000.

The woman’s son now has lost both parents to accidents, and he has lost his source of financial and emotional support. The family members or friends who take over his care will need assistance in raising him. An Illinois attorney who works with personal injury and wrongful death cases could help the boy’s guardians see to it that both his daily needs and future educational needs are met through legal action.