Personal Injury Law

Estate of Woman Killed in Illinois Pedestrian Accident on Highway 31 Sues for Wrongful Death

The estate of a Kane County woman who died in an Illinois pedestrian accident on Highway 31 on August 25 is suing an Elgin pickup driver for her wrongful death. Diane Bonitzer, a nurse from West Dundee, was 66.

According to the wrongful death lawsuit, Bonitzer was crossing the road at around 10 am when she struck by a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 31-year-old Francisco Rodriguez. Bonitzer sustained serious skull and traumatic brain injuries and died an hour after the Kane County pedestrian accident.

The complaint accuses Rodriguez of failing to pay attention, honk the horn, and drive safely. According to police reports, Rodriguez told them he did not see the 66-year-old pedestrian until after he turned onto the roadway. They cited him for failing to exercise due care and yield to a pedestrian. Rodriguez also paid a $300 fine. However, no criminal charges were filed against him.

Illinois Pedestrian Accident Cases
Even if the driver that struck you was not charged in criminal court, you still may be able to hold them accountable in civil court by suing them for Illinois personal injury compensation. If you win your case, the negligent driver will likely be ordered to pay damages for the harm that you have suffered, as well as your medical and recovery costs.

Getting hit by a car can prove catastrophic for the pedestrian, who may have sustained traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, organ damage, permanent disfigurement, and other serious injuries.

Common Causes of Chicago Pedestrian Accidents Caused by Negligent Motorists:

? Drunk driving
? Speeding
? Text messaging
? Talking on a cell phone
? Driver inexperience
? Poorly designed roads
? Auto defects
? Failure to obey traffic signs and traffic lights

Elgin driver who struck, killed West Dundee woman is sued, Chicago Tribune, January 8, 2010

Lawsuit filed in West Dundee pedestrian death, Illinois Daily Herald, January 6, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Pedestrians, NHTSA

CyberDriveIllinois

Full post as published by Chicago Injury Attorney Blog on January 18, 2010 (boomark / email).