Plainfield, IL (January 20, 2020) – A woman has been charged after her passenger was killed in a multi-vehicle collision early Sunday morning, January 19th. The accident occurred near Plainfield, Illinois on Interstate-55, near US-30. At around 6:00 a.m., Erin Zilka, 35, of Plainfield was driving a Dodge Durango when she collided with a stopped boxcar on the highway.
An off-duty officer, identified as Chuck Schauer, was killed in the crash. Zilka was later charged with driving under the influence. Zilka, an officer in Joliet, Illinois, was injured in the crash.
No further details are available at this time. An ongoing investigation into the crash is currently in progress.
We would like to extend our condolences to the family of Chuck Schauer at this time.
Illinois Drunk Driving Crashes
We all know of the dangers associated with drunk driving. Unfortunately, many drivers still choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. This results in delayed reaction time, making drivers less able to respond to hazards on the road and avoid serious collisions.
More than 10,000 people were killed in drunk driving collisions in 2016 alone. Twenty-eight percent of all roadway fatalities each year reportedly involves an intoxicated motorist. Surviving family members can consult with an Illinois wrongful death lawyer to discuss legal options.
After the loss of a loved one, family members of the deceased may be eligible to recover lost compensation. Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd. is dedicated to helping families recover after the loss of a dear family member. Contact our offices at 877-930-2551 to see how we can help.
Note: As a result of the secondary sources that were used to complete this post, the information included within has not been independently verified by our own staff and may include misinformation. If you read something that, to your knowledge, is incorrect, please contact us as soon as possible and we will correct the inaccuracy.
Disclaimer: As members of the local Chicago and broader Illinois community, we hope everyone in our community is safe and protected. We cover the events included in this blog as a way to offer support to the victims in similar circumstances and to provide relief during these difficult times. This is not a solicitation for business, and this information should not be misconstrued as medical or legal advice. You should speak with a trained legal professional for more information regarding your situation.
