Sauget, IL (July 25, 2020) – A cyclist was killed following a fatal hit-and-run accident in Sauget. The crash occurred on Wednesday evening, July 22. Local sources revealed that the site of the crash was located at the intersection of Falling Springs road and Monsanto Avenue. At around 10:30 p.m., the cyclist was struck by a motor vehicle. The driver proceeded to flee the scene of the crash.
The cyclist suffered fatal injuries in the accident. The deceased party was later identified as 59-year-old Thomas Williams Jr. of East St. Louis, Illinois. Williams was reportedly riding his bike northbound on Falling Springs Road when he was struck near Monsanto Avenue. According to witnesses at the scene, the vehicle stopped for a moment before taking off and leaving the scene of the crash.
At this time, local law enforcement officials are seeking information on the identity of the driver and the type of vehicle involved in the crash. Authorities are currently interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from the scene of the accident. The investigation is currently in progress, and more details will be released as it continues.
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Thomas Williams Jr. at this time.
Deadly Hit-&-Run Crashes in Illinois
Statistics show that more than one hit-and-run collision takes place every minute in the United States. Fatal hit-and-runs have reached an all-time high in recent years, with 2,049 hit-and-run fatalities reported in 2016. That is the highest recorded figure since the hit-and-run statistics were first gathered in the 1970s. Since 2006, an average of 682,000 hit-and-run crashes happens each year. Of those killed in hit-and-runs, 65% are pedestrians or cyclists. Since 2009, hit-and-run fatalities have increased by 7.2% each year on average.
A wrongful death lawsuit can be brought by a family member when a loved one has died due to the negligent behavior of another person. There are many potential situations that may warrant a wrongful death suit in Illinois, including a car accident, medical malpractice, or even nursing home negligence. Illinois state law allows a victim’s family or estate to recover compensation in the event of a wrongful death in order to recover from damages resulting from the loss of a loved one.
If you believe that your loved one’s death may have been caused by another person’s negligence, you need to consult with an experienced Illinois wrongful death attorney. Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd. will make sure that your interests and legal rights are protected through every step of the legal process, and our years of experience means we can help you construct a strong case. Contact our offices today at 877-930-2551 if you’ve lost a loved one in a deadly Illinois bicycle accident.
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. The photographs depicted in these posts are not representative of the actual accident scene.