South Beloit, IL (August 25, 2020) – A pedestrian sustained fatal injuries after being struck by a South Beloit police officer on Sunday, August 23, near the intersection of Blackhawk Boulevard (IL-2) and Whittemore Drive.
At around 2:30 a.m. that morning, officer Sawyer Kurth was traveling near the intersection. At the same time, 35-year-old Michael Guzman from Rockford, Illinois was walking along the roadway when he was struck by Kurth’s patrol vehicle. Guzman was transported to Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford, Illinois for the treatment of critical injuries.
More details on the crash will be released as more information becomes available.
No further updates on the crash are currently available. An ongoing investigation into the accident is being managed by the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office.
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michael Guzman at this time.
Deadly Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois
Each year, thousands of pedestrians lose their lives in preventable car accidents across the country, and more than 70,000 pedestrians are injured annually in car crashes. There were 4,930 pedestrian accidents reported across Illinois in 2012. There were 139 pedestrians killed and a total of 4,665 pedestrians sustained injuries in the state that year.
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 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 an Illinois pedestrian 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.
