Illinois DUI driver kills teenage skateboarder

Illinois DUI driver kills teenage skateboarder

According to police, a 21-year-old man driving a pickup truck struck a 17-year-old male on a skateboard around 9 p.m. on Sept. 9 in McHenry. The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

The driver of the pickup was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol. It was not stated whether any other factors may have contributed to the crash. Authorities were continuing their investigation of the accident at the time of the report.

The driver is facing charges of misdemeanor DUI, misdemeanor DUI over .081 and aggravated DUI. In Illinois, aggravated DUI is a Class 4 felony. This charge results when a DUI crash causes permanent disfigurement or great bodily harm.

The family of the deceased victim may decide to consult with a personal injury attorney to help put together a wrongful death claim for damages associated with the loss of a loved one. In Illinois, this may include pecuniary damages resulting from the death in addition to damages for the mental suffering, grief and sorrow of the survivors. State law does not allow for the award of punitive damages. In wrongful death cases, a lawyer may review the evidence, accident reports and witness statements to help the plaintiff prepare a claim. If a mutually agreeable settlement cannot be reached without a trial, the lawyer may represent the family in court.

Illinois State Police, “DUI Information for Adults,” accessed on Sept. 16, 2014

Illinois General Assembly, Wrongful Death Act, accessed on Sept. 16, 2014

Source: abc 7, “Justin Raven charged with DUI in McHenry fatal crash“, September 10, 2014