A Chicago man was charged with DUI after a Monday night car accident that left one dead. Tommie Taylor, a 24 year old resident of the 3600 block of South Lake Park Avenue, was charged with aggravated DUI, driving without a valid driver’s license, and driving without insurance according to Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Michelle Tufenkjian. The Illinois car accident occurred in the northbound lanes of the Dan Ryan Expressway at the 79th Street exit around 10:40 p.m. last Monday night. According to reports Taylor, who was already driving on a suspended license from a previous DUI conviction, lost control of his Cadillac sedan and sideswiped a Ford Crown Victoria. The Crown Victoria then struck a barrier wall partially ejecting the driver of the vehicle. The Cadillac driven by Taylor came to a stop in the far right lane.
The driver of the Crown Victoria, 30 year old Justin Hopkins of the 300 block of West 68th Street, was killed as a result of the Chicago car accident. Hopkins was pronounced dead at 11:20 p.m. at Stroger Hospital. Neither Taylor nor the two passengers in his vehicle suffered injuries as a result of the car accident. Taylor’s blood alcohol level has not been released as the car accident remains under investigation.
Expressway drunk driver car accidents often result in serious injuries or even death. Liability for drunk driver car accidents can often extend beyond the intoxicated motorist involved in the crash. If you have been injured as the result of a car accident, you should retain a Chicago personal injury lawyer to investigate the accident and protect your rights. The Klest Law Firm zealously represents victims of Chicago car accidents. Contact Joseph G. Klest to schedule a free initial consultation if you have suffered a personal injury in an Illinois drunk driving accident.