Beach Park Man Charged After Hitting Pedestrian on Edens Expressway, Fleeing Scene

On Sunday, troopers received a report of multiple crashes on I-94 near Church Street in Skokie at 4:47 a.m. Officials said one of the occupants in one of the vehicles involved in a crash had exited their car and was struck by the suspect's vehicle. The suspect vehicle then fled the scene of the crash. The victim was transported to an area hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. Special Agents with the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation conducted a swift and thorough investigation. Damian Lopez, 30, of Beach Park, was identified as the driver of the suspect vehicle and was taken into custody on Feb. 2. Lopez has been charged with a Class 2 felony charge of Failure to Report a Personal Injury Crash and a Class 4 felony count of Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Crash by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Illinois State Police officials said.

Safety tips

Staying safe on the road is crucial. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

• Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers are properly restrained.
• Avoid distractions like cell phones, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving.
• Obey all traffic signals and signs, and be aware of your surroundings.
• Slow down and exercise extra caution in inclement weather or poor visibility conditions.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• If you encounter a disabled vehicle or pedestrian on the roadway, slow down and move over safely.
• Keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Be prepared to react quickly to unexpected situations on the road.

Illinois statute of limitations

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the incident. Deadlines can vary by situation. This is general information, not legal advice. It is important to take timely action, as waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.

About Salvi & Maher

Salvi & Maher is a personal injury law firm with offices in Libertyville, Waukegan, Richmond, and Chicago. The firm's experienced attorneys have a proven track record of securing fair compensation for clients who have been injured due to the negligence of others. If you or a loved one were affected by this incident, request a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.

Protecting your rights after an injury

Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims quickly and for less than victims may be entitled to. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one were affected by this incident, contact Salvi & Maher to learn more about your legal options.