Drunk Driver Crashes Head-On Into Work Truck in Gurnee

A woman allegedly drove drunk, went the wrong way on Washington Street in Gurnee and crashed her Tesla head-on into a work truck, injuring herself and her passenger, Saturday evening. The Lake County Sheriff's Office and Gurnee Fire Department responded around 10:45 p.m. to Washington Street east of Route 45 in unincorporated Gurnee for a two-vehicle crash with injuries. Deputies and firefighter/paramedics arrived to find a Tesla Model 3 and a Ford F-350 that had crashed into each other head-on. The Ford was a landscaping work truck with a snowplow attached. A preliminary investigation shows the driver of the Tesla – Phyllichia D. Hill, 41, of Kenosha, Wisconsin – was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Washington Street. The driver of the Ford was traveling eastbound in the correct lanes of traffic. As the Tesla approached, the Ford attempted to avoid hitting it, but both vehicles crashed head-on. The Tesla sustained damage to its front, while the snowplow attached to the Ford appeared to take the brunt of the impact. The driver of the Ford did not require transport to the hospital, but Hill and her passenger were transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with non-life-threatening injuries.

Safety tips

Driving under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous and puts everyone on the road at risk. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Never drive after consuming any amount of alcohol.
• Designate a sober driver or use public transportation, a ride-sharing service, or a taxi.
• Avoid driving late at night when impaired drivers are more likely to be on the roads.
• Be alert for signs of impaired driving, such as weaving between lanes or driving the wrong way.
• If you see a suspected drunk driver, safely pull over and call 911 to report it.
• Wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers are also properly restrained.
• Obey all traffic laws and signals, and drive defensively.
• Avoid distractions like texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio while driving.

Dram Shop Liability in Illinois

Illinois law recognizes dram shop liability, which allows injured parties to also seek compensation from businesses that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual who later caused a motor vehicle crash. While these cases depend on specific facts, dram shop claims may play an important role in serious DUI or DWI injury cases.

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 for your injuries and other damages.

About Salvi & Maher

Salvi & Maher is a personal injury law firm with offices in Libertyville, Waukegan, Richmond, and Chicago. Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of helping clients recover the compensation they deserve after being injured in accidents caused by the negligence of others. 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.