Two Hospitalized After Crash at Johnsburg Food Pantry

Two people, including a pregnant woman, were transported to the hospital after an elderly driver crashed into a pedestrian and struck another car in a food pantry drive-thru line in Johnsburg Tuesday morning. The McHenry Township Fire Protection District and Johnsburg Police Department responded around 11:03 a.m. to the FISH of McHenry Food Pantry, located at 3515 North Richmond Road in Johnsburg, for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries. An initial report indicated a male victim was pinned between two cars after a driver accidentally struck him. McHenry Township Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Chris Kozel said the initial call was "hectic" but it did not turn out to be as serious as originally believed. An adult male was walking between cars in the food drive line, which is usually 20-30 cars deep, when he was struck by a vehicle. The vehicle, driven by an elderly female, was believed to have accidentally hit the man and then struck another car in a rear-end crash. The victim was transported by ambulance to Northwestern Medicine Hospital in McHenry with non-life-threatening injuries. A medical helicopter was not required, but two ambulances were dispatched to the scene. A pregnant woman in the car that was struck was also transported by ambulance to a local hospital for precautionary reasons. The female driver at fault was uninjured, and it is unknown whether police cited her, though Kozel called the incident a "mishap" and said he did not know what exactly led to the crash.

Safety tips

When navigating a crowded drive-thru or parking lot, it's important to stay alert and drive slowly. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Scan the area for pedestrians and other vehicles before proceeding
• Use turn signals to indicate your intentions
• Avoid distractions like cell phones or adjusting the radio
• Be extra cautious in inclement weather or low-visibility conditions
• Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the drive-thru or parking lot
• Park in designated spaces, not along the drive-thru lane
• Follow all posted signs and directions from staff or volunteers
• Stay calm and patient, even if the line is long

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. Timely action is important, as waiting too long to file a claim can result in the case being dismissed.

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

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 securing fair compensation for clients who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Request a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your rights.

Protecting your rights after an injury

Insurance companies often try 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.