Katrina Jackson was killed when the driver of the Ford Escort (in which she was a passenger in) lost control of the vehicle, went off the right embankment and slammed into a light pole, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Ms. Jackson, the driver and another passenger reportedly were wearing their seat belts at the time.
This is one case that would challenge even the most-seasoned Chicago DUI lawyer.
The driver and a 9-year-old passenger were not named in the article. Both suffered "non-life threatening" injuries and the driver was charged with a DUI; although her blood-alcohol level at the time of the accident was not reported.
Illinois State Police District Chicago Master Sgt. Joe Stangl told reporters that the driver lost control of the car "for unknown reasons" and hit the light pole. The light pole broke at its base and fell on top of the girl. She was ejected from the car upon impact.
It also was reported that another allegedly intoxicated motorist was arrested for attempting to pass the accident scene, a violation of Scott's Law. Also known as the "Move Over" law, Scott's Law enhances the penalties of drivers who failed to yield to emergency vehicles (PDF).
No other vehicles were involved in the fatal DUI accident, according to the Sun-Times. Photographs of the crushed vehicle can be viewed on the web site of ABC Chicago.
Sgt. Stangl told reporters that there is a possibility that the driver's charges could be upgraded, given the fatality and the fact that a 9-year-old girl was among the passengers.
Illinois law states that a DUI committed "while transporting a child under age 16" carries a possible prison sentence of up to six months, a minimum fine of $1,000 and 25 days of community service in a program benefiting children, according to the 2010 Illinois DUI Fact Book (PDF).
Related Resources:
-
Felony Drunk Driving (FindLaw)
-
What Could Be Worse Than Drunk Driving? (FindLaw KnowledgeBase)
-
Illinois DUI Attorney Directory (FindLaw)
ShareThis
