Orlando Rivas Died in Car Accident By Buffalo Grove High School

Pedestrian Accident - April 27, 2026

Orlando Rivas, 52, Security Guard, Died Protecting Students From Car Accident Outside Buffalo Grove High School

BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS (April 27, 2026) – A high school security guard identified as Orlando Rivas has tragically died in a car accident just outside of Buffalo Grove High School.

Buffalo Grove officials are saying that the accident took place at around 3:20 p.m. on Tuesday during school dismissal. Orlando Rivas was attempting to shield children after a car crash as a vehicle turned onto Dundee Road from the parking lot.

He was struck by a pole that fell. Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Orlando Rivas was rushed to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital with critical injuries.

Despite surgery and other advanced care, he died from his injuries on Friday. You can help support the family of the victim through GoFundMe.

According to the online fundraiser, “He and his family, who he loved more than anything, need all our support and love right now. Orlando is a hero, not just this past Tuesday, but everyday of his life. The family is grateful for any support you are able to provide as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.”

Liability For Buffalo Grove Car Accidents

Every driver in Illinois has a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid hitting other vehicles and pedestrians. They must be particularly cautious when making any turns. According to 625 ILCS 5/11-902, “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard, but said driver, having so yielded may proceed at such time as a safe interval occurs.” There are many other factors that could contribute to any car accident.

Distracted Driving: A large portion of car accidents involve drivers who are distracted.
Inclement Weather: Poor weather conditions are another major cause of car accidents. Inclement weather can reduce the time it takes for a vehicle to come to a complete stop. It can also lower visibility overall.
Vehicle System Failures: When vehicles are not properly maintained, this could lead to major failures of key systems that could easily contribute to an accident.
Speeding: Drivers are substantially more likely to be involved in a collision if they are speeding.

When a worker is injured or killed in Illinois, they or their surviving family members will typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to help injured workers. Injured workers may also have recourse through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to a crash. Sources of third-party liability could include negligent drivers that caused a car accident.

Steps to Take After Buffalo Grove Car Accidents

Car accidents remain a leading cause of preventable injury and death for workers in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, “Injuries resulting from roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicles is the leading cause of work-related deaths. In 2024, 1,146 workers died and in 2023-2024, 76,560 DART cases (including 59,560 DAFW cases) were reported.” Several steps should be taken after any car accident.

All medical records related to the incident should be sought.
Photos of the accident site should be taken.
Any person who may have witnessed the collision should be interviewed.
The family of any person who died should see an independent review by a team experienced in accident reconstruction.

Accidents are often highly complex events. The factors that contribute to any crash may take place days before the actual event. There could also be several liable parties. This includes one or more drivers. It may also include a property owner if a dangerous condition somehow contributed to an accident. The family of any person who died in a car accident is protected by a number of laws. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating Buffalo Grove Car Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Orlando Rivas. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.

Do you need more information about a Buffalo Grove car accident? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.