Sylwia Jarosz Killed In Arlington Heights Car Accident By Lake Cook Road and Wilke Road
Wrongful Death - October 2, 2022
Sylwia Jarosz (Full Name: Sylwia Wagner Jarosz) Killed In Arlington Heights Bicycle Accident With Pickup Truck Near The Intersection of Lake Cook Road and Wilke Road
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS (October 2, 2022) – A bicyclist identified as Sylwia Jarosz died in an Arlington Heights car accident by Lake Cook Road and Wilke Road.
Cook County police officials are saying that the accident took place around 7:20 a.m. on Thursday. A Chevrolet Equinox was making a left turn when it collided with a Ford F550 truck pulling a trailer.
The force of the impact caused the Ford truck onto a curb where it struck Sylwia Wagner Jarosz who was waiting to cross the road on a bicycle. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
The bicyclist was taken to Lutheran General Hospital in order to receive treatment. Sadly, Sylwia Jarosz died as a result of her injuries. Two people in the Ford truck were also injured in the crash.
A full investigation into the deadly bicycle accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Arlington Heights Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Bicycle trips make up only 1% of all trips in the United States. However, bicyclists account for over 2% of people who die in a crash involving a motor vehicle on our nation’s roads.” Children and elderly cyclists tend to be at the greatest risk of being involved in collisions. There are many steps that drivers can take in order to avoid hitting bicyclists.
- All drivers should maintain at least three feet of separation from bicyclists in bicycle lanes.
- All drivers should check their blind spots before making turns in the roadway.
- All drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for potential hazards.
Many car accidents are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Left turns can be so hazardous that many companies like UPS actively work to eliminate as many as possible from their routes. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-902), any person intending to turn left must first yield the right of way to any vehicle traveling from the opposite direction that is close enough so as to pose a hazard. If a driver makes a dangerous left turn in front of another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a collision could extend beyond any driver. If the driver of a vehicle was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any bicycle accident.
- Most intersections are covered by traffic cameras. The surveillance footage of an accident should be reviewed.
- All medical records after a bicycle accident should be examined.
- Eye witnesses of a collision should all be interviewed.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
Determining liability for any accident can be very difficult. Ultimately, though, there are four elements that must be demonstrated in any negligence claim. The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care. That duty of care was breached. The breach was the proximate cause of plaintiff’s injuries. The plaintiff sustained damages.
Investigating An Arlington Heights Bicycle Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Sylwia Jarosz. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that city officials will examine this intersection and consider measures to help make it safer for everyone.
Do you need more information about an Arlington Heights car accident? Our team of bicycle safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. 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 a free, independent investigation into an accident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
