Toyota Prius Driver Killed in Cook County Crash on Illinois Route 53
Truck Accident - March 16, 2025
Investigation Underway After Pickup Truck Involved in Fatal Collision on Illinois Route 53 in Cook County
COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS (March 16, 2025) – The driver of a Toyota Prius has tragically died after being involved in a Cook County collision with a Dodge Ram on Illinois Route 53.
Cook County officials are saying that the incident took place around 12:22 AM on Saturday. A Toyota Prius was stopped in the left lane of the road when it was rear-ended by a Dodge Ram pickup truck.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, the driver of the Toyota Prius died due to the severe nature of their injuries.
A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Cook County Car Accidents
Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death in the United States. A large portion of these collisions involve drivers that rear-end other vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Rear-end crashes are the most frequently occurring type of collision, accounting for approximately 29 percent of all crashes and resulting in a substantial number of injuries and fatalities each year. Rear-end collisions in which the lead vehicle is stopped or moving very slowly prior to the crash account for the majority of these crashes.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to a rear-end collision.
- Rear-end collisions are more likely when drivers are traveling at higher speeds.
- Rear-end collisions are more likely if drivers are distracted.
- Rear-end collisions are more likely if the treads on a tire are worn out.
- Rear-end collisions are more likely if drivers are intoxicated.
Drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid collisions. They must operate their vehicle at a safe speed and follow distance at all times. When a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. There is a rebuttable presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that fails to slow down and hits a vehicle in their own lane. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Medical records related to the incident should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
Rear-end collisions are nearly always preventable. They tend to involve drivers that are distracted, speeding, or following the lead vehicle too closely. Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a car accident could extend beyond any driver. If the at-fault driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could potentially be held liable. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the wrongful actions of their employees. The family of any person who died in a car accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Cook County Car Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the Toyota Prius driver killed in this collision. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police.
Do you need more information about a Cook County car accident? Our team of roadway safety advocates 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 a free independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
