Victoria Piela Killed In Grayslake Car Accident

Pedestrian Accident - October 1, 2023

18-Year-Old Victoria Piela Died In Grayslake Collision By The Intersection of Washington Street and Atkinson Road —>Scholarship Created Through GoFundMe In Victim’s Honor

Victoria Piela Killed In Grayslake Car Accident

GRAYSLAKE, ILLINOIS (October 1, 2023) – A pedestrian identified as Victoria Piela has tragically died in a Grayslake car accident by Washington Street and Atkinson Road.

Lake County officials are saying that the collision took place around 10:12 a.m. on July 29. Victoria Piela was crossing the intersection when she was hit by a Ford F-350 pickup truck after it collided with a Ford Escape.

Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Despite life-saving measures, Victoria Piela died due to the severe nature of her injuries.

A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time. A scholarship fund has been created in her name. You can donate through GoFundMe.

Liability For Grayslake Pedestrian Accidents

Thousands of pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in pedestrian collisions. According to the IIHS, “Pedestrian motor vehicle crash deaths have increased 80 percent since reaching their low point in 2009 and account for 17 percent of crash fatalities. The rates of pedestrian deaths in motor vehicle crashes per 100,000 people are highest for people ages 20-69.” There are many steps that drivers should take to help prevent pedestrian collisions.

  • Drivers should check their blind spots before making turns.
  • Drivers should slow down during times of heavy pedestrian traffic.
  • Drivers should be particularly cautious in school zones.

Drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. According to Illinois Vehicle Code Sec. 11-601, no person shall operate a motor vehicle at a speed greater than what would be reasonable or safe given the prevailing conditions of the roadway. When a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Many steps should be taken following any pedestrian collision.

  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
  • Medical records should be preserved.
  • Surveillance footage should be sought.
  • A thorough investigation should be conducted.

Depending on the facts of any case, a city of municipal entity could be liable for a pedestrian collision. Cities could be liable for crashes caused by a dangerous condition on public property. For example, foliage may have obscured a stop sign meant to protect pedestrians. The family of any person that died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a civil claim.

Investigating Illinois Pedestrian Collisions

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Victoria Piela. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. It is our sincere hope that city officials will consider measures to help make this intersection safer.

Do you need more information about a Grayslake pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to help in any way that we can. 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 collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.