There are many reasons that people try to steal a vehicle even though it is against the law. Perhaps they just want to go on a “joyride.” Or maybe after drinking alcohol or consuming drugs, they think that auto theft is a good idea in their impaired state. Or they could already be on the run from committing another criminal act and need to get away. Whatever the reason, these car thieves tend to forget that any Illinois auto accidents they cause while driving the stolen car may carry numerous additional consequences.
One fatal accident in Kane County was caused by a woman who was placed under arrest for auto theft. On Saturday evening, a 30-year old Wisconsin woman reportedly stole a 2003 Nissan Altima in Wheaton. Police tried to apprehend her but gave up the chase when the suspect began driving at very high speeds. She allegedly then fled Wheaton along Illinois Highway 38 and was driving through Campton Hills when she slammed head-on into a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am on the western edge of the town. She then rear-ended another vehicle and pushed it into another car, which resulted in injuries to two people. But both the Wisconsin woman and the 18-year old man from Maple Park who was driving the Grand Am were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities estimate that the Altima may have been traveling at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour prior to the head-on collision.
If the surviving family members of the teen driver want to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the estate of the 30-year old woman, the suit would be filed in Kane County where the auto accident took place. That would also be the case with any personal injury lawsuits that were to be filed by the other victims of the multi-vehicle crash.