Ford Focus struck by Chevrolet Suburban that lost control on ice while changing lanes
November 09, 2025 | Gurnee, IL
A 29-year-old woman from Evanston lost her life in a two-vehicle crash late Sunday night in Gurnee, authorities reported.
The collision occurred on the Grand Avenue bridge over Interstate 94 and involved icy road conditions that led to a loss of control.
Bria Allen, 29, of Evanston, died when her Ford Focus was hit head-on by a Chevrolet Suburban on Grand Avenue over Interstate 94 in Gurnee.
What Happened in the Crash?
Bria Allen was driving a Ford Focus eastbound on Grand Avenue just before 9 p.m. on November 9, when a westbound Chevrolet Suburban hit a patch of ice during a lane change. The Suburban veered across the center median into the eastbound lanes and struck the Focus head-on, pushing it off the road into a ditch.
- Victim: Bria Allen, 29, of Evanston
- Location: Grand Avenue over Interstate 94, Gurnee, Illinois
- Date and Time: November 9, 2025, just before 9 p.m.
- Vehicles Involved: 2023 Chevrolet Suburban, westbound and Ford Focus, eastbound
- Injured Passengers in Ford Focus:
- 29-year-old woman from Waukegan
- 5-year-old child
- 8-month-old child
- Injuries: All three passengers hospitalized with unspecified injuries
Why Do Head-On Crashes Occur?
Head-on collisions often stem from driver error or hazardous road conditions. Common factors include:
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Poor road design
- Inexperienced drivers
- Driver confusion
The Major Crash Assistance Team continues to investigate this incident.
Head-On Crash Statistics
Year |
Total U.S. Motor Vehicle Deaths |
Source |
|---|
2023 |
40,901 |
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) |
Head-on crashes rank among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents.
Legal Insights
“An attorney can collect the proper evidence to help prove that a driver’s actions were reckless, which requires a variety of resources. In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide families who have lost loved ones during this difficult time, all while protecting their rights.”
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
- Independent investigations preserve crucial evidence in cases such as this
- Attorneys secure witness statements, video footage, and communication records
- Legal guidance supports grieving families during wrongful death claims
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
- Wrongful death claims may cover loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and emotional distress
- Injured passengers could pursue personal injury claims for medical costs and lost wages
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).