Fourth vehicle strikes three men outside cars near 120th Street in Calumet Park
December 03, 2025 | Calumet Park, IL
A tragic multi-vehicle accident claimed the life of Daekwon Cunningham, a 29-year-old man, just after midnight on Dec. 3 in Calumet Park, Illinois.
The incident occurred on Interstate 57 near 120th Street, according to the Illinois State Police.
Daekwon Cunningham, 29, died after a car struck him and two others standing outside their vehicles on Interstate 57 near 120th Street in Calumet Park.
What Happened in the Crash?
The sequence of events began with a collision involving three vehicles. Following the initial crash, three men, including Cunningham, exited their cars. Tragically, another vehicle struck all three individuals on the roadside.
- Victim: Daekwon Cunningham, 29
- Location: Interstate 57 near 120th Street, Calumet Park, Cook County, Illinois
- Date and Time: Just after midnight on Dec. 3, 2025
- Agencies Involved: Illinois State Police leading the investigation
- Outcome: Cunningham fatally injured, and two other men also struck, conditions unknown
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances, with details limited as the investigation continues. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the Illinois State Police.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 36,000 people lose their lives annually in such incidents. Common contributing factors include:
Factor |
Description |
Contribution to Fatal Crashes (NHTSA Data) |
|---|
Speeding |
Exceeding posted limits or driving too fast for conditions |
Primary cause, involved in 29% of fatal crashes |
Impaired Driving |
Alcohol, drugs, or medication influence |
Second leading factor, 25% of fatalities |
Distracted Driving |
Use of mobile devices or other distractions |
Contributes to 8-10% of fatal incidents |
Failure to Yield |
Not giving right of way to others |
Common in multi-vehicle scenarios |
Lane Departure |
Drifting out of proper lane |
Often leads to secondary collisions |
This table highlights key risks based on NHTSA's latest reports, underscoring the need for vigilant road safety measures.
Legal Insights
In cases such as multi-vehicle accidents involving pedestrians, prompt action is crucial to preserve evidence and support affected families. National legal analysts provide guidance on navigating these complex situations.
“As attorneys, our job is to provide both legal information and advice to the families of those who have been killed in an accident,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “We can help protect your rights and prevent your statements to the police and insurance companies from being used against you.”
Bond emphasized the importance of independent investigations:
“An attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash and has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide families during this difficult time while vigorously protecting their legal rights and interests.”
- Conduct thorough investigations to identify negligence or contributing factors.
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional trauma.
- Unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding or distraction, often form the basis for civil actions.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, added:
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death. When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
Pending investigation results, the family of Daekwon Cunningham may be eligible for a wrongful death claim covering medical, funeral costs, and more.
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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).