The tragic incident occurred Nov. 6 along Lake Cook Road
WHEELING, IL, (November 06, 2024) - Michael Szpisjak, age 49, of Vernon Hills, died after his car broke down and was struck by another vehicle on the border of Wheeling and Buffalo Grove. The crash occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 6, near the intersection of Lake Cook Road and Milwaukee Avenue.
Michael Szpisjak lost his life on Nov. 6 in a crash near the intersection of Lake Cook Road and Milwaukee Avenue after his car became disabled.
Szpisjak was driving a 2008 Smart Fortwo, which had become disabled and was stopped in the eastbound middle lane of Lake Cook Road. A 2022 Audi Q5 was traveling east and struck the stationary vehicle.
Szpisjak was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with critical injuries. He died in the intensive care unit on Saturday, according to the Lake County Coroner's Office.
The Wheeling Police Department Traffic Unit and the Major Case Assistance Team – Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction are investigating the cause of the crash. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Wheeling Police Department.
CRASH INVESTIGATION
“It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire expert witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process,” said Candice Bond, a managing partner with Bond Legal.
She noted that, in cases such as this, an independent investigation is crucial to preserve evidence.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Bond. “A lawyer has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct drivers’ background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide an injury victim through what can be a complicated process.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Michael Szpisjak could pursue a wrongful death claim. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond.
“We understand the hardships that families face, and it's crucial to protect their rights. A wrongful death lawyer will keep abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are safeguarded."
If you or a family member have been involved in a situation similar to this article and would like to speak to our national legal analyst Candice Bond free of charge, please use the contact information found 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).