Driver struck man travelling on mobility scooter in crosswalk on 139th Street
January 09, 2026 | Robbins, IL
A 63-year-old man tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle while using a mobility scooter in a crosswalk.
According to authorities, Sammy Simmons was traveling in a marked crosswalk when a northbound driver collided with him around midday at the busy intersection of 139th Street and Kedzie Avenue.
The incident prompted a swift response from local law enforcement.
What Happened in the Crash?
Sammy Simmons, 63, died after being struck by a vehicle while using a mobility scooter in a crosswalk at 139th Street and Kedzie Avenue in Robbins.
- Victim: Sammy Simmons, 63, using a mobility scooter
- Location: 139th Street and Kedzie Avenue, Robbins, Illinois
- Time: Approximately 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9
- Vehicle Involved: Northbound automobile
- Outcome: Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene
- Investigating Agencies: Robbins Police Department, with assistance from Cook County Sheriff's Police detectives
Further details on the driver's status or contributing factors remain under review as the investigation continues.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety relies on drivers yielding in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. Failure to do so can lead to devastating consequences. Common factors include distracted driving, speeding, and poor visibility.
Nationwide, pedestrian incidents have risen steadily. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports significant increases over the past decade.
Year |
Pedestrian Fatalities |
Pedestrian Injuries |
|---|
2023 |
7,314 |
Over 68,000 |
Trend |
Increasing annually |
Persistent rise |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, thorough investigations play a crucial role in establishing accountability. Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, emphasizes the need for detailed examinations.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond, a national analyst with Newsline. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on pedestrian crashes:
- Independent investigations help protect victims' families by uncovering negligence.
- Factors like weather, infrastructure, and driver behavior must be analyzed.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship and emotional distress.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, highlights support for affected relatives.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Formica. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. 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 family of Sammy Simmons may be eligible for a wrongful death claim to address these losses.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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).