UIC Sprinter Sariyah Watson and Two Others Killed in Wrong-Way I-88 Crash in Aurora

Sariyah Watson, a 21-year-old sprinter on the University of Illinois Chicago track team, was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver. The junior, who was studying for a sports management degree at UIC, was on her way to DeKalb to visit her mom for Mother’s Day when she died.

This recent tragedy highlights the horrific impact that car accidents can have on victims and their families. In some cases, a family suffering from loss might have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim for compensation to cover funeral expenses and other damages.

What happened in the fatal I-88 wrong-way crash?

On Sunday, May 10, at about 4 a.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 88 in Aurora. Reports indicate the collision involved a wrong-way driver. One car was traveling eastbound in the westbound left lane when it struck the second car traveling westbound in the left lane head-on.

When emergency responders arrived at the scene, they discovered that the driver, UIC student-athlete Sariyah Watson, along with her friend, a 21-year-old female passenger, had died. The driver of the car that struck them, a 32-year-old man, was also pronounced dead at the scene.

I-88 was temporarily shut down from Orchard Road to Route 47.

As of today, the Illinois State Police continue to investigate the fatal crash, which left family, friends, teammates, and community members devastated.

What causes wrong-way crashes in Illinois?

In 2023, over 40,000 people died on American roads. That’s as many people as could fill an average professional baseball stadium. Wrong-way crashes are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents our country sees, and often have devastating outcomes because they can involve head-on collisions at high speeds. From 2014 to 2023, there were 4,164 fatal wrong-way crashes on U.S. highways, resulting in 5,730 deaths.

Car accidents are more likely to occur early in the morning or late at night, when the sun hasn’t fully risen, and drivers are more fatigued. However, a wrong-way crash can happen at any time, day or night. Common causes of wrong-way driving include:

• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Driving while fatigued
• Drivers entering exits or ramps the wrong way
• A driver suffering a medical emergency behind the wheel
• Poor visibility due to the weather

Who may be liable after a wrong-way collision?

When a wrong-way car accident occurs, most people blame the driver who was traveling in the wrong direction. In many cases, they’re right. The driver is to blame, especially if the driver was negligent or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but it’s not always the driver’s fault. Many different factors can contribute to a car accident. For example, in addition to the driver, potential liable parties in a wrong-way car accident can include:

• Construction companies, if roadwork creates hazardous traffic conditions
• Vehicle manufacturers, if mechanical defects, like steering wheel or brake malfunctions, contributed to the accident
• Bars or establishments selling alcohol, in limited circumstances, under Illinois dram shop laws
• Government entities, in limited circumstances, if there was a dangerous roadway design or missing signage on the roads

To prove fault in any car accident case, you need to fully investigate the evidence, including ISP crash investigation reports, surveillance footage (if available), any witness statements, toxicology tests, vehicle black box data, and phone records in distracted driving investigations. Typically, expert witnesses, including accident reconstruction experts, are relied upon to help tell the story of a wrong-way crash.

Can families file a wrongful death claim in Illinois?

If a loved one passed away in a car accident caused by negligence, you may be able to file an Illinois wrongful death claim. Claims are typically filed by the personal representative of the estate on behalf of beneficiaries.

Compensation in a fatal accident case may include:

• Any funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses incurred before the death
• Any loss of financial support due to the death
• Loss of companionship and guidance from the deceased
• Any grief, sorrow, and mental suffering

How a Chicago wrongful death lawyer can help

After a tragedy, such as the recent wrong-way collision that killed three people on I-88, the aftermath can feel insurmountable. While a wrongful death lawyer can never take away the pain a loved one suffers from, a lawyer can help you step forward in pursuit of justice. Families may have legal rights after preventable fatal crashes.

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we stand by our clients when they need it most. In a wrongful death car accident case, our Chicago attorneys can investigate the collision, collect and preserve all available evidence, and work to identify all potential liable parties. To strengthen your case and better understand the details of an accident, we work with crash reconstruction experts. We also handle all insurance negotiations and pursue compensation for your loss.

Contact Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers today

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident in or near Chicago, speak with a wrongful death attorney at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers. Our team offers free case reviews for all prospective clients. We’re ready to fight on your behalf.