Introduction: Strom Advisory Group received a call from the Illinois State Tow Away Authority about an incident where a woman was hit by a truck at an intersection in Alsip. As the truck turned, the woman was in the crosswalk and was struck, tragically resulting in her death. The truck then fled the scene.

Challenge: The Strom Advisory Group took on this wrongful death case involving the woman and the trucking company. Trucking companies often dispute accident claims, even when clear evidence of a collision exists. Since the truck driver denied involvement and left the scene, the case involved many challenges, including the need to locate additional footage to trace the truck’s path.

Approach: Our investigators started by proactively examining the area and collecting video footage. We subpoenaed records, confirmed the truck’s entry, and filed a lawsuit against the driver, the trucking company, and the truck itself. We gathered video evidence from nearby stores, identified the truck owner and insurance details, and advised clients never to give recorded or written statements. We worked contingently, only getting paid if we won the case.

We continued investigating and may have contacted insurance companies, but quick settlements were rare since they tended to side with their drivers and owners. We understood the complexities of owner-operator relationships and identified all parties involved. We tracked medical records and pursued policy limits. We handled both pre-litigation and litigation processes, which became more detailed if settlement efforts failed, even after subpoenaing the truck’s black box data. The statute of limitations was two years, and filing after this period barred claims.

Once litigation began, we filed a complaint, interrogatories, and requested documents to uncover more case details. The court set the proceedings, and we maintained close communication to meet deadlines. Depositions and court appearances followed, with efforts to settle through mediation or arbitration. If these attempts failed, we prepared for trial, keeping clients informed.

Results: Truck accidents are often very complex because of the many parties and legal considerations involved. That’s why having a knowledgeable and experienced team of lawyers is needed.

In this case, the Strom Advisory Group discovered video footage of the truck entering a yard. Through diligent efforts, we achieved a successful resolution, securing multimillion-dollar settlements for the victims' families who suffered immense losses.

Although no amount of money can replace a loved one, we approach these cases with the utmost seriousness and compassion. We sincerely strive to understand each family's unique circumstances and emotional challenges. By immersing ourselves in their experiences, we can better advocate for them during these tough times, providing not just legal help but also emotional support.