Chicago Injury Attorney Blog

One year after a deadly car crash involving State Trooper Matt Mitchell left two sisters dead and a man and his pregnant wife injured, a second Illinois personal injury lawsuit has been filed against him in St. Clair County Circuit Court. The motor vehicle crash occurred on November 23 when Mitchell, who was responding to a minor incident close to Mascoutah, lost control of his police-issued 2006 Chevrolet Impala while traveling at a speed of 126 mph.

His car crossed the I-64 median close to the Illinois 158 overpass before he drove head on into the car driven by 18-year-old Jessica Uhl. Jessica and her 13-year-old sister Kelli died from their injuries. Mitchell, who suffered serious leg injuries, was forced to use a wheelchair for a period of time.

Also injured in the deadly auto accident where Kelly Marler and his wife Christine. This latest Illinois personal injury lawsuit was filed by the couple. Kelly Marler says he sustained permanent wrist injuries. His wife Christine says she broke a leg and underwent surgery to repair a damaged knee.

The Uhl sisters’ mother filed her Illinois wrongful death lawsuit against Mitchell in May. According to Illinois State Police, this was Mitchell’s third auto accident in six years. Last March, Mitchell was indicted on charges of reckless homicide in connection with the deaths of the two girls.

Speeding Police Cars
Even when police officers are pursuing a suspect or heading to an accident scene, they are required to obey the rules of the road and exercise caution so that they do not involve pedestrians or other motorists in an Illinois traffic accident.

A second lawsuit filed against trooper involved in double-fatality crash on I-64, BND.com, November 20, 2008

Lawsuit against trooper about accountability, JG-TC Online, May 9, 2008

Related Web Resources:

Collinsville sisters' deaths spur road improvements on I-6, BND.com, November 14, 2008

Trooper cited in fatal crash relieved of duties, Newstin.com, March 19, 2008