After investigation and reconstruction of the accident scene, Wisconsin State Patrol identified excessive speed as the cause of a fatal automobile accident that occurred at the intersection of Highways 188 and 60. The driver of a 2010 Jeep Wrangler, a former Lodi, Wis. resident, exceeded the posted speed by 24 miles per hour, leaving little time for the driver of a 1994 Acura, a resident of Northbrook, Ill., to safely cross the intersection.

After the Acura driver stopped to let oncoming traffic pass, he proceeded to cross the intersection. His line of sight may have been compromised by a truck in the left lane. Nevertheless, accident reconstruction revealed that the Acura could have safely cleared the intersection if the Jeep had been traveling at the posted speed of 45 miles per hour instead of 69 miles per hour, leaving the Jeep driver responsible for the wrongful death of the Illinois man.

Wisconsin State Patrol noted that the Jeep driver passed three clearly marked speed limit signs before reaching the intersection. Therefore, he has been charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

While many traffic accidents may seem routine, negligent operation of a vehicle can cause accidents that result in severe, debilitating injuries and, in this case, even death. Victims can include other drivers, passengers, family members and caregivers. Although the Jeep driver will be tried in criminal court, lawyers who specialize in personal injury could help family members file a wrongful death suit in civil court as well in order to address financial and emotional costs associated with the accident. Source: Baraboo News Republic, ‘ Former Lodi man to face homicide charge in car crash.” Shannon Green, May 30, 2013.

Source: Baraboo News Republic, “Former Lodi man to face homicide charge in car crash“, Shannon Green, May 31, 2013