Distracted driver struck ISP trooper, seriously injuring her; motorist charged

2010-03-03 05:13:39 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Justice News Flash, Personal Injury)

Wiki Image: ISP trooper struck by car, seriously injuring her.

Legal News for Illinois Personal Injury Attorneys. A state police officer was seriously injured in a traffic crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway.

Illinois personal injury attorney alerts- A vehicle crashed into a State Police officer on the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago, leaving her injured.

Chicago, IL (News)—A distracted driver violently struck an Illinois State Police (ISP) trooper who was handling a traffic stop on the Dan Ryan Expressway near 63rd street. The crash occurred on Saturday night, February 27, 2010 at approximately 9 p.m., according to information provided by the Chicago Sun-Times.

A motorist, identified as 19-year-old Kimisha M. Moore, was reported talking on her phone while traveling north on the Dan Ryan Expressway at the same time as an ISP cruiser was parked in the right shoulder of the roadway. The 29-year-old female trooper was in the middle of conducting a traffic stop when she was hit by the northbound Toyota. Emergency medical services (EMS) crews apparently transported the severely injured police officer to Stroger Hospital to be treated by medical professionals in the intensive care unit. The trooper was identified as Starlena Wilson of the State District Chicago, based on reports by MyWebTimes.com. She suffered broken legs and a crushed pelvis in the incident and was still listed as a patient in the hospital on Monday, March 1, 2010.

Moore was indicted for aggravated reckless conduct in connection with the motor vehicle accident, with the bond set at $50,000. According to the Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Kevin DeBoni, a passenger traveling in Moore’s vehicle at the time allegedly attempted to warn her that other northbound vehicles were switching into the left-hand lanes to avoid the trooper, though she did not pay attention. The passenger even attempted to turn the steering wheel to the left as Moore continued to participate in a seemingly distracting phone call. Unfortunately, Moore lost control of the vehicle as she tried to turn the wheel back to the right, subsequently striking the officer.

In response to the traffic accident, Illinois State Police Lt. Luis Gutierrez reportedly stated, “We’re also asking the motoring public to please slow down, move over, or change lanes when you’re approaching emergency vehicles, because this could save lives.”

Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers.