High Speed Chase Leads to Fatal Crash in Murphysboro, Illinois

High Speed Chase Leads to Fatal Crash in Murphysboro, Illinois

A driver’s refusal to stop for police led to a fatal crash in Murphysboro, Illinois the morning of February 4, 2025, leaving one person dead and another with life-threatening injuries, according to the Illinois State Police.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., a Murphysboro Illinois Police Department officer attempt to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle that had previously evade law enforcement. However, the driver fail to comply and fled. A chase ensure but the officer lost sight of the vehicle. Shortly after, the car was found crash near South 14th Street and South Street in Murphysboro.
The driver, who refuse to stop, was pronounce dead at the scene, while the female passenger was transport to a nearby hospital with devastating injuries. The Illinois State Police has not release further details at this time.

Anthony Mackiewicz, a person residing nearby the scene of the crash, describe the moment the crash occur.“ I was awoken by what I thought was an earthquake,” Mackiewicz said. “I felt the whole house move.” He witness the aftermath, stating that the vehicle, which had been traveling at approximately 100 miles per hour, struck a tree in a parking lot, wrap around it, and caught fire.“ It was T-bone right in the middle of the front end, and the front end was on fire when I came outside,” Mackiewicz state.

Criminal and Civil Consequences in Illinois if You Flee Police and Cause a Wreck

In Illinois, failing to stop for police and causing a car wreck carries severe criminal consequences, ranging from misdemeanor charges to felonies, depending on the severity of the incident. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-204, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer is typically a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500. However, if the flight results in bodily harm, property damage, or death, the charge can be elevate to a Class 4 felony, which carries one to three years in prison and increase fines. If the offender has prior offenses or if the incident leads to a fatality, the penalties can be even more severe, potentially escalating to Class 3 or Class 2 felonies with longer prison sentences.

When a suspect’s failure to stop results in serious bodily injury or death, additional criminal charges may apply, such as reckless homicide (Class 3 felony) or aggravate fleeing and eluding (Class 4 felony). Aggravate fleeing and eluding involves exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 mph, causing injury, or running through multiple traffic control devices. A conviction for aggravate fleeing can result in license revocation, up to six years in prison, and significant fines. In cases where alcohol or drugs are involve, additional DUI-relate charges may also be fil, further increasing the legal penalties.

Legal Consequences of Fleeing Police in Illinois: Criminal Charges and Civil Liability

Beyond criminal penalties, there are civil consequences for causing a wreck while fleeing from police. The injured parties or their families can file lawsuits for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death claims. Under Illinois’ comparative negligence laws, if the fleeing driver survives the crash, they may still be help personally liable for all resulting damages. Courts may award punitive damages in cases where the driver’s actions were deemed especially reckless or egregious. Even if a suspect dies in the crash, their estate could still be sue for damages by victims or their families.

Additionally, Illinois law allows for civil forfeiture and financial penalties, meaning the vehicle involve in the crime could be seize by the state if it was use in the commission of a felony. The driver’s license is also subject to automatic revocation, making future legal driving impossible without extensive legal intervention. Insurance companies may refuse to cover damages if the driver was engage in criminal activity, leaving them or their estate responsible for all costs. Ultimately, fleeing from the police and causing a crash in Illinois has long-term criminal and civil repercussions, affecting not only the driver but also their victims, families, and financial future.

Experience Injury Lawyers Can Help Victims Hurt By Drivers Fleeing Police

At Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C., we understand the devastating impact that reckless driving from police chases can have on innocent victims. When someone choose to flee from law enforcement and cause a crash, the non-negligent, injure parties are left to deal with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. Our heart goes out to the female passenger reference in this tragic case. Being involve in such a horrific accident—especially one cause by someone else’s reckless decision—can be an overwhelming, life-changing and traumatic experience.

The experience attorneys at Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. are dedicate to helping victims and their families pursue justice and full compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We aggressively advocate for our clients, ensuring that those responsible for their suffer—whether the fleeing driver, their estate, or even potentially negligent third parties—are help fully accountable under Illinois law. If you or a love one has suffer injuries due to another person’s failure to stop for police, we are here to provide compassionate legal guidance. We take a personalize approach, ensuring that our clients receive not only legal representation but also the support they need during such a difficult time. Our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims relate to high-speed crashes, and we are commit to fighting for the maximum compensation possible.

At Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C., we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay unless we win your case. If you or someone you love has been injure in a crash cause by a fleeing driver, contact us today online or give us a call (618)-244-5335 to discuss your legal options—we are here to help you through this difficult time.