Eight children and two adults from Chicago were injured in a car crash that occurred Sunday, November 2 at approximately 7:32 a.m. in Monroe County. Two children were seriously injured. Martell Kaywood, 5-years old, was flown to a St. Louis hospital.

A fatal crash on November 5 was also due to sleep deprived driving. Donald Mueller, 61, was traveling south on Illinois Route 4 when he fell asleep and crossed into the northbound lane. Robin Wells, 49, and her 9-year-old passenger were seriously injured in the head-on crash. Robin Wells died from her injuries Thursday morning.

Walmart recently filed its answer to a lawsuit against them for the June 7 crash that killed James McNair and seriously injured comedian Tracy Morgan. Walmart’s response to the suit is typical for large corporations and insurance companies. They attempt to minimize responsibility by blaming the victim. A good personal injury attorney will fight aggressively to hold them accountable.

A person with inadequate sleep may think they are alert enough to drive, but they are required to devote their full attention to safely operating their vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sleep deprivation causes 100,000 automobile wrecks each year in the United States and 1,550 crash-related deaths.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, contact Hoffman & Gelfman for a free consultation.