Elderly Vietnam Veteran Fatally Struck While Crossing Street

 Posted on February 23, 2013 in Personal Injury

A 63-year-old Vietnam veteran died on January 24 after a car hit him while he was crossing a street near his home in Hillside. William Higbee was crossing Wolf Road near Washington Street in his wheelchair when a southbound truck crashed into him. “It was dark out and he crossed into a shadowy area and they just didn’t see him,’’ according to Hillside Police Chief Joe Lucaszek.

In the crash, Higbee suffered multiple injuries to his legs, pelvis and face. He was first taken to Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare to be treated but was later transferred to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. He was able to speak and said he was fine. However, some time later he died of his injuries. When police contacted Higbee’s family members they learned he had just lost his brother to cancer, only 12 hours before the deadly accident. "It's just very tragic," the chief said.

According to witness reports, the truck that hit the driver was not speeding. The woman driving the car was extremely distressed about the incident. Her husband recently suffered multiple injuries in a traffic crash and the couple had moved to Illinois where relatives could help take care of the husband. "She couldn’t even drive (after the accident)," Lucaszek said. No citations were issued against the woman.

If you or someone close to you has become injured in a traffic accident due to negligence of others, you may be eligible for compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Contact a skilled car accident attorney in Hinsdale, Illinois today.