The Major Accident Investigation Unit of the Chicago Police Department is investigating the traffic death of 84-year-old Telesfora Escamilla, who reportedly was struck by an Amazon delivery truck as she was walking in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood on the city’s Southwest Side.
Amazon released a statement in the wake of the fatal pedestrian crash, saying to Chicago news outlets: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Any accident that occurs is one too many and we will work with police and the delivery service provider as they investigate.”
The ABC News affiliate in Chicago said police took the Amazon truck driver into custody for questioning. The Little Village neighborhood newspaper said charges are pending. The TV station quoted an eyewitness who said the driver drove around a car stopped in front of him, turned left and hit Telesfora Escamilla in the crosswalk at 28th and Drake.
Loved ones and neighbors have honored Telesfora with a memorial at the street corner, including votive candles and heart shapes. She was a great-grandmother and the accident happened before 6 a.m. on December 22.
Wrongful Death Settlement
What we often see is clients using wrongful death settlements to honor the memory of the loved one who died. In a recent case, attorney Eric Hageman represented the family of a 16-year-old boy who was killed due to the negligence of the semi truck driver. The family used some of the settlement money to set up a foundation to award scholarships in the name of their son. Each year, a student from the high school their son attended gets a college scholarship.
Truck Accident Investigation
Truck accident lawyers Fred Pritzker and Eric Hageman have represented next of kin in wrongful death lawsuits. Also, they are experienced in litigation against commercial trucking companies in cases where delivery drivers have caused death or serious injury to cyclists and pedestrians.
“There is a litany of facts to check in order to investigate and hold truck drivers and their employers properly accountable,’’ Hageman said. Contacting an attorney who understands commercial trucking law and who has represented pedestrians and their immediate families is the best way to have questions answered.
