Accident News | Chicago
A fatal chain-reaction crash on Interstate 290 in Chicago has led to the detention of a 21-year-old man accused of driving under the influence and causing the death of an Uber passenger while injuring several others. According to prosecutors, the crash happened in the westbound lanes of I-290 near Ashland Avenue, where traffic had reportedly been stopped for about a minute due to congestion.
Authorities said the accused driver, identified as Jose Perez Marin, was behind the wheel of a GMC Yukon when he struck the rear of an Uber vehicle carrying three passengers returning to Wheaton after celebrating a friend’s graduation. The impact reportedly pushed the Uber into a Buick, which then collided with a Jeep, creating a multi-vehicle crash. A 25-year-old passenger seated in the back of the Uber, later identified as Benjamin Farraday of Wheaton, suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at a hospital due to blunt force trauma.
Court records indicate that several others were injured in the incident. One of the Uber passengers reportedly suffered serious injuries, including a broken nose and brain bleed, while the Uber driver required stitches and a blood transfusion. The driver of the Buick and an infant passenger sustained minor injuries.
Prosecutors alleged that responding officers observed signs of alcohol impairment, and medical testing later reportedly showed Perez Marin had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit. Investigators also stated that electronic vehicle data indicated the SUV was traveling at highway speed moments before the collision and braking occurred only shortly before impact. Authorities further alleged that the accused did not possess a valid driver’s license.
Perez Marin appeared in court on charges that include aggravated DUI causing death, aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm, and aggravated DUI without a license. He was ordered detained at Cook County Jail and is scheduled to return to court on June 10.
Source: Patch
At Phillips Law Offices, we extend our condolences to the family of the victim and wish a full recovery to those injured in this tragic crash. Accidents involving impaired driving and rideshare vehicles can have devastating consequences for victims and families. We at Phillips Law Offices represent individuals and families injured in Uber accidents in Chicago. Our focus is on helping victims understand their legal options and pursue compensation available under Illinois law.