PROPHETSTOWN, Ill. — The Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal accident involving a Ford sedan and a Chevrolet crossover.
Authorities identified the deceased as Benjamin Weidel, 39. Officials said he was driving eastbound when another vehicle struck his car at an intersection.
Investigators said the accident happened May 21 at approximately 4:35 p.m. near Perkins Road and Mill Road. Emergency personnel pronounced Weidel dead at the scene.
Officials said a 40-year-old man from Prophetstown was driving a 2007 Ford sedan southbound when he failed to stop at a stop sign. His vehicle collided with Weidel’s 2024 Chevrolet crossover, causing the Ford to roll several times.
The driver of the Ford sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
Benjamin Weidel tragically killed in Prophetstown 2-vehicle accident
Incident Location
CRASH INVESTIGATION
According to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 40 percent of car collisions take place at road intersections and the cause is usually related to running a stop sign or a stoplight. Some of the reasons why drivers blow through stop signs are impatience, reckless driving, and distracted driving. Candice Bond, an experienced auto accident attorney, said an independent probe should be conducted to protect a victim’s rights.
“It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire expert witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process,” said Candice Bond, a managing partner with Bond Legal.
She noted that in such cases such as it is important to have an independent investigation conducted sooner than later to preserve any evidence.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Bond. “A lawyer has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide an injury victim through what can be a complicated process.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of any investigations, the family of Benjamin Weidel may pursue a wrongful death claim. Survivors of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this.
Bond noted, “Grieving families of victims are sometimes overwhelmed by the legal processes that are in place to protect their rights. An attorney can be a valuable and compassionate resource to help guide a family during this difficult time, and ensure that those left behind receive the restitution they are entitled to.”
If you or a family member have been involved in a situation similar to this article and would like to speak to our national legal analyst Candice Bond free of charge, please use the contact information found on this page
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
