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Romeoville, IL — A late-night crash on Interstate 55 in the southbound lanes near Weber Road early Sunday resulted in one death and sent two people to area hospitals, Illinois State Police say.
According to ISP, the collision occurred about 3 a.m. and involved a commercial vehicle and a passenger vehicle. First responders transported two people to nearby hospitals. One of those victims, identified by the Will County Coroner’s Office as 22-year-old Derek R. Hernandez of Elgin, was pronounced dead at 4 a.m. Sunday. Southbound I-55 was shut down for several hours and reopened around 8:15 a.m. while crews cleared the scene. State police continue to investigate the crash.
Read Full Article Here: https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/07/one-person-killed-in-i-55-crash-near-romeoville/
What families and neighbors should know right now
When a close family member is killed in a roadway collision, grief is immediate and practical questions arrive fast. The official investigation by state police will determine cause and liability, but families should begin protecting their legal rights as soon as possible.
If you were involved in this crash, witnessed it, or have dash-cam footage, preserve that evidence and share it with investigators. Obtain a copy of the police report once it is released. Keep records of any hospital visits, bills, and communications with insurers. These items become central evidence in any claim that may follow.
Possible legal avenues
A fatal crash may give rise to a wrongful death claim for surviving family members. Damages in such claims can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and compensation for the emotional and practical impact of losing a loved one. In collisions that involve commercial vehicles, additional liability issues can arise, including employer responsibility, maintenance records, and regulatory violations. Proving fault and building a complete case often requires accident reconstruction, witness interviews, and review of vehicle and driver records.
How Walner Law can help
At Walner Law we understand this is a devastating time. Our Chicago car accident attorneys step in immediately to:
- Preserve crucial evidence before it disappears
- Coordinate accident reconstruction and expert analysis
- Communicate with law enforcement and insurers on your behalf
- Aggressively pursue full compensation for funeral costs, lost support, and other damages
- Guide families through the wrongful death process with compassion and clear counsel
We do the legal heavy lifting so families can focus on grieving and practical next steps.
Next steps
- Seek out the official Illinois State Police crash report when it becomes available.
- Preserve any photos, videos, or witness contact information.
- Keep careful records of medical and funeral expenses.
- Contact an experienced Elgin car accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect time-sensitive rights under Illinois law.
Call Walner Law now at 312-800-0000 for a free consultation. If you lost a family member in this crash or any crash or were injured, we will evaluate your case, explain your options, and fight to hold responsible parties accountable.
