Chicago media outlets report the teen put her dog in the family’s minivan and drove away with another 15-year girl in the vehicle as well. This was done without her parents’ knowledge and apparently, in an attempt to protect the dog from euthanasia. Reportedly, Taylor became too distraught to drive so the other 15-year old took the wheel, and Taylor moved to the passenger seat. Unfortunately, that teen lost control of the minivan which flipped and then hit a few trees and a utility pole. Both Stinchcomb and the dog she was trying to save died from their injuries. The other girl was hurt but not severely.

Obviously, both girls were too young to have a driver’s license. Teens do, however, find themselves as victims of auto accidents usually when passengers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 12 children ages 10-15 died in 2009 in Illinois in vehicle accidents. Nationally, 728 children in that age group were killed in auto accidents.

Experienced Illinois Auto Accident Lawyers realize, though, that you can be the victim of a vehicle collision no matter what your age or the age of the driver. And, the effects can be devastating — from injuries to lost wages to high medical bills to even death. If you or someone you love is the victim of a car crash, contact the Illinois Auto Accident Attorneys at Crossen Kooi for a FREE consultation.