Beach Park, IL (June 26, 2025) – A crash involving a wrong-way driver left at least six people injured, including three children, in a multi-car collision Thursday night in Lake County.
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The incident occurred around 7:25 p.m. on June 26 along Lewis Avenue near Beach Road in Beach Park. According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, a 52-year-old man from Waukegan was driving a 2004 Mini Cooper northbound on Lewis Avenue when he veered into the oncoming southbound lanes. Witnesses told deputies the man had been driving “erratically” before the head-on collision.
The Mini Cooper crashed into a 2004 Buick SUV driven by a 34-year-old man, also from Waukegan, who had three children in the vehicle. The force of the collision caused the Mini Cooper to spin and strike a 2018 GMC SUV driven by a 48-year-old woman from Zion. All three cars suffered significant damage.
Paramedics arrived quickly at the scene and transported all injured individuals to nearby hospitals. The children and adults from the Buick and GMC were reported to have non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Mini Cooper was listed in critical condition.
Deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Technical Crash Investigations Team are actively reviewing the incident. As of now, no citations have been issued, and the investigation remains ongoing.
We send our best wishes for a full and quick recovery to all those injured in this tragic crash.
Car Accidents in Illinois
Illinois experiences tens of thousands of injury-related traffic crashes each year, with Lake County seeing a notable portion due to its busy roads and commuter traffic. According to IDOT, driver behavior—especially reckless or wrong-way driving—is one of the leading causes of severe multi-car crashes statewide.
Let’s explore some of the most frequent causes behind wrong-way driving incidents:
- Driver Confusion: Especially in unfamiliar areas or poorly marked roads, drivers can inadvertently enter the wrong side of a divided roadway. This is especially dangerous at night or during low-visibility conditions.
- Impairment by Alcohol or Drugs: Driving under the influence is a leading factor in wrong-way crashes. Impaired drivers often fail to recognize signs or lane markings, increasing their risk of entering oncoming lanes.
- Fatigue or Distraction: Drowsy drivers or those distracted by mobile devices or navigation systems are more likely to make directional mistakes that lead to dangerous outcomes.
- Medical Emergencies: Sudden medical events, like seizures or heart issues, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and drift into oncoming traffic.
- Deliberate Recklessness: In some cases, drivers intentionally disobey traffic rules or flee police, endangering everyone on the road by heading in the wrong direction.
If you or your loved ones were injured in a serious car crash, it is vital to speak with a trusted car accident lawyer. Acting quickly allows your legal team to begin collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with investigators to build a strong case for financial compensation.
At Ankin Law, LLC, we’re here to help crash victims and their families recover after traumatic events. If you were hurt in a Beach Park accident, call us today at (844) 600-0000 for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team understands how disruptive and overwhelming crashes can be. We will help you understand your rights, communicate with insurance providers, and work toward fair compensation. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders—call now and speak with someone ready to support your case from start to finish.
