Peoria, IL (February 7, 2026) – Seven people, including children, were hurt on Friday, February 6, after a suspected drunk driving crash at North University Street and West McClure Avenue in Peoria.
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Investigators said both vehicles were heading north on University Street when the SUV, reportedly traveling at high speed, rear-ended a pickup truck near the McClure intersection. The impact caused the pickup to roll over before landing upright beside the SUV.
Emergency crews arrived around 9:00 p.m. and found both vehicles heavily damaged. The truck’s driver, who was alone, was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Paramedics also transported six occupants of the SUV, including three children, to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.
Police arrested 28-year-old Ganala T. Johnson of Peoria for DUI and endangering the life and health of a child. She was booked into the Peoria County Jail, where records show she remained in custody as of Saturday morning.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash.
Our thoughts are with the injured children and adults, and we wish them a full recovery.
Can I File a Claim for My Child’s Injuries After a Drunk Driving Crash in Illinois?
You can file a claim for your child after a drunk driving crash in Illinois. Parents or legal guardians handle the process because minors cannot act on their own. This helps protect your child’s rights and future needs.
Driving under the influence violates Illinois law and creates legal responsibility for resulting harm. A drunk driver who injures others can be held accountable through a civil claim, allowing families to seek compensation for medical costs and related losses.
Injuries can disrupt a child’s growth, education, and emotional well-being. Even mild conditions may require long-term care or adjustments that affect the entire household. Families often face ongoing physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Medical documentation helps prove the link between the crash and your child’s condition. Doctors’ reports, test results, and treatment notes create a clear record of how the crash caused the injuries. These records also help plan future medical care.
Illinois law allows extra time for minors to file injury claims. While most cases must be filed within two years, the period for children typically begins when they turn eighteen.
A child injury lawyer can guide you through the claims process and protect your child’s rights. An attorney gathers evidence, manages communication with insurers, and makes sure every step follows Illinois law.
At Ankin Law, we help Illinois families whose children were injured in crashes caused by drunk drivers. We review each case carefully, explain available options, and guide families through every stage of the legal process.
If your child was hurt in a drunk driving crash, we’re here to help. Contact Ankin Law at (844) 600-0000 to schedule a free consultation.
Note: We use outside sources such as news reports, police reports, social media platforms, and first-hand or eyewitness accounts about accidents that happen throughout the state of Illinois. We have not verified any of the facts surrounding this particular accident. Please contact Ankin Law, LLC, if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will correct it immediately or remove a post if requested.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a solicitation for business. It’s vital to understand that these posts do not offer legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on individual circumstances. For personalized legal guidance, please reach out directly to Ankin Law, LLC. The featured image used in this post was not taken at this accident scene.
